The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

April 14, 2010

Loyola capital campaign commences

By Tanner Kent The Free Press

MANKATO — The Mankato Loyola Catholic Schools system has begun the public phase of a more-than-$3.5 million capital campaign.

The campaign will raise funds for several academic initiatives as well as a $2 million facilities improvement project that includes: additional space for an expanded preschool program, a renovated chapel entrance, sprinkler system and a new art center and student commons area at the Good Counsel campus.

The project also will include gymnasium and theater improvements at the Fitzgerald campus as well as flooring and ceiling replacements at both schools.

Jesse Hicks, Loyola’s director of advancement and alumni, said the goal is to raise between $3.5 million and $4.5 million. He also said the school hopes to begin construction on the facilities projects this summer.

“Now is an exciting time for us,” Hicks said. “We’re trying to set Loyola up for success down the road.”

The effort began in earnest last summer after Loyola gained the necessary approval for such a campaign from its stakeholders, including its four member parishes in the Mankato area and the Diocese of Winona. The silent phase of the campaign already has raised more than $1.6 million.

In addition to the facility projects, funds will be spent on three other initiatives.

About $750,000 will be used to pay off Loyola’s one-to-one laptop project, which debuted this school year. Each student in grades 7-12 received their own laptop while younger students have anytime access on shared computer carts. Both school campuses were outfitted with extensive wireless networks, and teachers are continuing to train in ways to integrate the computers into curriculum.

The campaign also will provide about $500,000 for financial assistance. Hicks said Loyola will use those funds to keep tuition rates low — Loyola’s top level of tuition (less than $6,000) is well below state and national averages for private schools — and continue offering additional tuition assistance to more than 50 percent of its students.

Another $500,000 of campaign funds will be spent on further academic support, such as staff development, additional high school electives and a revival of the industrial arts program.

Loyola has not held a capital campaign since 1996. Typically, Hicks said, private schools hold them every five to 10 years.

“We’re making up for lost time,” he said.

 

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