Namesake of Scanlan Center at St. Viator devoted to special students

One mother's vision, to enable special needs students to succeed along with their peers at a college preparatory high school, now turns out to be her legacy.

Ann Scanlan, whose advocacy for her son resulted in The Scanlan Learning Center at St. Viator High School, passed away on Sunday.

The longtime Arlington Heights resident, recently of Holland, Mich., was 74.

The Scanlan Center at St. Viator High School last year celebrated its 15th anniversary of helping students with diagnosed learning disabilities.

School officials say the learning center now serves up to 80 students each year, who work with staff members trained in special education. An additional 50 students use the resource room for special testing accommodations.

"Over the years, the Scanlans worked with us to maintain a program that teaches study skills and learning strategies," says the Rev. Robert Egan, St. Viator High School president. "We have developed a very specific set of courses that especially helps freshmen and sophomores to get off to a strong start."

The Scanlan Center opened in 1993, a year after the death of the Scanlans' son, Scott. As one of seven children, he wanted to follow his siblings and attend St. Viator, his family members say, though his parents knew he would need extra help to do so.

"As a trained family therapist and advocate for Scott through the school system, my mother was proactive in finding a place for children with special needs and mainstreaming them when possible," says her daughter, Jane Guffy of River Hills, Wis.

Students receive services in the Scanlan Center at no additional cost.

Guffy said that over the years her parents stayed in communication with St. Viator about the growth of the center and its increased staffing. Mrs. Scanlan cherished letters that related a student's success.

"It grew out of Ann's vision, and that of her husband," Egan adds. "As a school, we're very grateful to them."

Besides her daughter, Mrs. Scanlan is survived by her husband, Bob, and children Carol (Scott) Woodin, David (Elizabeth), Linda (Steve) Znachko, Tom (Shannon) and Julie (Mike) Soyka, as well as 29 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. today at St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights.