Setting the Stage for Creative Expression

SINCE THE FIRST JESUIT SCHOOL OPENED half a millennium ago, the Jesuits have understood that the arts play an important role in the enrichment of the human spirit and the development of creative thinkers with the potential to transform society in positive ways.

The Jesuits also believed that the arts provided a “special pathway to the human heart” and “could exert a vast influence, whether it be with respect to the growth and unfolding of human personality, or to the development of a civil society, or to the mutual union of [people]—–a union that paves the way to union with God.” (“Cultivating the Arts in the Society,” Society of Jesus, General Congregation 31, Decree 30)

Loyola Academy has carried this timehonored tradition of arts education into the 21st century with a comprehensive program of study in dance, music and theater. Grounded in the Jesuit mission of educating the whole person, this distinctive program has nurtured the nascent talents of generations of young performers; fostered the development of transferable skills such as leadership, collaboration and creative problemsolving; and provided opportunities for all students to develop an appreciation of the performing arts, regardless of their artistic aspirations or abilities.

Now—–with a multimillion-dollar leadership gift from Ellen S. and Peter G. Leemputte ’75—–we are poised to give Loyola’s Ramblers the facilities they need to grow as artists and as people through the performing arts.

A 21st-century center for the performing arts—–home to the 550- seat Leemputte Family Theater—–will transform the northeast corner of our campus with indoor and outdoor performance spaces that will support a vibrant performing arts program.

Art’s Transformational Impact

LOYOLA ACADEMY’S arts programming isn’t just about preparing young people for careers in the arts. Numerous studies show that exposure to the arts benefits all students and is linked to:

• Higher achievement in math and reading

• Enhanced critical-thinking and verbal skills

• Social-emotional growth

• Gains in self-confidence, empathy, insight and self-control

• Improved focus and concentration

• More fully developed teamwork and collaboration skills

•Forge healthy social bonds • Empathize with others • Demonstrate compassion and social tolerance • Reflect on the human condition • Stand up for people who are being mistreated • Work for social justice Students who participate in the arts are also more likely to:

An artist’s rendering of our future performing arts center, defined by a 600-foot curved-glass wall that will illuminate the interior of the performing arts center during the day and create a glowing focal point on the Loyola quadrangle at night. Designed to suggest rippling water or sound waves, the curved wall is not only symbolic of the organic, flowing nature of self-expression, but practical: creating a concave, covered staging area for outdoor performances and events.

The Leemputtes were among the earliest supporters of our Second Century Campaign Theater Initiative, which was launched in fiscal 2012–13 to generate support for the development of the final campus enhancement outlined our Strategic Vision for Loyola Academy in the 21st Century: a $25.7 million center for the performing arts.

In 2014, the Leemputtes made a generous major gift to kick off the Theater Initiative and inspire others to invest in state-of-the-art facilities to support our students’ creative endeavors in the performing arts. Last year, the Leemputtes made an additional gift to name the Leemputte Family Theater and bring our goal of breaking ground on a 28,000-square-foot performing arts center within reach.

The Leemputtes’ leadership gift reflects their shared belief that the benefits of a high-quality performing arts program extend far beyond the stage.

“Because the arts are key to educating the whole person—–and the small, outdated theater that has served Loyola’s Ramblers for decades cannot support a thriving 21st-century performing arts program—–Ellen and I have made it a personal priority to support the Second Century Campaign Theater Initiative,” explains Peter G. Leemputte ’75, a former member of Loyola’s Board of Trustees. “Participation in the performing arts teaches young people how to communicate effectively, work collaboratively and take command of a stage, which will serve them well throughout their lives.”

“The Leemputtes’ extraordinary generosity has brought us to a pivotal point in our $25.7 million fundraising initiative for a new performing arts facility,” says Vice President of Advancement Robert O. Miller. “With more than $20.6 million in gifts now in hand, Loyola’s leadership team and members of our Building and Grounds Committee are working closely with architects to finalize designs for the new performing arts center—–a place where Ramblers will soon be able to engage in creative expression and develop their God-given talents as they gain an appreciation of the performing arts.” 4

PROJECT SCOPE

STRATEGICALLY POSITIONED at the northeast corner of the Loyola Academy campus, our 28,000-square-foot performing arts center will be equipped with the following features to support students’ creative endeavors in dance, music and theater and increase every Rambler’s exposure to the performing arts:

• A spacious lobby and gallery space

• The Leemputte Family Theater, a 550-seat proscenium theater with a balcony and orchestra pit

• Offstage rehearsal and staging areas

• A fully equipped scene shop

• A green room • Makeup and dressing rooms

• A director’s office

• State-of-the-art lighting and production technologies •

A 600-foot curved glass wall overlooking an outdoor plaza that will function as an open-air performance stage and a gathering place for the Loyola community