Red & Gold Special Issue: Growing In Grace Campaign
We are excited to introduce "Growing in Grace," a transformative campaign that embodies our commitment to creating a caring and disciplined learning environment that nurtures minds and spirits, fosters social skills, and forms leaders of strong moral character and virtue We believe in the holistic development of our students, preparing them by enhancing academic excellence, embracing their identity in Christ, and strengthening social connections “Growing in Grace” will fully prepare students for a life of purpose and service, where “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve” is more than a motto. It is excellence in motion, enriching and elevating the communities in which our graduates live.
school leadership
TRANSFORM:
Deacon Dan Niemeier President
Father Droste Priest-Delegate
Darin Knight Principal
Melba WIlderman Assistant Principal
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
When I envision the future, five years from now, my oldest grandson will be entering these halls. I want him to walk into the very best version possible of Mater Dei. But, it’s not just about him and my other eight grandchildren who will follow him. It’s about every student who enters every classroom, chapel, band room, lab, and athletic facility at Mater Dei.
So, whether you ' re an alum, a family member, a friend, or someone who simply believes in our mission, you are part of this story, and you can help shape the future of those to come. That’s what drives me. That’s what drives this campaign.
As we grow, so do our responsibilities With enrollment on the rise and the landscape of secondary education changing, we must prepare for the future That’s why our “Growing in Grace” Campaign is rooted in three words: Transform Elevate Enrich And at the very center of it all is Mary, our patroness, whose guidance and protection we continue to seek and rely upon
We began with a simple question: What does Mater Dei need to thrive for generations to come? Through careful planning, our stakeholders identified $25 million in needs investments that will ensure Mater Dei continues to serve all students: the musician, the athlete, the scholar, the leader Our consultants encouraged us to start small, estimating we might raise $6 to $7 million But Mater Dei has never been a place that settles for small dreams Thanks to the generosity of our community and their belief in our mission, we ’ ve already received nearly $15 million in gifts and pledges
I invite you to be part of something that will transform lives, elevate our school, and enrich generations to come Together, let’s build the future of Mater Dei
In Christ, Through Our Blessed Mother,
Deacon Dan Niemeier President
CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN HISTORY HISTORY
$11.5 million split with Memorial High School
$6.75 million split with Memorial High School
Treasure the Tradition 1997
KEY FOCUS: ACADEMICS & FACILITIES
Main Updates:
Kempf Auditorium
Koch Science Facilities
Msgr. Wolf Chapel
Air conditioning
Continue the Tradition 2005
KEY FOCUS: NEW & UPDATED FACILITIES
Main Updates: Installed elevator Replaced original
gym floor
New boiler and heating systems Endowments
$5 million Mater Dei only
of Grace 2012
Goal
$17.5 million Mater Dei only
Growing in Grace 2025
KEY FOCUS: ATHLETICS
Main Updates:
Campus entrance enhancements
Rev. Nunning Media
Center update Boots/Baumann
Football Field
Auxiliary gym and wrestling room
Aichle Tennis Complex
MISSION: Empower Mater Dei High School to thrive for generations to come
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
WORK WORK LEARNING LEARNINGBASED BASED
Students visit USI's Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions.
Griese ‘25 stands with job shadowing mentor Zach Zirkelbach ‘04, Vice President of Finance for Ascension St Vincent Evansville
“The Job Shadowing program at Mater Dei has had a profound impact on my life It provided me with the unique opportunity to shadow experienced professionals in the field I plan to pursue. ”
Chase Griese ‘25
transform
GROWING IN GRACE
WHY IT MATTERS
Helps students gain real-world experience while meeting graduation requirements
Connects classroom learning to careers and college readiness
Is a flexible way for students to demonstrate they’re prepared for life after high school
DID YOU KNOW?
Over 50% of the Class of 2026 will gain realworld experience through a Work-Based Learning (WBL) Internship this year.
The new Graduation Pathways and diploma structure for the Class of 2029 encourages students to fulfill required "Employability Skills" through WBL experiences like internships, job shadowing, and apprenticeships.
(left) Mater Dei Students practice welding in their trades ex Technical Center (top right) The Amcor field trip was filled (b tt i ht) L l 181 Operating Engineers provided opp
BEN
Crystal Roberson, Data & Curriculum Coordinator
“Colleges are seeing students enter with credits already earned, which can be a great advantage, but it also means they’re being asked to make major academic and career decisions earlier than ever We want to give our high school students the tools, exposure, and experiences they need to make those decisions with confidence”
Hands-on experience
Career exploration
Skill development
Professional networking
Resume and college application boost
Increased engagement and motivation
Pathway to employment
WHAT’S NEXT?
1 We have hired a Work-Based Learning Coordinator.
2.We have created a dedicated space for collaboration called The HUB
3.We continue to expand partnerships with businesses and opportunities for students 25+ and growing
BAND BAND
SPACE SPACE
transform
GROWING IN GRACE
EXPANDED EXPANDED
THE FACTS
The program continues to grow in both size and excellence, yet the space the students currently use doesn’t reflect that growth and is less than ideal DAY
IN THE LIFE
Band activities are cramped, with students shoulder to shoulder, leaving little room for movement or proper sound distribution Students must carry heavy equipment up and down a narrow stairwell, fully disassembling and reassembling some instruments just to make the transition. Sound levels can reach volumes that are concerning for hearing safety
70+ high school members
120 feeder band members
Band room is housed on the original stage behind the main gym ’ s brick wall
Pit instruments stored in a trailer or small barn
Expensive instruments at risk of damage
No suitable indoor alternative during inclement weather
Architecture firm declared our band facility as one of the most unsuitable spaces they'd ever viewed for a band program in the state
2022 state champions
16 trips to state
See page 9 for rendering
“A new facility would provide the space and resources necessary to support the growth and success of our program, allowing students to fully develop their God-given talents Improved acoustics, storage, and rehearsal facilities would enhance our program leading to higher performance quality. It would create a safe and organized space where students can grow not only as musicians, but as faithful members of our community,”
perly equipped band space that , and musical excellence
tipurpose facility for additional space on campus
Allison Field, Band Director
GROWING IN GRACE
ATHLETIC ATHLETIC ADDITION ADDITION TRAINING TRAINING transform
Conceptual Images for Athletic Facility
THE VISION
An indoor turf facility ensures every student-athlete has the opportunity to train, grow, and compete at their best no matter the season. This investment reflects our commitment to providing the tools needed for success both on and off the field.
CHALLENGES
Outdoor practices are often canceled or cut short due to rain, heat, or freezing temperatures. Limited indoor space forces teams to share gyms, reducing practice quality and time. Overuse of outdoor fields accelerates wear-and-tear, requiring costly maintenance Student-athletes lack consistent off-season training opportunities
Sam Fleming, Athletic Director
"An indoor athletic facility would give our 38 teams more space and flexibility to practice and train As indoor facilities become increasingly common in Southern Indiana high school athletics, this one would help our student-athletes reach their full potential and prepare for success on and off the field"
THE SOLUTION
Build an activity center that will be split into dedicated spaces for band and athletic training.
BAND BENEFITS
Provides room for full ensembles, proper sound distribution, and eliminates the risks of cramped, improvised practice areas.
Accommodates a growing program, protects valuable instruments, and allows musicians to fully focus on learning and performance.
Serves as a multipurpose facility for gatherings, additional practice, and creative opportunities beyond the band program.
ATHLETIC BENEFITS
Provides year-round training regardless of weather conditions
Potential for batting cages and dedicated storage to keep training spaces efficient and organized
Gym space is freed up for a multitude of year-round activities, including practices, events, feeder programs, and extracurriculars
LEGEND
MORE MORE ACCESS ACCESS
GROWING IN GRACE
PARKING FACTS
With nearly 400 current spaces, our parking lots often exceed capacity during evenings filled with extracurricular activities, athletics, and performances resulting in people parking illegally, which also creates safety concerns
As more sophomores earn their drivers license throughout the year, the parking lot exceeds capacity. Additionally, as enrollment grows, we need more parking spaces
THE SOLUTIONS
The addition of nearly 100 new parking spaces in front of the school, above the existing teardrop drive will increase parking by 25%.
Cemetery Relocation: We plan to relocate the Civil War-era gravesites with dignity and reverence, ensuring they are respectfully reinterred in a more suitable final resting place at St. Joseph Cemetery, in accordance with Catholic tradition and diocesan guidelines.
6 LANE TRACK
Adding a track around the BootsBaumann Football Field was a visionary project from the Full of Grace campaign that took place in 2012. We are so excited to make this track a reality!
BENEFITS
nd keeps pportunities nd crosss s activities for tics
ROAD
safety oritize the , staff, and ct a new otball field to side of the hicles can mpus quickly k by reducing uipment us onality
BASEBALLFIELD
ACADEMIC ACADEMIC FOCUS FOCUS
To stay at the forefront of education and prepare students for an ever-evolving world, we ’ re making a bold investment to strengthen the core of our academic program
GROWING IN GRACE
ADDITION to front of school that includes a state of the art STEM classroom
RENOVATION of current science classrooms
UPGRADE classroom technology and furnishings
ENHANCE ability to hire and retain outstanding educators
GROW Advanced Placement (AP) program offerings
“The strength of any school lies in its teachers. If we want to give our students the best chance at success in the classroom and beyond, we have to invest in the people who lead them every day. This campaign allows us to attract and retain the kind of educators who challenge, support, and inspire students to reach their full potential. That’s not optional. It’s essential.”
Principal Darin Knight
2023-24 2024-25 2025-26
*We expect over 500 AP tests to be taken in the spring of 2026.
This growth in Advanced Placement courses reflects stronger student engagement in challenging, college credit coursework and a deeper commitment to academic rigor.
OUR BELIEF
Exceptional teaching is the foundation of student success
OUR COMMITMENTTO FACULTY & STAFF
EQUIP them with the tools, training, and support needed to lead innovative programs, inspire student achievement, and grow as leaders
EMPOWER them to bring new credentials and expertise to Advanced Placement and career pathway courses
FOSTER a collaborative, mission-driven environment where teachers feel even more valued, supported, and inspired
NEXT STEPS
1 Expand Professional Development: Provide ongoing learning aligned with curriculum innovation
2.Support New Course Implementation: Fund resources and training for AP and career-focused classes
3.Invest in Leadership & Culture: Enhance team-building and mission-driven leadership development opportunities to strengthen faculty and staff
BENEFITS
Stronger curriculum delivery
Expanded course offerings
Staff retention & recruitment
Leadership development
Thriving culture
GROWING IN GRACE
SECURITY SECURITY elevate
THE GOALS
THE FACTS
Proposed Front Entrance
Ensure a safe and secure environment for today’s students.
Upgrade the main entrance with a modern, proactive safety solution
THE SOLUTIONS
Build a secure vestibule and a single controlled entry point that physically separates visitors from the rest of the school Position staff at the point of entry. Verify each visitor’s purpose before granting access, ensuring thorough screening and accountability.
This layered approach will make our campus safer while maintaining a welcoming environment.
WHYA SECURE ENTRY MATTERS
Every parent, student, and staff member deserves the peace of mind that our school is a safe place to learn and grow A secure entry vestibule transforms our safety approach from reactive to proactive by:
Ensuring all traffic flows through one controlled entrance
Allowing staff to vet each visitor before they can access the building
Managing everyday visitor activity in the vestibule, keeping student areas secure
Poviding immediate oversight with a school resource officer nearby
THE IMPACT OFYOUR GIFT
By supporting this project, you are directly protecting our
BUILDING BUILDING UPGRADES UPGRADES
CAFETERIA FLOORING
Our cafeteria serves students for nearly five hours every day, plus countless after-school events, athletic team meals, and community gatherings
This is one of the most highly trafficked areas on campus meaning flooring is constantly put to the test.
THE SOLUTION
elevate GROWING IN GRACE
With updated, durable flooring, our cafeteria will be a safe, attractive, and functional gathering place for all who walk through our doors students, families, and the greater community
MAINTENANCE RESERVE COMMITMENT
Reserve $1 million of funds raised for future maintenance and/or emergency needs.
This mandate, guided by the Most Reverend Joseph M. Siegel, ensures:
Responsible stewardship
Long-term sustainability
Flexibility to meet emerging priorities for years to come
BOILER/CHILLER SYSTEMS & ROOFING
Thanks to early campaign gifts, these critical projects were completed in the summer of 2025 without interrupting school operations
THE FACTS
Our 25-year-old boiler and chiller systems caused inconsistent and unreliable heating and cooling throughout the building. System inefficiency and rising maintenance and energy costs made the old systems increasingly unsustainable. The roof of the main gym had surpassed its useful life, causing leaks in a space used daily for athletics, school-wide assemblies, and student events
THE BENEFITS
Cost savings
Campus-wide comfort
Protection of key spaces
GROWING GROWING FAITH FAITH
These efforts are grounded in our mission to meet students and staff where they are in their spiritual journeys, offering opportunities for prayer and reflection, meaningful worship as a community, and living out their faith through service and daily life.
GROWING IN GRACE
Through intentional programs, physical space enhancements, and access to life-changing experiences, we aim to make faith an even more active and integral part of daily life at Mater Dei.
THE GOAL
To nurture a vibrant, mission-driven faith community where students and staff can grow spiritually, serve others, and deepen their relationship with Christ both in and beyond the classroom.
BENEFITS
Deeper student faith formation
Living faith through action
Strengthened Catholic identity
Renewed sacred spaces
Ongoing support for staff & students
DID YOU KNOW?
Participation in faith-based retreats and conferences has a lasting impact on students’ spiritual lives, but costs can be a barrier for many families.
Our chapel, while sacred, is limited in size and function making it difficult to host larger liturgies, Bible studies, or quiet reflection
Students increasingly seek purposedriven experiences, and faith-based service provides a powerful outlet for leadership, empathy, and action.
Integrating faith across the curriculum and into academics through theology electives and outside courses strengthens both formation and understanding.
NEXT STEPS
Renovate the Chapel:
Create a more reverent, welcoming, and functional space for prayer, liturgy, and spiritual renewal
Increased Funding for Retreats & Conferences:
Provide additional funding and scholarships for more students to attend life-changing faith events
Launch School-Wide Faith Initiatives:
Establish an annual Day of Service and support more integrated, faith-filled learning opportunities
Fr Tyler Tenbarge leads Bible Study in the Prayer Garden
CHAPEL CHAPEL RENOVATIONS RENOVATIONS
GROWING IN GRACE
THE GOAL
To create a sacred, purpose-built space where students and staff can encounter Christ more deeply through prayer, worship, and quiet reflection
This chapel will support spiritual growth and reflect the heart of our Catholic mission
THE HISTORY
The space currently used as our chapel has a unique story. It began as the principal’s office, transitioned into a classroom, and eventually became a space for prayer. As our school’s faith life has evolved, the need for a more appropriate worship space has become increasingly clear.
PROPOSED RENOVATIONS
ENHANCE reverence
INCREASE seating capacity and space in the sanctuary
INTEGRATE new liturgical items such as an Altar, Ambo, Tabernacle, Presider, side chairs, and statues of Mary and Jesus
INCLUDE more Marian imagery and icons of feeder school patron saints
INSTALL new tile flooring and fixed pews
ADD a sacrarium for cleansing vessels
CREATE storage for sacred items
These pictures of the current Chapel show the need for creating an even more welcoming, reverent space
Proposed Chapel Renovation (Side View)
Chapel Renderings by Amanda Rohleder ‘15 & Kara Dewig ‘03
PROJECT PROJECT COSTS COSTS
WHY NOW?
In an ideal world, we’d be able to complete every project on our visionary list improving every corner of our campus exactly as we imagine it In today’s economic climate, costs add up quickly.
Rising material prices, labor shortages, and inflation have made even simple renovations more expensive than ever before. That’s why we ’ re reaching out to our community to help us prioritize wisely, act responsibly, and move forward with the projects that matter most.
With your support, we can build a stronger future for our students while being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us Every gift helps bring more of the vision to life
DID YOU KNOW?
Construction costs have jumped over 60% since the end of our last capital campaign
Concrete, steel, and other building materials are all significantly more expensive and harder to source.
Nationwide, schools and nonprofits have had to increase campaign goals by 25–40% just to meet original plans
$1m
$1.6m
Looking from our last campaign to now, $1 million in 2015 equals about $1 6 million in 2025 due to inflation (using the Turner Cost Index model)
TESTIMONIALS TESTIMONIALS
Reverend David Nunning, Honorary Co-Chair
I want to be a part of this campaign and help sustain the mission of Mater Dei To me, Mater Dei is planting seeds: aspiration of success, accomplishment, and faith along with the tools to achieve them: character, hard work, knowledge, and prayer I’ve committed my time and treasure because this campaign gives me hope for tomorrow The generation before us endowed the school with their very lives priests and nuns who began the mission. Now, our generation is called to sustain this noble mission with the gifts we can offer ”
Ira ‘72 & Terry ‘72 Boots, Honorary Co-Chairs
We are humbled and excited to be able to assist our Blessed Virgin Mary to educate and touch the lives of so many young men and women Our gift, along with the gifts of all who contribute to this campaign, will allow students at Mater Dei to excel above students of other schools spiritually, academically and in the many extra curricular activities offered at Mater Dei ”
Steve '65 & Rita '66 Moore, Co-chairs
“Rita and I were drawn to the ‘Growing in Grace’ campaign because of its focus on students’ personal, spiritual, and academic growth It builds on Mater Dei’s strong Catholic values while preparing students for both college and careers in the trades These updates will strengthen the school community, enhance safety and facilities, and benefit students for generations to come Mater Dei has given our family lifelong friendships and a deep sense of belonging something we hope every student experiences ”
Matt ‘91 & Kristen ‘91 Folz, Co-chairs
“We chose to support this campaign because it’s our turn to give back to the school and community that gave us so much Mater Dei has played a meaningful role in our lives, and we want to ensure it remains strong for future generations Catholic education is more important than ever, and we believe Mater Dei can continue to change lives by sharing our faith with students and families ”
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP
HONORARY CO-CHAIRS:
Father David Nunning
Ira ‘72 and Terry ’72 Boots
CO-CHAIRS:
Matt ‘91 and Kristen ‘91 Folz
Steve ‘65 and Rita ‘66 Moore
DIRECTORS:
Deacon Dan Niemeier ‘80, President
Mallory Hertel ‘07, Director Advancement
ADVISORS:
Alan Braun ‘62
Dr. Tad Dickel
Rita Eykamp ‘55
Butch Feulner ’66
Andy Goebel ‘65
Ed Knapp Sr ‘59
Bob Koch ‘56
COMMITTEE:
Judy Blankenberger
Theo Boots
Cherie Burgdorf ‘75
Audrie Burkett ’07
Father Christopher Droste ‘98
Dan Hoefling ’78
Marcia Jochem 9
“Mater Dei helped shape who I am today through its education, values, and friendships. Supporting its growth is my way of giving back and ensuring future students, including my own kids, have the same opportunities to thrive.”
- Kendal Schmidt ‘08, Campaign Cabinet Member
LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP
CABINET:
Jay '93 and Sarah '93 Adams
Kim and Gary '76 Alles
Chip '03 and Megan '03 Altstadt
Terry ‘80 and Jean ’81 Alvey
Jeff ‘01 and Melissa Anslinger
Jim & Amy Back
Tony ‘91 and Jill Bacon
Dan and Andrea '96 Baumann
Pat and Beth Blankenberger
Jeff Bone '92
Fr Ray Brenner
Jason and Stephanie Buchanan
Robb J. Bumb '82
Wayne C. ‘70 and Diane ’71 Emge
Peter '97 and Jodi Fehrenbacher
Bob '71 and Mary Kay '71
Fehrenbacher
Allison Field
Samuel Fleming '09
Eric '92 and Jennifer '93 Folz
Monie Freeman '70
Nolan ‘14 and Sabrina Goebel
Katie '04 and Jason Gretler
Lauren '07 and Reid '08 Grossman
Jeff Happe ‘84
Erin Donovan Helfrich '87
Jeff Henning and Tricia Hollander
Henning '86
Jeremy '98 and Jennifer Herrmann
Brian '92 and Heather '92 Hertel
Karen '75 and Keith Hinderliter
Matt Kiefer '02
Austin '12 and MaKayla Knapp
Tiffany Knapp '91
Julia and Bill Kunkler
JoAnn Laugel '66
Todd '88 and Kelly Lehman
Kati ‘01 and Craig Love
Jake ‘94 and Kerry Martin
Sr Jane Michele McClure, OSB '67
Mike and Julie McGrew
Andy '06 and Elyse '06 Niemeier
Brad '08 and Katie '08 Niemeier
Craig '10 and Abby Niemeier
Madonna Niemeier '65
Becky ‘91 and Todd ’85 Rexing
David Richey
Peyton ‘13 and Joe ‘13 Ritter
Tori '09 and Bryan Ruder
Natalie '98 and Bert Sandefur
Hallie '04 and Ryan '98 Scheu
Adam '99 and Jamie '98 Schiff
Jake Schiff '02
Kendal Schmidt '08
Catherine Schneider '14
Jim '95 and Amy '96 Schroeder
Janice ‘64 and Larry Schuble
Jill and Phil Seiler
Beau '93 and Sharon Shumate
Kiersten '94 and Phil '91 Stolz
Wes Tenbarge '10
Ross and Jennifer '93 Vaughn
Toni Fritschle - Wallace
Mike ‘92 and Lisa Weber
Jamie L Wicks '87
Father Lowell Will
Jim ‘76 and Karen Will
Jeff and Laurie Wilmes
Wes and Jodi '86 Wilmes
Roseann and Gregg Wilson
Todd '02 and Amber '02 Zimmer
YOUR SUPPORT. YOUR SUPPORT. OUR FUTURE. OUR FUTURE.
Mater Dei High School has always been more than a school It's a community rooted in faith, tradition, and excellence. As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in shaping the next generation of Wildcats through our “Growing in Grace Campaign.” Your generosity will directly impact the lives of our students by helping us:
Transform classrooms and facilities into inspiring spaces for learning and growth
Elevate every student’s journey with enriched academics, athletics, and arts programs
Enrich student lives by fostering faith, character, and a vibrant school community
WAYS TO SUPPORT
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
Please consider a gift or pledge that reflects your belief in our mission
All contributions regardless of size make a meaningful difference
PRAYER
Continue to keep our students, faculty, and leadership in your prayers, and pray for the success of our Growing in Grace Campaign
PLANNED GIVING & NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
Leave a lasting legacy through planned giving or explore opportunities to name a space on campus in honor of your family or a loved one
To learn more, make a gift, or speak with our campaign leadership, visit materdeiwildcatscom or scan the QR code
NAMING NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
If interested in a naming opportunity, contact Mallory Hertel: mhertel@evdio.org or 812-421-5727
