Nativity School of Worcester, a tuition-free, independent middle school providing students from under-resourced communities a holistic education, is pleased to announce a $1 million gift from the estate of Judith R. Gordon. The gift establishes “Judie’s Fund,” an endowed high school scholarship fund that will support generations of graduates from the school’s Julie Power Girls Division.
Judie’s Fund will provide a permanent endowment to help cover funding gaps for Nativity Worcester’s female graduates as they move on to their respective high schools. By supporting high school scholarships for graduates, the fund extends Nativity’s lifelong commitment to its students. These scholarships provide assistance based on individual need, helping families cover costs such as tuition, textbooks, technology, activities, and other educational expenses throughout high school.
The gift comes at an especially meaningful moment as Nativity prepares to celebrate the graduation of its inaugural class of eighth grade girls in June 2027. As these young women begin high school that fall, Judie’s Fund will provide a lasting source of support, growing in reach as future classes graduate and continue their educational journeys.
Nativity Worcester Interim President Meredith Kent stated, “Our commitment to our students continues long after they leave our middle school classrooms. This extraordinary gift will help our female graduates take their next steps with confidence, knowing that their Nativity community remains beside them. As we prepare to celebrate our first graduating class of girls, Judie’s Fund ensures that they will have the support to pursue their goals throughout high school and will open doors for generations of girls to come.”
Judith Ruth Gordon, known as Judie, lived a life marked by enthusiasm, learning, and service to others. She spent part of her childhood in Worcester and earned a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, a Master of Social Work from Columbia University, and a law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law. As a child welfare supervisor in San Francisco, she formed relationships with clients and families that endured throughout her life. She later taught English as a second language and devoted approximately 40 years to volunteering in the San Jose area’s performing arts community.
Remembered for her contagious smile, caring nature, and boundless energy, Judie lived modestly and intentionally grew her estate so that she could leave a lasting charitable legacy. She died on January 11, 2025, at age 85. Through Judie’s Fund, her generosity and her legacy will continue by helping young women access the educational opportunities and resources they need to pursue their futures.
The establishment of Judie’s Fund builds on Nativity Worcester’s longstanding commitment to helping graduates meet the costs of high school. In 2018, Joe Flaherty established Nancy’s Fund in memory of his wife, providing high school scholarship assistance that has supported the graduates of the Chick Weiss Boys Division. Judie’s Fund expands this tradition of generosity with a dedicated endowment for female graduates, addressing an emerging need as the Julie Power Girls Division reaches its first graduation milestone.
The Julie Power Girls Division was established as a major initiative of Access & Impact: The Campaign for Nativity School of Worcester, expanding access to Nativity’s transformative education. This new gift carries that investment forward, helping ensure that the support students receive during middle school continues into the next chapter of their lives.
For more than two decades, Nativity Worcester has provided students with a dynamic, holistic educational experience rooted in scholarship, strength, character, and service. Its Ignatian tradition, small classes, extended school day and year, and individualized approach help students grow as learners and leaders. Through its Graduate Support Program, Nativity continues its lifelong commitment to students with guidance, mentorship, and academic and financial support as graduates navigate high school, postsecondary education, and life beyond the classroom.