DeSales Announces $5 Million Capital Campaign

DeSales High School Launches Capital Campaign for New Innovation Center


DeSales High School (DHS) has announced the launch of a Capital Campaign to fund the construction of a new Innovation Center, to be located at the front of campus. The Center aims to be a hub for creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, with the intent of providing students and faculty with state-of-the-art facilities to pursue innovative ideas, projects and experiences. 


The capital campaign seeks to raise $5 million over the next year, with 66% of the goal already secured through lead gifts from prominent donors. “The enthusiasm around the campaign has been phenomenal,” said Dr. Rick Blackwell, President of DeSales.  “The support of both DeSales alumni and community organizations has been incredible, with more than 58% new campaign donors.  We invite all of our alumni, friends, and community supporters to join in this fundraising effort, to shape the future of education and innovation at DeSales.” 


The Innovation Center will feature dedicated spaces for research and development, design studios, and collaborative work areas. It will also house a 8,000 square foot “Flex Center” which will take demand off the current gym, the only large enclosed space on campus.  The “Flex Center” will be used for all-school liturgies and assemblies, while divided into three classrooms during the week and for school-related and community events. 


"This campaign represents a significant step forward for DeSales High School," said Dr. Rick Blackwell, President. "The Innovation Center will allow DeSales’ facilities to better meet the needs of the Project Based Learning programs students are already participating in. ” The new Center will include:

  • Learning Labs to support project-based learning across the curriculum, and allow DeSales to offer new programs and student pathway training opportunities.   
  • A larger Gaming and Innovation Lab, to meet the exploding demand for our technology curriculum and extra-curricular programs (including e-sports).
  • Flexible space that can be custom-sized for larger-than-classroom gatherings – from daily use in our DHS program, to whole-class/sectioned presentations. 
  • Flexible space for programs, performances or practices that currently have no good space in our school to function – music, arts, athletics.

Dr. Anastasia Quirk, principal, added “the new space will allow DeSales students to further explore their academic interests and pursue new opportunities far beyond their four years here.”


In addition to the Innovation Center, DeSales is increasing its 1956 Society Endowment, primarily through Planned Giving. “Our endowment is more important than ever as our operations costs continue to rise.  We want to offer financial support to as many students as possible as well as have money for on-going capital improvements,” Dr. Blackwell shared.  “Since October 2022 we’ve grown the 1956 Society Endowment by $3.4 million dollars, with the largest gift being one million dollars. We are successfully moving closer to securing our future needs!” 


To learn more about the Innovation Center capital campaign and how to contribute, contact Jaclyn Grieshaber, Director of Advancement, at 502-883-2438 or visit DeSalesHighSchool.com/CTP.


About DeSales High School

DeSales High School is an all-male, college-preparatory Catholic school committed to the total development of its students. Inspired by principles articulated at its founding in 1956, DeSales presents young men with an education that fosters their spiritual, intellectual, social and physical growth. This cultivation of mind, spirit, and body has an immediate objective of preparation for post-secondary success with an ultimate mission of guiding them to be competent, concerned, responsible and ethical builders of God’s kingdom.

 

DeSales provides challenging, engaging studies in a personalized learning environment, giving special attention to the academic and social needs of each individual student. Embracing high standards of character, commitment, and achievement, DeSales encourages students to think critically and creatively and to act ethically. To these ends, DeSales utilizes proven and effective modes of instruction to educate each individual based on the pillars of the DeSales experiences: Faith • Brotherhood • Tradition.


Mission Statement

St. Francis DeSales High School shapes young men to be moral, ethical and responsible leaders by providing a personal, comprehensive, Catholic education based on the pillars of Faith, Brotherhood, and Tradition.

DeSales Call to the Post Video for the capital campaign
Show Transcript