Jean Houghton Recognized as Red and White Benefit Honoree

The Aim Higher Foundation is pleased to recognize its President, Jean Houghton, for her selection as the honoree of the 2022 Red & White Benefit at Saint Agnes School. Approaching her 5th year as leader of the Aim Higher Foundation, Houghton previously served Saint Agnes in various leadership roles for more than 18 years.

“Jean’s passion for the mission to help children from all backgrounds access a Catholic school was ignited at Saint Agnes in her roles as parent and leader. Today, thousands of children across the Twin Cities benefit from that passion through her leadership as President of the Aim Higher Foundation,” said Don Mulligan, Chair of the Aim Higher Foundation Board of Directors.

“Her commitment to this cause is unwavering and her zeal for connecting others to the life-changing benefits of a Catholic education is unmatched. It gives all of us associated with the Aim Higher Foundation great pride to see Jean recognized for her contributions.”

Jean Houghton has been President of the Aim Higher Foundation since 2017

During Houghton’s tenure, the Aim Higher Foundation has tripled the number of students it supports through its tuition-assistance scholarships. For the 2021-2022 school year, nearly 2,100 children from all 82 K-8 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, will receive support from the Aim Higher Foundation. Within the Archdiocese, Houghton has been recognized for her leadership on the Roadmap for Excellence for Catholic Education and for her role as a member of the Economic Task Force during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Saint Agnes, Houghton spearheaded its fundraising transformation through the late 2000s and early 2010s, leading a $5.8 million capital campaign and securing lead gifts of more than $18 million for new construction. Prior to that time, Houghton worked as an award-winning consultant for the McDonald’s Corporation, where she oversaw more than 1,500 employees at 132 restaurants.

Jean Houghton will be recognized on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Saint Agnes School.