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Michael Del Debbio: Investing in our Future

Michael Del Debbio"Go to the poor: you will find God." Originally voiced by St. Vincent De Paul, this edict is beautifully illustrated in the story of Michael Del Debbio, a beloved SHC investor.

As a young man, Del Debbio attended the University of San Francisco and ultimately graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with degrees in theology and philosophy. Little else is known about Del Debbio, because for the final 20 years of his life, he suffered from mental illness and lived in poverty as a homeless man in Golden Gate Park.

In October of 2006, Del Debbio walked into the chapel at Cristo Rey Monastery near USF. Diane Dawes, an extern at the monastery, describes that initial encounter: "A man with a full straggly beard came into the chapel carrying a huge backpack stuffed with a sleeping bag and grocery bags in each hand."

Diane and fellow extern, Mary, continued to observe Del Debbio every day, noting his behavior as a result of mental illness. As the months progressed, Diane and Mary noticed a significant change in Del Debbio's behavior, Diane shares, "I saw that spending so much time in the chapel in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament had a profound effect on Michael. His behavior became more balanced and he was less agitated."

Months turned into years, and when it was clear that Del Debbio's health was declining, Mary and Diane facilitated his admittance to St. Mary's Hospital, where he was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer. He spent his final days in loving hospice care with the Missionaries of Charity.

After his passing, Diane remembered that Del Debbio gave her a key to hold for him. The key opened a safe deposit box which held nearly $10,000 in cash and a handwritten last will and testament leaving all of his money to SHC. It was Del Debbio's wish that his life savings provide textbooks for SHC students.

Diane and Mary helped carry out Del Debbio's final wishes with great fondness and compassion, "We grew to love Michael and I think he felt safe, cared for by us and protected by his time in the chapel."

Today, SHC is proud to honor Del Debbio's final wish with the Michael Del Debbio Endowed Fund, which helps deserving students purchase textbooks each year.

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