3 minute read
Gratitude
PHOTOS BY DEBBIE HIGGINS
At top: Boots and Bow Ties guests bid during the live auction.
Above: 2021 Tradition Golf players (from left) Rob Garwitz ’05, Jack Morris ’15, David Weber ’06, and Tom Weber
Opposite page at top: Architect’s rendering of a renovated classroom.
Gaining Momentum
SUPPORT FOR SPARTAN FUND REACHES RECORD LEVELS
The De Smet Jesuit community rallied to give at unprecedented levels during the 2021–2022 Spartan Fund campaign. The generosity of alumni, parents, and friends set new records and helped the advancement team raise $3.2 million by the conclusion of the fiscal year on June 30.
Some of the highlights included:
BOOTS AND BOW TIES AUCTION
De Smet Jesuit’s Boots and Bow Ties auction on March 5 set two new records — drawing more than 600 guests and raising $836,000 for students. Co-Chairs Marjorie Huggins and Suzy Sindelar, along with their tireless committee of volunteers, made the evening the social event of the year as attendees were thrilled to celebrate in person for the first time in two years.
SOLD OUT TRADITION GOLF TOURNAMENT
More than 200 alumni, current parents, and friends supported the 2021 Tradition Golf Tournament as players, sponsors, volunteers, and donors of silent auction items. In total, the sellout Tradition raised $72,220.
GIVING TUESDAY
An anonymous $100K giving challenge inspired Pat and Leo Saenger (parents of Chuck ’92 and Susan) to offer a second $100K challenge if the community could raise $200K by Giving Tuesday on November 30. That was all the motivation alumni, parents, and friends needed to cross the finish line with more than $511,800 from 962 donors raised for the Spartan Fund by day’s end.
Major Gift, Major Impact
RENOVATED CLASSROOM FEATURES
CLASSROOM RENOVATION PROJECT UNDERWAY
In the fall of 2021, De Smet Jesuit received a $1 million gift from the estate of Greg Pohlman ’78 (pictured at left) that became the catalyst for a classroom renovation project. Construction is underway to upgrade technology, flooring, and furniture in classrooms on the first floor. “We are beginning with theology classrooms so that these renovations will have an immediate impact on every student,” said Principal Kevin Poelker ’98. Following the news of Greg Pohlman’s passing on February 21, 2021, he was aptly described as “a truly extraordinary gentleman.” Mr. Pohlman was the kind of supporter every school needs, someone who always said “yes” when asked to support school priorities. “Greg epitomized what we hope each of our graduates will become,” said Steve Burr, De Smet’s CFO. “He was a man for others who set an example through selfless action.” Mr. Pohlman also gave of his time in numerous capacities, balancing his work as CEO of The Pohlman CPA Group, LLC, with two stints on De Smet’s Board of Trustees. At the time of his passing, he held the role of Board Chair.
A 1978 Man of the Year and member of De Smet Jesuit’s Hall of Fame, Mr. Pohlman received the Pierre-Jean De Smet S.J. Outstanding Service Award from the Board of Trustees as well as the Fr. Pierre De Smet S.J. Statue, for exemplary generosity, in 2019. “There is no significant aspect of my life — personal or professional — that De Smet Jesuit has not influenced to make me a better person,” he once shared when asked why he chose to give back to his alma mater. He believed his support of De Smet made a significant difference in the lives of students and their families. “My investment in De Smet Jesuit pays dividends — dividends that help build God’s kingdom. I can think of no better investment.”
The first-floor classroom renovation project is just the beginning. The 2022–2023 Spartan Fund Campaign, which raises funds to provide the total De Smet experience for every student, has an ambitious fundraising goal of $3.2 million. Your continued generosity will make possible further enhancements to De Smet Jesuit’s programs and facilities. n Lightweight, mobile
collaboration tables with multiple configurations
n Flexible teaching station n Touch-enabled projectors n New, larger white boards n Whole room
teleconferencing suite
n Wireless content sharing
