Guide to the Esther LaPorta Donor Relations records
Finding aid prepared by Ashley Toutain
University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections
Copley Library
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Telephone: 619-260-2730
Email: spcoll@sandiego.edu
© 2017
Overview of the Collection
Title:
Esther LaPorta Donor Relations records
Date (inclusive): 1938-1999
Collection number: USDA_2012_004
Creator: LaPorta, Esther
Extent:
3 boxes, (1.5 linear feet)
Repository:
University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections
Copley Library
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Abstract:
These records include Esther LaPorta's research materials about the University of San Diego founding, interview transcripts
for Author and Marge Hughes, and Capital Campaign materials. Research materials include copies of correspondence between Bishop
Charles Buddy and members of the Nolan family as well as between Bishop Buddy and Mother Rosalie Hill.
Languages:
English
Biographical Note
Esther LaPorta served in a variety of roles during her 16 years at the University of San Diego, with particular focus on fundraising
and donor relations. Her tenure includes:
- Assistant Campaign Director Capital Programs, 1990-1992
- Director of Corporate Relations, 1992-1995
- Director of Donor Relations, 1995-2000
- Executive Director of Development, 2001-2002
- Associate VP of University Relations, 2004-2006
.
Scope and Content Note
Esther LaPorta collected these records during her tenure at the University of San Diego. LaPorta gathered historical records
about the founding of USD to provide context during donor events. Correspondence between Bishop Charles Buddy and Mother Rosalie
Hill, for example, were used to construct the narrative for the 1999 President's Dinner. Correspondence between Bishop Charles
Buddy and members of the Nolan family, articles and manuscripts written about the founding of the San Diego College for Women
and the early history of the University of San Diego, and records pertaining to President Author Hughes are also included.
Of particular significance are interview transcripts of Author and Marge Hughes. These interviews were conducted in March
of 1995 as the Hughes' were preparing to retire from the University.
Documents pertaining to the University of San Diego Capital Campaign, as well as artifacts used to recognize significant donors
are also included in these records. Capital Campaign records include reports and evaluations of the campaign.
The bulk of these records are photocopies. The location of the originals is unknown.
Arrangement
These records are arranged chronologically into three series:
Access Information
These records are open for research.
Preferred citation
[Folder Title], Box # Folder #, Esther LaPorta Donor Relations records, Copley Library, University of San Diego, Archives
and Special Collections.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Esther LaPorta.
Processing Information
Initial processing of this collection was conducted by Tessie Camina in 2012. Further processing was conducted by Ashley Toutain
in 2017.
Removed or Separated Material
One photograph of Author Hughes has been moved to photograph storage for preservation purposes. A copy remains with the collection.
Index Terms
Subjects and Indexing Terms
LaPorta, Esther
Buddy, Charles Francis, 1887-1966
Hill, Rosalie Clifton, Mother, 1878-1964
Hughes, Author E.
Hughes, Marge
Crane, Gertrude Bertina Nolan, 1897-1953
Nolan, Julia A., 1887-1982
Nolan, Thomas F., -1959
Subjects and Indexing Terms
University of San Diego
San Diego College for Women
Subjects and Indexing Terms
San Diego (Calif.)
Subjects and Indexing Terms
benefactors
commemorations
fund raising
interviews
presidential inaugurations
presidents' spouses
presidents' retirement
Series I:
University History Research,
created 1938-1999;
gathered 1990-1998
Scope and Content Note
The bulk of the records in this series pertain to the founding of the University of San Diego and to President Author Hughes.
Founding records include correspondence between Bishop Charles Buddy and members of the Nolan Family, as well as correspondence
between Bishop Charles Buddy and Mother Rosalie Hill. The Nolan family correspondence is primarily between Bishop Buddy and
Gertrude, Julia, and Tom Nolan. Frequent reference is made to their mother Julia, brother Peter, family well being, and plans
for visitation. Business correspondence regarding material made by Julia Nolan's Class Rings, Class Pins, Class Ribbons company
for Bishop Buddy are included. After Gertrude Nolan's passing in 1953, correspondence between Julia and Bishop Buddy centered
on an altar, honoring Gertrude, to be built in the Immaculata. Julia provided significant funding for the altar’s creation.
Correspondence between Bishop Buddy and Mother Hill regarding the University founding was gathered primarily to create the
script for the 1999 President's Dinner.
Of particular note within this series are the interview transcripts with the outgoing President Author Hughes and his wife
Marge Hughes. In her interview, Marge Hughes discusses her perceptions about life as the First Lady of USD. She discusses
her first impressions of the University and how her life was shaped by being the First Lady. In his interview, President Hughes
discussed his impressions upon arrival at USD, his challenges and accomplishments at USD, and his plans for the future.
University history records dating 1938 to 1973 are photocopies of original documents. These were gathered for Esther LaPorta's
donor event research. For this reason, two dates are often represented. The earlier dates are the years of creation for the
original documents that have been photocopied. The later date represents the years LaPorta was gathering her research.
Historical Note
While information about members of the Nolan family is limited, the websites www.ancestry.com and www.findagrave.com provide
some context. Information gathered includes:
Gertrude Bertina Nolan Crane, 1897-1953, became an English teacher and completed four years of college. It appears that
she resided in Chicago throughout her life. Julia A. Nolan lived 1887-1982. Rev. Thomas F. Nolan died in 1959. During his
life he wrote editorials for the
Southern Cross
and the
Mission Tower
.
Their mother Julia A. Deady Nolan, 1862-1958 and brother Rev. Peter E. Nolan are mentioned in the letters. Peter E. Nolan
was born December 4, 1894 and did ecclesiastical study in Spain.
Box/Folder: 1 / 1
Nolan Family Correspondence between Bishop Buddy and Gertrude Nolan,
created 1939-1944;
gathered 1995
Box/Folder: 1 / 2
Nolan Family Correspondence between Bishop Buddy and Julia Nolan,
created 1938-1954;
gathered 1995
Box/Folder: 1 / 3
Nolan Family Correspondence between Bishop Buddy and Reverend Thomas F. Nolan,
created 1944-1953;
gathered 1995
Box/Folder: 1 / 4
Nolan Family Correspondence between Bishop Buddy to Sister M. Reginald,
created 1943-1951;
gathered 1995
Box/Folder: 1 / 5
Nolan Family Correspondence between Bishop Buddy and Sister Ann,
created 1938;
gathered 1995
Box/Folder: 1 / 6
President Alice Hayes Inauguration Program,
1995 November 12
Box/Folder: 1 / 7
President Author Hughes Inauguration as President,
1971 December 5
Box/Folder: 1 / 8
President Hughes University History materials,
1945-1990
Box/Folder: 1 / 9
President Hughes Correspondence,
1991-1998
Scope and Content Note
[Correspondence largely related to funding campaigns.]
Box/Folder: 1 / 10
Marge Hughes Interviews,
1995 March
Scope and Content Note
[Transcript of interview conducted prior to Author Hughes retirement. Interview topics include the Hughes' experiences moving
onto campus, their children's experience, and Hughes' experience at the University of San Diego.]
Box/Folder: 1 / 11
President Author Hughes Interviews,
1995 March
Scope and Content Note
[Transcript of interview conducted prior to Author Hughes retirement. Interview topics include why Hughes chose the University
of San Diego, his impressions of USD at the outset, challenges and accomplishments, and his plans for the future.]
Box/Folder: 1 / 12
President Hughes Photograph,
1996
Box/Folder: 1 / 13
Bishop Buddy and Mother Hill Correspondence,
1942-1964,
1999
Scope and Content Note
[Includes script for the January 9, 1999 President's Dinner.]
Box/Folder: 1 / 14
Bishop Buddy and Mother Hill Correspondence Index,
1998 April
Box/Folder: 1 / 15
Foundation of the San Diego College for Women,
created 1942-1952;
gathered 1998
Series II:
Capital Campaign,
1987-1996
Scope and Content Note
This series includes documents from the Capital Campaign, Education for a New Age. Records include reports and evaluations
about the campaigns successes and failures.
Box/Folder: 1 / 16
Case Statement,
1987 April 14
Box/Folder: 1 / 17
Education for a New Age Analysis and Evaluation,
1991-1992
Box/Folder: 1 / 18
Education for a New Age Final Report,
1993 June 10
Box/Folder: 1 / 19
Education for a New Age Reports and Correspondence,
1993
Box/Folder: 1 / 20
Education for a New Age Collections,
1993-1994
Box/Folder: 1 / 21
Education for a New Age Plaza as Memorial,
1995-1996
Series III:
Artifacts,
undated
Scope and Content Note
These artifacts were used to recognize significant donors to the University of San Diego. Statues are accompanied by a note
from Esther LaPorta about their use.
Box/Folder: 2
Angeles De Alcala Statue,
undated
Scope and Content Note
[The Angeles de Alcala statue was awarded to significant USD donors during President Author Hughes' administration.]
Box/Folder: 3
Edward Marshall Boehm Porcelain Dove,
undated
Scope and Content Note
[The Boehm Dove was presented by President Alice Hayes to recognize philanthropy.]
