Development
Development Dispatch
By Joe Villinski
March 2006
Paving The Notre Dame Way - An EPIC Plan
From the excitement surrounding our Golden Anniversary sprung Notre Dame's first comprehensive strategic plan, The Notre Dame Way, a vision for the future befitting the half-century of educating minds and hearts that preceded it. As of this spring we are proud to announce that The Notre Dame Way, which also serves as the new honorary name for Ozark Ave. outside NDHS, will be built on four EPIC pillars.
For more than 50 years now, the Holy Cross commitment to Excellence, Preparation for College and Life, Inclusiveness and its Charism have touched the mind and hearts of countless Dons, allowing them to reach their true potential. This June Notre Dame High School will present this vision for approval to its governing body, the Indiana Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross. The Province will be holding its chapter meetings in Portland, Oregon.
"The EPIC acronym will serve us well as Notre Dame is poised for an epic future," says President Fr. Mike DeLaney, CSC. "It is our work here which guarantees students will have the opportunities to pursue excellence, become prepared for not only college but also life, feel welcome and be inspired by the Charism of Holy Cross."
Sponsoring The Notre Dame Way
As our 50th Anniversary Celebration draws to a close, our sponsorship campaign begins anew. Bolstered by the tremendous success it experienced as part of Notre Dame's Golden Anniversary, we are proud to again offer Notre Dame Sponsorships for the 2006 calendar year. In the program's first year, sponsors provided unrestricted support in return for a variety of benefits. Businesses and individuals will once again be publicly recognized at events beginning with the Spirit of Notre Dame Dinner Auction on Saturday, April 8. Sponsors may also receive tickets to those events, along with publicity in various publications. Please contact Joe Villinski at 847.779.8618 if you would like to help us build The Notre Dame Way through a 2006 sponsorship.
Sponsorship Match Up To $25,000
Thanks to the generosity of a Notre Dame benefactor, Notre Dame stands in position to increase its sponsorship revenue for the 2006 calendar year. The anonymous donor has agreed to match any new or increased sponsorship up to $25,000. If you are considering becoming a sponsor of Notre Dame's new strategic plan in return for a variety of benefits, now's the time to take advantage. Provide your business with exposure in the Notre Dame community or highlight your family's relationship with the high school. Corporate or individual sponsorships are welcome!
Annual Fund Update, Online Giving and Matching Gifts
The Notre Dame Annual Fund is preparing to close another record-setting year. In a year where costs continue to rise, most notably the expense of heating the building, the unrestricted giving of many generous alumni, family and friends continues to ensure the quality of our academic programs, technology, faculty/staff development, buildings and grounds and financial aid. Tuition alone covers just 80% of those expenses making the Notre Dame Annual Fund a vital part of the fundraising effort of our Notre Dame community.
Currently, approximately $202,000 has been raised in contrast to the $180,000 collected at this time last year. The opportunity now exists for the Notre Dame Annual Fund to reach heights never before seen. By breaking the $230,000 barrier before June 30, 2006, we will set a new Annual Fund record and, most importantly, continue to ensure this wonderful education of the mind and heart for all young men who seek it. With your participation, you can be the difference! Look for your spring appeal in the mail soon!
Be sure to also check with your employer regarding matching gift opportunities. In some cases, employers will match $2 or $3 for every dollar you donate. Employer matches will be counted towards your total gift to Notre Dame and the giving society to which you belong. All gifts can be made online via the Notre Dame website at www.ndhsdons.org. Thank you!
ND United
Under the direction of Asst. Dir. of Development Larry Amidei '68, Notre Dame has begun a new program called ND United to encourage increased participation among alumni, both in terms of event attendance and benefaction. The 50th Anniversary offered many an opportunity to re-connect with NDHS today and this program builds on that wave of momentum. The Dons of today need the support of all Alumni Dons in ensuring Notre Dame High School's future. As the program gets underway, all Dons can expect a phone call from a classmate to discuss the best way for them to connect with ND today. Any members of the Class of '64 or of the Classes of '72-'79 should contact Larry at 847.779.8614 if interested in becoming a class leader for the ND United program.
New Annual Scholarship
Notre Dame would like to especially like to thank Mr. Joseph O'Connor for the generous scholarship gift to the young men of Notre Dame. The Mary O'Connor Memorial Scholarship, which will carry on the legacy of Notre Dame High School's beloved English teacher who passed away in 2005, will be awarded to a student in good academic standing who demonstrates strong ability in Communications and Speech.