1916-2001

From her magnanimous financial generosity to her service on the Board of Regents and later the Board of Trustees, Mary Lou continually supported Saint Mary's in the manner that was most needed at that time.

A challenge gift in 1979 from Mary Lou and her husband, Judd Leighton, launched The Madeleva Society which recognizes donors who contribute at least $1,000 annually. Mary Lou's leadership gifts helped to make possible the construction of the Cushwa-Leighton Library, completed in 1982, and the 1986-87 renovation of the Science Hall.

With their long-standing interest in the arts and their work to enrich the cultural life of the South Bend community, the Leightons chose to ensure the prominence of the music program at Saint Mary's with a gift of $1 million to endow the "Mary Lou and Judd Leighton Chair in Music."

Mary Lou's awards and honors from Saint Mary's College include the President's Medal and an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree.  She was also named an honorary alumna of the College.