Empowered Girls - The Academy of the Holy Cross Capital Campaign Case Statement

T H E C A M PA I G N F O R T H E A C A D E M Y O F T H E H O LY C R O S S

In the classroom, on the stage or in the game, our girls find their unique strength. They are fearless, confident, and proud — young women of courage, compassion, and scholarship who welcome challenges and discover new paths. Our girls lead. They are ready to help make the future a better place. They are #EmpoweredGirls.

DEAR CHAMPION OF HOLY CROSS, Recently we celebrated our 150th anniversary at The Academy of the Holy Cross. Along with toasting our long tradition and commitment to excellence, we were able to salute the difference that recently completed facility enhancements have made for our student experience: creation of the new Ridgway Field, a technology and innovation center, and dance studio. We also updated and air-conditioned the Carol Ann Hook Mikules Student Commons and completed additional renovations to the original, but aging, “1956 Building.”

We now find ourselves at the next critical juncture of our history. How, in 2020 and beyond, do we continue to deliver a high-quality, all-girls education in an environment that embraces courage, compassion and scholarship? How do we empower our young women to thrive in an increasingly competitive, global society? How do we attract and enroll middle-school girls who will thrive in our culture and add richness to our community?

We do it by doing what the Sisters of the Holy Cross have always done — by being bold, moving forward, and seeking partnership.

The campaign we launch now — #EmpoweredGirls — seeks to do just this. Over this past year, we have engaged stakeholders in the “what next” challenge, and have been encouraged and inspired by their response. Our alumnae, students, faculty and staff, parents and friends have weighed in on our vision for the future, and offered their thoughts on where we need to focus over the next several years — all while staying true to our Holy Cross mission. #EmpoweredGirls is one response to their input. Yes, it is highly centered on brick and mortar needs: • Provide a gym more appropriate to contemporary high school needs, especially one that competes in the "DMV" market.

• Become more accessible to those with physical challenges.

• Provide a safe, secure and more welcoming entrance into our school, including from the flow of traffic through our front door.

I invite you to read the pages that follow to learn more about our plans and how we determined them. I ask that you make Holy Cross a giving priority at this time. We need your prayers and your support. Thank you for your consideration!

Sincerely,

Kathleen R. Prebble President/CEO

1

It’s trendy today to throw around phrases like “Empowered Girls.” We live in a time when we are more aware than ever of the need to provide our adolescent girls with the intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical abilities to thrive in our global society — and push it forward. It is a necessary and contemporary priority.

Except at Holy Cross, empowered girls have been in vogue for 151 years.

The Sisters of the Holy Cross founded the school on the pillars of courage, compassion and scholarship.

Unspoken, but at the very heart of their mission, was their commitment to empower young women to seize their futures and better our world. Ask a Holy Cross alumna how the sisters did with this, and chances are, whether the alumna graduated from Upton Street or Strathmore Avenue, she’ll proudly offer a resounding endorsement.

The way that we prepare our students for an exceptional college experience has always been a Holy Cross hallmark. Our students relish the challenging, contemporary richness found in and beyond the classroom.

We graduate leaders at Holy Cross...young women who will take charge of their lives and their futures and make a difference in our world. Among our 10,000+ graduates, we boast leaders in Fortune 500 companies, medicine, law, the arts, social service, education…the list is endless. Our graduates are connected to their Holy Cross roots and to each other.

2

“

I couldn’t place where my foundation in leadership was first established," one alumna told us in a focus group, "until I read an article in the The Tartan magazine about my classmate and all she had achieved. I was immensely proud and impressed of who she was! And then I thought, ‘wait a minute, I haven’t done so bad myself!’ And that’s thanks to Holy Cross.

As we look at all that we have achieved as a school, and how our core has allowed us to be so successful, we know it began with the sisters. We also know it is “on us” now to move it forward.

How will we make this happen? With you. And countless others like you who believe that empowering our young women is more important today than ever in our history.

"

This campaign may seem to be about facilities and updating our campus. It’s really about advancing a 150-year mission of empowering women. To do that…we need your leadership and support.

3

THE PLANNING In 2018, as Holy Cross enjoyed a year-long 150th anniversary… …school leadership embarked on a number of planning initiatives.

The school strategic plan identified five core strategic priorities, all centered on improving the student experience and advancing the school mission.

• One of the plan’s recommendations was to conduct a master campus and facilities plan, taking into consideration recent improvements, the changing demands of high school education and the competitive market of the local community.

• Holy Cross brought the emerging needs surfaced in these plans to the school stakeholders and sought their input. Over 1,000 members of our school community have participated — through surveys, one-on-one conversations, and/or small-group discussions.

Participants revealed their affection for Holy Cross, for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, its commitment to academic and co-curricular excellence, and its Catholic values. Their input has been vital in helping to shape our vision and determine our initial funding priorities.

This input matched with the school’s immediate and long-term needs form the foundation of #EmpoweredGirls, a capital campaign designed to take the Academy to the next level of excellence.

4

THE RESPONSE In the spring of 2019, the Holy Cross Board of Trustees took an important step in response to the recommendations and emerging needs by approving #EmpoweredGirls, a capital campaign to upgrade facilities and increase the endowment.

#EmpoweredGirls: Core Objectives Focus on continuing facility enhancements that will enrich the school experience, provide resources and spaces for contemporary college-prep education, and create a welcoming environment to attract prospective families • Use feedback garnered from pre-campaign planning to build a strong, logical case for support.

• Build the campaign on a comprehensive and long-range view of the school’s future.

• Through the campaign, secure multi-year pledges to support these needs.

• While seeking campaign pledges, sustain the school’s current successful and essential fundraising programs.

• Promote planned giving as a way to build the endowment for programs and tuition assistance, and as a secondary way to support the campaign.

5

CASE FOR SUPPORT

#EmpoweredGirls is centered on improving the student experience and attracting future students through a redesign of existing spaces. Three core components make up our case for support:

ATHLETICS When the current Holy Cross gym was built in 1966, the scope of high school sports was far less varied than it is today. Basketball, field hockey, cheerleading and archery were the popular sports in 1966.

Today we boast 28 teams in 17 different sports in one of the most competitive high school athletic conferences in the country.

In addition, there is little to no “gathering space” in our gym — no bleachers to host a student cheering section. It is filled with tradition and memories, but our students, and those middle school girls considering Holy Cross as their high school, are looking for a facility that will enrich their experience and bolster school spirit. As one student mentioned in a small-group listening session, “if we just had bleachers that would allow the student body to attend and cheer at games, school spirit at Holy Cross would soar!”

6

HOSPITALITY, ACCESSIBILITY, PARKING A hallmark of our mission is our inclusiveness and accessibility. We welcome all to Holy Cross and our school community embraces a profound hospitality. Unfortunately, our current campus design does not represent that mission well. Guests and newcomers often have difficulty “finding” our front entrance. Our young drivers who park on the driveway do so cautiously, as cars enter and exit past them. Those with physical challenges cannot navigate our front door, first floor or Ridgway Field.

As we create more efficient and impactful learning spaces, we will do so with an eye toward accessibility, hospitality and security.

RENOVATIONS, MODIFICATIONS AND REDESIGN From a simplistic and efficient point of view, we look to improve current facilities and programs in ways that make more sense. As we establish new gym space, additional parking, and more accessible and welcoming entrances, we will be able to accomplish several additional objectives.

At the front of the school, the redesign will create a new reception area and main office, as well as important spaces for admissions and administration. We will be able to build a more contemporary, efficient kitchen and servery for student dining, including a seasonal outdoor café area.

All of our redesigns and improvements are planned not only to improve our current student experience but also attract future students and their families.

7

INVESTMENT OPTIONS Your investment in our future is tax-deductible*, and there are a variety of ways to invest in The Academy of the Holy Cross. We invite you to participate in one or more of them.

INVESTMENTS OF CASH Commitments may be paid over a period of five years or any appropriate timetable. Extending the payment terms of your investment, with the option of making annual, semi-annual or quarterly payments, provides flexibility and might help you consider a higher level of support.

INVESTMENTS OF STOCK OR SECURITIES Gifts of stock—one-time gifts or multiple gifts over a period of years—are an ideal vehicle for both you and Holy Cross. In gifting appreciated stock, you avoid capital gains taxes, receive full benefit of a charitable contribution, and provide us with a significant and immediate gift. Please contact the Holy Cross Advancement Office for transfer instructions.

INVESTMENT THROUGH A DEFERRED OR PLANNED GIVING VEHICLE Planned gifts must become a greater source of funding for the long-term health of the Academy, and are another way that supporters can participate in #EmpoweredGirls. Giving through an estate provides you with a gift of a lifetime. Life insurance, annuities, trusts, or investing through your will are excellent ways to make a lifelong testimony to an institution that has profoundly impacted your life.

We invite your participation through planned or deferred giving as a secondary way to support this important initiative. Let us know of your intention so that we can provide the appropriate letter of intent for your signature. *This information is not intended as financial or tax advice. Consult with your financial or tax advisor to determine specific tax implications and the right strategy for you.

8

4920 Strathmore Avenue Kensington, MD 20895 301.942.2100 www.academyoftheholycross.org

INSPIRED BY OUR MISSION MISSION STATEMENT The Academy of the Holy Cross, a Catholic college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross since 1868, is dedicated to educating young women in a Christ-centered community which values diversity. The Academy is committed to developing women of courage, compassion and scholarship who responsibly embrace the social, spiritual and intellectual challenges of the world.

PROFILE OF A GRADUATE IS A WOMAN OF COURAGE, COMPASSION AND SCHOLARSHIP. She exhibits integrity in her work and life. She recognizes her strengths and shares her talents through service to the wider community. She embraces life-long learning and has an inquiring mind.

HAS MASTERED IMPORTANT ACADEMIC SKILLS. She thinks critically and creatively. She is technologically literate and can communicate clearly in a written and oral manner. She is prepared for the challenges of college and life.

VALUES HER CATHOLIC EDUCATION. She has developed an appreciation and understanding of the Catholic faith. She is respectful and accepting of differences. She is guided by Catholic values of honor and morality in all areas of her life.

LEADERSHIP CAMPAIGN GENERAL CO-CHAIRS Rick and Karen Schaeffer David Metzger

CAMPAIGN CABINET MEMBERS Doug Arkin and Mary Pat Leary Arkin ’72 Michael and Carol Ann Bellaman Anne Feeny Mascari ’83 Tim McCormick Will and Tree McKinnon Maggie O’Neill ’95 Greg and Monica Parchment Martha Murphy Schwieters ’59

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP Kathleen R. Prebble, President/CEO John Sullivan, Principal

2020-2021 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sister Ruth Marie Nickerson ’61, Chair Joe Aumiller Mary Brogan Lou Caceres Helen Stanislav Dankos ’75 Sister Esther Adjoa Entsiwah, CSC Catherine Hanrahan ’77 Mark Jackson Diane Kuwamura ’83 Patty Davitt Long ’83 Mary Malone ’85 Sister Karla McKinnie, CSC Sister Sharon Mihm, CSC ’63 Nancy Morrison O’Connor ’69 Greg Parchment Kathleen Prebble Karen Schaeffer Katharine Hess Teitel ’69

RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITIES FACILITY RENOVATIONS The Gymnasium $1,000,000 The Theatre $ 500,000 The Gymnasium Lobby $ 250,000 The Softball Diamond $ 250,000 The Chapel in Moreau Hall

Subscribed

The Student Technology Center Subscribed The Dance Studio Subscribed The Theatre Courtyard $ 150,000 The Home Locker Room

$

75,000

The Visitor Locker Room

$

75,000

Heritage Hall $ 100,000 Moreau Options Center

$

50,000

St. Mary’s Resource Center

$

50,000

The Athletic Director’s Office

$ 50,000

The Gymnasium Bleacher Seating (Large - 2 available)

$ 50,000

The Gymnasium Bleacher Seating (Small - 2 available)

$ 25,000

The Coaches Office

$ 25,000

The Campus Ministry Office

Subscribed

Classroom in 1956 Building (11 remaining)

$ 25,000

THE LARGER VISION Planned/Estate Giving Opportunities Endowed Full Tuition Scholarship $500,000 Endowed Tuition Scholarship $100,000+

FUNDING THE VISION IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES COMMITMENTS REQUIRED

LEVEL

CAPSTONE $1,000,000

1

$1,000,000

$ 500,000

2

$1,000,000

$ 250,000

3

$ 750,000

PILLAR $100,000

5

$ 500,000

$ 50,000

10

$ 500,000

FOUNDATION $25,000

16

$10,000 & Under Many

$ 400,000 $ 350,000

TABLE OF GIVING FIVE YEAR PLEDGE SCHEDULE LEVEL

MONTHLY

QUARTERLY

SEMI-ANNUALLY

ANNUALLY

$10,000 $25,000 $50,000

$166 $416 $833

$500 $1,250 $2,500

$1,000 $2,500 $5,000

$2,000 $5,000 $10,000

$100,000

$1,666

$5,000

$10,000

$20,000

PLANNING PARTICIPANTS We would like to thank the following stakeholders who participated in the feasibility study, a focus-group discussion or a one-on-one planning meeting: Doug Arkin Carleigh Armstrong ’20 Joseph Aumiller Danielle Ballantine ’86 Carol Ann Bellaman Caroline Bloodgood ’21 Raquel Bowman ’22 Tish Schlappo Brey ’78 Mary Brogan Ester Brooks Kathleen Warner Bula ’79 Lou and Melanie Caceres Joanne Carl ’76 Mark Chapman Emily Clark ’19 Jim Clark Sister Adria Connors, CSC William Conyngham Debbie Copeland Jean Cotter Patty Gillis Cousins ’83 Sister Brenda Cousins, CSC Liz Creamer Helen Stanislav Dankos ’75 Bill and Michele Day Sienna DeGross ’20 Anna Dettbarn Rich and Molly DiPippo Maria Effertz Christine Egan ’20 Jennifer Menser Feldman ’94 Kelly Fitzpatrick Joe Fontana Bria Fuller ’19 Emilio Garcia-Ruiz and Mary Jo Zafis-Garcia Isabel Serra Gomes ’96 Nancy Wright Greene ’56 Kate Griffith Pat Grimberg Sabah Hagos ’21 Catherine Hanrahan ’77 Don and Debbie Hathway John Higgins David and Alice Hrdy J.J. King Krya King ’21 Audrey Krause Molly Kueter ’20 Jim Kuzma Heather Locraft Patty Davitt Long ’82 Kevin Looney Noelle Lynch Mary Malone ’85 Kierra Marshall ’20

Robert and Anne Feeney Mascari ’83 Michael and Heidi McAuliffe Mary McCormick Tim McCormick Sister Karla McKinnie, CSC Lily McKinnon ’20 Will and Tree McKinnon Sister Karla McKinnie, CSC Kevin McLaren Laura Meehan David Metzger Sister Sharon Mihm, CSC ’63 Grace Miller ’20 Kate Miner Maureen Morris Edward Movius Rachel Mullervy Kathy Myers Katie Myers ’21 Susan Myers Sister Ruth Marie Nickerson, CSC ’61 Ken O’Connell Nancy Morrison O’Connor ’69 Maggie O’Neill ’95 Greg and Monica Parchment Riley Parchment ’20 Kathleen Ryan Prebble Kathy Whalen Reitz ’69 M’Liz Scotton Riechers ’76 Casey Robertson Mike and Tricia Rose Linda Ruszkowski Irena Schaaff Rick and Karen Schaeffer Martha Murphy Schwieters ’59 William Shaw Allison Simon Lisa Ridgway ’82 and William Slater Carol Viner Smith ’62 Allison Stacy ’11 John and Anna Stewart Regina Stryapko Dennis and Anne Sullivan Katharine Hess Teitel ’69 Lindsey Tonks Noelia Villafane ’21 Joe and Anna Vitak James Vito Kelly Weisgerber Mary Virginia Weschler Tom Whalen Stephen and Alicia Wilson Jennifer Young Tricia Stanislav Young ’85

LETTER OF INTENT Dear Ms. Prebble, I/we are happy to support The Academy of the Holy Cross and #EmpoweredGirls Campaign.

I/we agree to give/pledge $____________ in support of the Holy Cross mission and this campaign.  My/our full gift/first pledge payment of $ ____________ is enclosed (or should be charged to our card below).

 My/our pledge will be paid over a period of _____ year(s), beginning in ________________ of ___________. month

year

This pledge will be paid as follows:  Annually in _______________ month

 Semi-annually in _______________ and _______________ month

month

 Quarterly in ______________, ______________, ______________ and ______________ month

month

month

month

 I/we will pay via personal check. (The Academy will mail reminders.)  I/we wish to pay via automatic charges to my/our credit card: Credit Card:  VISA

 Mastercard

 Am. Ex.

 Discover

Card Number: ______________________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ____________________CVV Security Code: ____________ Name on Credit Card: ________________________________________________________________________ Billing Address associated with this card: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Future accreditation of my/our gift to this campaign should be given to: Donor Name: ______________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ (if different from above) Sincerely, ____________________________________ ___________________________________ Date: ____________ Signature(s) ____________________________________ ___________________________________ Please print name(s).

Please make checks payable to The Academy of the Holy Cross, and return this completed Letter of Intent to: #Empowered Girls | Holy Cross Institutional Advancement Office | 4920 Strathmore Avenue | Kensington, MD 20895