Giving Back Magazine January 2019 | Page 17

At OLP, STEM engages students in integrated learning as they explore the world around them, create innovative solutions to problems and communicate their results. The proof is in their numbers, with 100% of OLP graduates going on to pursue higher education. OLP’s curriculum includes access to more than 53 classes in STEM disciplines and more than 30 Advanced Placement and Honors courses. In 2015 the Academy of Our Lady of Peace created the STEM certification program to recognize students for their achievements and involvement in STEM-related activities. This past year, the graduating class saw 40% of its graduates pursuing STEM majors in college, which is more than double the co-ed national average (16%). Darlene Marcos Shiley is the president of The Shiley Foundation and a renowned patron of the arts, medical research, and education. A resident of San Diego, Shiley’s philanthropy has benefited countless institutions. In 2012, the Chronicle of Philanthropy named Darlene Shiley as one of the Top 35 most charitable funders in the United States. Shiley graduated with honors from San Jose State University and was awarded honorary doctorates from the California State University and the University of Portland. Shiley has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees at the University of San Diego and Vice Chair on the Salk Institute Board, and serves on the Shiley Eye Institute Advisory Board, the Shiley Clinic Advisory Board, and the University of Portland Board of Regents. She is known in San Diego as “the Duchess of Downton” for her incredible generosity that propelled the success of PBS’s Downton Abbey. Founded in 1882, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace has been educating the next generation of women leaders and innovators for 136 years. Inspired by the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, students at OLP are challenged to become academic, social, and spiritual leaders of the CSJ mission. The high school is dedicated to helping students become “all of which woman is capable.” www.aolp.org JANUARY 2019 | GBSAN.COM 17