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Sr. Mary Paul Grass Roots Endowment Exceeds $100,000


Cardinal George preaching

Cardinal Francis George preaches at Marian’s 50th Anniversary Celebration liturgy Saturday. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

Chicago Heights, IL—(ENEWSPF)— Presented to her following a Mass celebrating Marian Catholic’s 50th Anniversary, The Sr. Mary Paul Endowment was the grass roots response of the Marian Catholic community wishing her well upon her appointment by Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. as the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

As word spread of the close of her 16-year tenure leading Marian Catholic High School notes and flowers of well wishers streamed in along with an ever increasing interest to give something back to her. Though she wanted to keep her departure low key, and made her wish of no personal gifts well known, she did not reject the idea when her colleagues and staff suggested the community might want to consider an endowment.

The idea was communicated to the Marian family—parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends– in mid-June after Sr. Paul’s departure from the high school campus.

In less than 3 months the endowment topped $100,000 and will remain open to future gifts. This effort was launched in time to be included in Marian’s The Courage to Lead capital campaign of which endowments are a priority. The endowment is meant to give her oversight of awards allowing her to help fund what is closest to heart—the students, faculty, families and programs of MCHS.

mchs-50th-anniversary-mass

(The Marian community gathered Saturday for mass in the West Gym to celebrate the school’s 50th Anniversary. Photo: ENEWSPF)

Marian Catholic’s ‘The Courage to Lead’ capital campaign celebrates success at Blessing of Investors Wall Sept. 6

Predicated upon the Dominican charism of Prayer, Study, Community and Preaching, The  Courage to Lead capital campaign for Marian Catholic celebrates the anticipated $6 Million goal, exceeding the preliminary goal by $750,000 with solid potential to go further.

This capital project partnered with more than 370 investors from among her alumni, current and past parents, faculty & staff, foundations, corporations and friends.

A 2004 Long Range Planning led to the decision in 2005 to launch the campaign to fund the Marian Catholic Leadership Center/Student Union (opened for the ’07 school year) that supports a copyrighted, cutting edge Leadership Training curriculum. The campaign also supports Endowment funding of scholarships and programs; and Campus Growth realized in the newly completed FieldTurf installation, expanded Bergstrom Fitness Center and aspects of a Broadcasting curriculum.

This tremendously successful capital project was accomplished during a three-year dialogue that extended across the country in person and through the published materials explaining the goals, keeping constituents updated on the progress of the campaign–dollars and priorities—and inviting investments throughout the quiet and public phases of the Courage to Lead campaign.

TC2L at $6 Million is the second Capital Campaign in the school’s history, following the 1994 Partnership 2000 Capital Campaign netting nearly $4 million. Subsequent, restricted capital initiatives  in between,  such as  the half-million dollar 1999 Science Labs Initiative,  and  the $1.9 million Dominican Way in 2000 to add a wing of classrooms have helped expand a vibrant educational community of excellence. 

Under the 16-year leadership of alumna and Dominican Sister M. Paul McCaughey ‘67, Marian partnered through all theses campaigns with dynamic lay leadership. She was assisted by current VP for Advancement, Mary C. Moffatt, supported along the way by former VPs Michael D. Bruni ’86, now of LatzBruni Partners, and Peter Ruhl, who retired in 2007. Seasoned campaign coordinator, Peg Massucci, also Assistant to the President, helped direct the efforts of an already active and knowledgeable Advancement staff.

Lay Leadership remains at an exceptionally high number with 73 signing on as ambassadors for TC2L campaign, overseeing the progress and providing counsel to the administration. This group includes Honorary Chairs  Sr. Rose Marie Riley, O.P. ’67; Melissa Sage Fadim and Nancy Rita Kaz; General Chairs Pat’72 and Nancy Dolan and Nick & Kathy Zagotta, along with  Steering Committee members  Pete Kroner, Charlie Gallagher ’77, Kevin Larson, Holly Griffin, Bob Jones ’79.  Unique to this campaign is the creation of a National Council of leadership reflecting the expanding reach of the MCHS mission and experience.

Elements of the campaign priorities will remain open to future funding, especially endowments for student scholarship, faculty development and the leadership program.

Closing TC2L on such a high note becomes the ideal legacy to launch a 50th Anniversary celebration that looks forward to a bright future reflected in a proud, hardworking past.

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