Our Legacy is
Our Beginning

While much has changed for Philadelphia’s young women since Mary E. Hallahan McMichan first founded Catholic Girls’ High School in 1911 in Center City, much remains the same when it comes to the importance of giving girls educational and leadership opportunities that allow them to grow and expand to their fullest potential.

Guided by the writings of Mary E. McMichan and her voice for female equality and a value-based, diverse education, a dynamic team of educators, entrepreneurs, college administrators and non-profit professionals joined forces in June 2021 to continue McMichan’s legacy for generations of high school girls to come.

About Mary E. H. McMichan

A mystery. A visionary. A pioneer. A benefactor. Mary E. Hallahan McMichan was a fascinating combination of all traits at a time in history when women were supposed to be a subdued partner to their husband. The youngest of five children whose father impressed upon all of them the value of hard work, she showed an early flair for business and an affinity for real estate in the burgeoning city of Philadelphia near the turn of the 20th century. After inheriting a substantial amount of money from her beloved brother in 1907, she was passionately concerned with the education of girls and wished to donate money to start a school to prepare young women for the new challenges of the future.

Her strong faith, belief in the importance of a Catholic education and its moral values, and determination allowed her to conquer the forces pitted against her from her family, who disagreed with her fondest wish: to start a girls’ high school. Her courage never waivered, and in 1912, she prevailed when the doors opened to Catholic Girls’ High School in Center City Philadelphia. Her anonymous donation of $100,000 started the legacy that became the John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School, named in her brother’s honor, upon her death in 1925. Her endowment consistently allowed the school to update and repair the premises, as even provided students in need with food and clothing. Her scholarship fund has allowed countless students to attend Rosemont College.

Mary Hallahan McMichan saw the need for young Catholic women to excel and make a difference in the world. Her vision and her generosity have influenced generations of diverse, working class students to become leaders.