At the end of 2011, campaign organizers announced a $500,000 challenge pledge from an anonymous donor. Since that announcement, $232,123 has been pledged and/or donated to the campaign, earning a matching $232,123 and pushing the campaign total to nearly $2,321,000 as of the end of the first quarter of 2012.
Marquette principal Michael Slaughter says the outpouring of support from the alumni and the community-at-large has been overwhelming. "We are very confident that the continuing generosity of Marquette's many friends and supporters will allow us to achieve our $3 million goal, maybe even before 2012 comes to an end," he says.
Marquette school board president John Keller is also optimistic that the goal will be achieved. "While many doubted that such a lofty goal could be attained during a downturn in the economy, our progress to date has shown the power of prayer and the goodwill of those who value Catholic education," he says.
"A successful conclusion to this campaign will assure Marquette's future and ensure the on-going viability of Catholic secondary education in this community," he says, adding the leadership exhibited by co-chairs Steve Tassinari and Carol and Dale Neudecker has allowed Marquette to make significant progress toward reaching the ultimate goal.
Funds raised to date have already been put to good use. The updates to the historic downtown Alton campus make it possible to accommodate a growing student body. Marquette's enrollment has grown 60 percent over the past five years and continued strong enrollment figures are anticipated.
Students who arrived for the start of the current school year were greeted by new lockers, desks, whiteboards and Smartboards, as well as a new walkway connecting the 1927 and 1980 buildings, improvements totaling over $103,000.
Less apparent but significant to student safety were a major upgrade of the electrical system, lighting enhancements, technology upgrades and the installation of a security system — infrastructure improvements totaling just over $133,000.
Nearly $390,000 was used to tuck point the entire complex and for trim-painting the 1927 building.
New windows have been delivered and will be installed in the 1958 building, which houses the gymnasium, cafeteria and classrooms.
Architectural work has begun on a new gym entrance and lobby, which will be expanded into the existing courtyard and allow for the addition of restroom facilities, athletic offices, a concession area and gathering space. Air-conditioning specifications for the 1958 building are being drawn up and upgrades to outdated locker room facilities are being planned.
"The continuing progress toward the campaign goal has allowed us to move forward in the planning stages of the next phases of our capital improvements," says Keller. "Our growing enrollment makes it necessary that our facilities are able to accommodate the increasing numbers of students and guests."
In addition, the campaign has allowed the Marquette Foundation Board to significantly increase the school's endowment fund, helping to ensure the continuing viability of the institution. "We anticipate an increase of over $250,000 in the endowment fund upon the successful conclusion of the capital campaign," says foundation treasurer Mark Kratschmer.
Tax-deductible gifts to the campaign and/or pledges indicating support for up to five years may be made by contacting the Marquette Foundation at (618) 463-2601, or the school office at (618) 463-0580. Those who wish to discuss other forms of giving should contact Steve Tassinari at (618) 463-2601.
The next $268,000 in donations and pledges are eligible for the matching funds of the anonymous donor. "Currently, every dollar donated to the campaign takes us two dollars closer to wrapping this thing up," Slaughter says. "Of course, we'd love for someone to step forward with a quarter of a million dollar gift, but realistically what's going to get us there are the donations of $50, $100, $500 and $1,000, which are effectively doubled because of the match. Regardless, we're grateful for every dollar pledged."