The Academy of Our Lady of Peace, the oldest high school and only all-girls school in San Diego, has received a record $2 million donation from Darlene Marcos Shiley.
The gift is the largest ever received by the school and will be used for the renovation and reconstruction of an academic building which will be named the Shiley Center for Science and Innovation.
The building will feature a 1,500-square-foot engineering and innovation lab that will engage students in hands-on design and construction in engineering and robotics classes.
“We are so deeply honored and humbled by Darlene’s generosity,” said Dr. Lauren Lek, the head of school. “The new Shiley Center for Science and Innovation will stand as an enduring tribute to Darlene for her support of science, technology, education, and math. We are blessed to have her in our community.”
Shiley is the president of The Shiley Foundation and a renowned patron of the arts, medical research, and education.
Founded in 1882, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace has been educating women for 136 years. The high school is dedicated to helping students become “all of which woman is capable.”