The announcement about the campaign was made at the school, 505 S. Ludlow Ave., on Thursday night to celebrate the comprehensive campaign school officials call LIFT -- Leading in Faith Today -- and the fact that 67 percent of the goal has been met. This week also is Catholic Schools Week across the nation, when schools in the archdiocese celebrate the observance with prayers, open houses and other events.
"LIFT continues our recent momentum at CJ, leading us to always ask 'What's next' for our students and community," CJ President Daniel Meixner said in a prepared statement. The celebration was to thank the more than 70 families, alumni, friends, mission partners and seven foundations that continue to help the school in the initiative.
According to the school's plan, in the next three to four years:
* The cafeteria will be redesigned and updated to be used as a student and community gathering space;
* The 745-seat auditorium will be modernized and rehearsal spaces will be added;
* Gateways, markers and landmarks will be installed to unify the campus and more clearly identify the school's Catholic, Marianist and Sisters of Notre de Nmur heritage;
* Blue Green Field will be developed further into a venue for lacrosse and soccer;
* Buildings and heating and air-conditioning systems will be modernized to allow for year-round learning.
The largest investment goal of LIFT is $10 million to fund capital improvements. The opening of the school's Eagle Tennis Center in fall 2011 was a direct result of early funding, and the CJ STEMM Center, which opened in August 2013, is another example of the kind of transformation the school envisions for the entire school building, Meixner said.
Pete Haley, a CJ trustee and LIFT chairman, said, "This is an inspired community and we want to share that with families who need to know that we are here to serve them. The completion of this effort will help firmly establish Chaminade Julienne as the premier Catholic educational experience in the Dayton region."
The downtown school has existed for more than 160 years and has been at its current location on Franklin and Ludlow streets for more than 125 years. According to the school, enrollment for the 2013-14 school year is 656.
About the Author