Frequently Asked Questions
Aren’t we already conducting a capital campaign?
We are moving from Phase I into Phase II of our GENERATIONS CAMPAIGN. Recently we concluded the initial phase and it proved to be an extremely successful venture.
What did we accomplish in the first phase?
We are grateful to the 856 donors who contributed $6.7 million in Phase I of the GENERATIONS CAMPAIGN! The purpose of our Phase I fundraising efforts was to upgrade and expand our worn out facilities at both East and West Campuses. This included renovating and updating the auditorium and Dominican Hall on the East Campus and making much needed improvements to our West Campus facilities, such as the gymnasium, locker rooms, and kitchen, to name a few. Another major accomplishment strengthened our academic programming when we pioneered a unique relationship with St. John’s Hospital. The only known partnership like this in the country, the St. John’s AthletiCare clinic will not only provide treatment to injured athletes, but will offer shadowing and mentoring opportunities for our students interested in pursuing careers in the health care field. The new clinic will also be open to the public. All of these accomplishments greatly improve SHG and what it offers to its students and to the residents of Springfield and surrounding areas.
What is included in the next phase; what is the cost?
Phase II of our GENERATIONS CAMPAIGN is designed to fund a much needed multi-sport athletic complex on the West Campus. It will be the home of our baseball, football and soccer programs. Our goal for Phase II is to raise $6.1 million, which includes $2.8 million for the new sports complex, as well as $3.3 million for completed construction projects and professional fees not addressed in Phase I.
What are the details of the proposal which led to the multi-sport complex?
The Todd Green family generously offered to design a plan to construct the new facility. The Green family has a long family tradition of supporting Catholic education. As part of the agreement, they have agreed to pay the interest on a construction loan for the first ten years at no cost to SHG. SHG’s financial commitment is also capped at $2.8 million. The family has agreed to pay for any costs above that figure.
Why are we building the multi-sport complex?
Currently, our football team plays its home games at Memorial Stadium, for which we are grateful for its use; however, we do not have the option to schedule our own game times. Constructing this new facility allows SHG to put its scheduling needs first. The new complex provides a first class venue to host tournaments and camps, which we believe will help bolster our enrollment and create additional revenue to pay for the upkeep of the new facilities. Additionally, the new complex will offer a true “home field” atmosphere during events for our athletes, students, alumni and fans.
What is the timeline for the construction of the multi—sport complex?
Construction of the multi-sport complex is underway and our students will be using the facility in the spring of 2012.
What are the details associated with the multi-sport complex?
Our new multi-sport complex promises to be among the finest in the state. The football/soccer stadium will feature synthetic turf with bleacher seating for nearly 4,000. It will be equipped with a press box and an electronic scoreboard with video capabilities. Tickets may be purchased at booths located on both sides of the field. Fans will appreciate the large concession area and ample restroom facilities. The baseball field will feature synthetic grass and dirt, dugouts and bullpens, and bleacher seating behind home plate and both dugouts. More than 100 newly planted trees will outline the complex giving it a groomed, finished look.
How can I help?
To volunteer your time, please call the SHG Advancement Office at (217) 787-9732. If you haven’t already given, prayerfully consider how you can make a sacrificial gift to this campaign that will positively impact thousands of students, families, SHG sports fans and the entire Springfield community for generations to come. We ask that you pray for the success of this campaign, for the safety of our construction crews and for good weather so that we can meet our construction timelines.
Who will be asked to support the campaign?
Alumni, current parents, future parents, past parents, and friends of SHG will be asked to consider a campaign gift. In addition, we will continue to reach out to the Springfield business community for support. Our campaign offers a wide range of gift and advertising opportunities.
What will we do if we don’t raise enough money to meet our needs?
We expect that the SHG community will unite and allow us to meet or surpass our goal. Unlike a public school, we do not have the ability to levy taxes or seek a referendum from the voters. We are committed to not raise tuition to pay for this project. Tuition is needed for the school’s general operating budget. A special building improvement fund may be implemented to help cover the maintenance of the new facilities.
What are the most common methods of giving to the campaign?
One-time gifts and pledges spread over a number of months or up to five years are the most common ways to contribute to the GENERATIONS CAMPAIGN; however, other types such as gifts of stock, planned gifts, etc, are also options. Visa and MasterCard are accepted, as well as automated withdrawals from your checking or savings account. Please contact the SHG Advancement Office for assistance.