Jesuits’ $2 Million Gift Pushes Silent Campaign
Into Its Public Phase

At Loyola’s Sunday, October 14th fall party, Fr. Robert Scullin, S.J., Provincial of the Detroit Province Jesuits, announced that the Province was making a $2 million gift to the school’s Faith in the Future campaign. This significant commitment, the largest donation in the school’s 15-year history, pushed the campaign toward the $8 million mark. With the finish line coming into sight, what had been a campaign in its silent phase can now be made public.

Commenting on the Jesuits’ gift, Bishop John Quinn (right), an active supporter of Loyola since its beginning, noted that "The Jesuits’ commitment to Loyola High School goes far beyond its considerable gift to the school’s campaign. They have been involved personally right from the start. It’s a privilege for the Archdiocese of Detroit to partner with them in sponsoring Loyola High School."

Background

Three years ago Loyola High School quietly began a comprehensive campaign entitled "Faith in the Future." The ambitious goal of this campaign was set at $12 million, with $2 million earmarked for the school’s larger, remaining capital needs and $10 million for its endowment fund.

As with any other project of this magnitude, the decision to launch this campaign came only after a series of discussions with a wide variety of people – long-time friends of the school, business and community leaders, and fundraising professionals. We were heartened by their universally favorable impression of Loyola and by their strong endorsement of our future. And so, having completed a detailed feasibility study, and with the approval of Loyola’s co-sponsors, the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Detroit Province Jesuits, the school’s Board of Directors officially gave the nod to this project.

Leadership

Barbara Gattorn, Senior Advisor to the President of the Detroit Regional Chamber and Loyola Board member, and Tony Jenkins, partner with Dickinson Wright PLLC, graciously agreed to serve as campaign chairs. They head a list of prominent metro Detroiters from all walks of life who gave their approval to this endeavor.

Challenges

Admittedly, the decision to launch the campaign was made with a certain amount of fear and trepidation. Some who were consulted advised us that the goal was far too high, especially given the region’s shaky economy. Half the amount, they said, would be a more realistic goal. Others took note of the numerous other campaigns that are already underway locally and felt that Loyola’s would get lost among the efforts of other, larger, more established groups. And Loyola’s leadership was certainly aware of the trickiness of the need to maintain significant annual fundraising, which covers current needs, while also pursuing campaign contributions, which pertain to future needs.

These concerns were reasonable and natural. But ultimately they did not dampen anyone’s enthusiasm for initiating this effort, because at the heart of this challenge was a strong, unequivocal endorsement of the mission of Loyola High School. The commitment to invest in our city, and especially to invest in our students—present and future, outweighed any reservations we had.

Progress to Date

Capital

The campaign has targeted remaining capital needs totaling $2 million. Several components of these have been accomplished already. The Wayne and Joan Webber Foundation funded new windows—which number over 200—and the installation of an elevator. Gifts from the McGregor Fund, DTE Energy Foundation, and private sources led to the renovation of our science classrooms and labs. The Mary G. Stange Charitable Trust also provided a significant leadership gift for capital improvements. And a pledge by another donor will allow us to completely renovate our main computer lab, which is near the end of its lifespan.

Endowment

At the start of the campaign, Loyola’s endowment was approximately $2.5 million. Currently it stands at around $4 million, which will continue to grow as pledges are realized. Each year 5% of this fund, based on a 12-quarter average, is used for general operating expenses. Our hope is to increase the funds generated from endowment from about 7% of the annual budget to 25%.



For the Faith in the Future Chairs & Honorary Cabinet, please click here.



Through the generosity of many individuals, foundations, and businesses, Loyola’s campaign has impressive results to show. We hope to meet – or exceed – our goal by the spring of 2009. In doing so, "Faith in the Future" will not just be a hope, but part of our ongoing reality.

How to make your donation...
• Use your credit card online: click here
• Print out & mail in a Gift Commitment Form: click here (40k pdf)

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