Forward, Always Forward A Campaign for Benedictine Military School
summer
2021
FINISHING STRONG The Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign has surpassed $18 million and nears the finish line.
“W
e are rounding the final turn and it is going to be a sprint for the finish line. Our goal is to raise the final $3 million by the end of 2021 and to celebrate the closure of this visionary campaign,” says Headmaster Father Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B. “It is incredible to see how the generosity of the Benedictine family has transformed our school. Our academic facilities, curriculum, technology, athletic fields, scholarships, and endowment have all been greatly enhanced during the campaign.
Some of the major improvements include the complete renovation of our ‘B’ Wing classrooms in Brent Hall; the 19,000 sq. ft. construction of our Brown STEM wing; the installation of the synthetic turf sports field named in honor of our own Father Albert Bickerstaff; and the creation of the new Class of 1976 Athletic Plaza which contains a concession stand, washroom facilities, and athletic commons area. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our parents, alumni, and many friends who believe in the mission of Benedictine Military School. These positive changes are creating a better version of Benedictine for the current and future Cadets and families we serve.” Over one thousand members of the Benedictine family have generously contributed $18 million to the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign. This comprehensive endeavor has been the most significant fundraising campaign in the history of the school. It has been built on a strong, conservative foundation of financial stability adding no long-term debt to the school. Father Frank explains that planning is underway for the final project of the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign- parking, security, and campus entrance. “Our efforts are now focused on this conclusive, but incredibly important development which will serve many purposes, most significantly the expansion of our parking spaces from 210 to 431. A handsome new fence with brick columns and black railing will refine the entrance which has not changed much since the Seawright Drive campus originally opened in the fall of 1963. This plan will also greatly enhance the campus’ security, its environmental endowment and curb appeal. Beyond a doubt, this is a mammoth project. That said, we see it as critical to the safety of our Cadets, the enhanced aesthetics of the campus and the much-needed parking expansion. It is a critical first step in the planning of a future stadium complex,” he says.
The Academic Building is undergoing some remarkable improvements over the summer. Each of the classrooms in the former “C” Wing and the remaining classrooms in “A” Wing will be completely updated with new energy efficient LED lighting, marmoleum flooring, fresh paint, new desks, and furniture. Each classroom will be equipped with a new touch screen white board television. Our JROTC classrooms, History classrooms, Robotics lab, Physics Lab, Art Lab, and Film room will look like new again. Even the restrooms in the Academic Well will finally receive a much-needed face-lift. This complete remodel will feature a new layout with updated fixtures, paint, and flooring. Perhaps the most important impact of the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign is the fact that it has galvanized the Benedictine community. “Parents, alumni, Board members, faculty, friends, and businesses have all come together to drive the school forward. Their significant investments demonstrate their love, passion, and belief for Benedictine. Our alumni and parents can walk around campus and see the transformation for themselves. The board set out with a vision for the future of Benedictine and we are watching it come to fruition right before our eyes. These much need improvements will have a direct impact of the lives of our current and future students for generations. We are so fortunate that so many people believe in the values that are taught here at Benedictine. Without their trust and support, this would not be possible,” says Father Frank.
Campaign Progress
LETTER FROM THE HEADMASTER Dear Friends of BC, Thanks to you, the BC of today has expanded considerably since the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign began several years ago. Thanks to you, the quality and offerings of our academic and athletic facilities have greatly expanded which has continued to result in high acceptances of our Cadets to our country’s leading universities and military academies. With the summer, the remaining classrooms of the former ‘A’ and ‘C’ Wings will be renovated and readied for the Fall semester. We are grateful beyond words for the overwhelming support and belief from our BC community. We are now preparing for the final project of this current capital campaign. Our fundraising efforts are laser-focused on the construction of our parking lot. This project will serve a number of purposes, most significantly the expansion of our parking, greatly enhanced campus security, and significant curb appeal. We see this final project as critical to the safety of our Cadets, the enhanced aesthetics of the campus and the much-needed parking expansion. It is a critical first step in the planning of a future on-campus stadium complex. As you review this campaign update, my hope and prayers are that you will consider supporting this critical project that will allow Benedictine to better provide the education that will enhance the future of our graduates and provide them with the means to better serve God’s creation through their service to our country and community. Thank you for all that you have done for BC. Sincerely,
Fr. Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B.
2 Forward, Always Forward A Campaign for Benedictine
• 34 new members of the 1902 Heritage Society (Planned Giving) • Created 10 new endowed scholarships • Renovated the last remaining classrooms within the academic building and the restrooms in the Academic Well. (100% funded. Coming Summer 2021) • Built a new Athletic Plaza featuring a concession stand, restrooms, a named brick plaza, athletic courtyard, and new landscaping. (completed 2020) • Constructed Savannah’s largest NCAA regulation-size synthetic-turf athletic field for soccer, lacrosse, and football. Added 1,600 new bleacher seats on the east side of the field. • Rebuilt, expanded, and lit the Ricky McAllaster Lacrosse Field to a regulation size. (2019) • Lit the Brian Parker '10 Baseball Field. (2019) • The original Biology and Chemistry Laboratories were updated into four brand new classrooms (2018) • Phase II of the Brown STEM Wing was completed (2018) • The roofs on the academic building and cafeteria were replaced (2017) • Phase I of the 19,000 square foot Brown STEM Wing was completed (2017) • Georgia Power installed all new hi-voltage power lines throughout campus to support our new energy efficient infrastructure (2015) • The athletic field was lit with energy efficient stadium lights (2015) • BC leased seven acres of unused land to HealthSouth, which will generate revenue for our endowment to support student financial aid (2015) • B-Wing was completely renovated with modern classrooms and renamed Brent Hall in honor of Mr. & Mrs. John Brent '59 (2014) • The baseball field was updated with a new infield, warning track, brick backstop, paving and bleachers (2014) • The Barlow Learning Center and resource program was created to serve young men with specific learning needs (2014) • BC launched a new music program with a national partnership (2014)
$21 Million
Working Campaign Goal $18.0 Million June 2021 $17.2 Million January 2021 $14.1 Million January 2020
$12 million
$12.5 Million March 2019
Original Campaign Goal
$8.5 Million October 2017 $4.9 Million September 2015 $2.3 Million December 2013 As of March 2019, the campaign has exceeded the original goal, and the campaign was expanded. As of June 2021, the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign had received $18 million in gifts and commitments.
Profiles DONOR
Patrick '82 and Lisa White III
A Father’s Legacy: How a father’s love for Benedictine will impact generations of Cadets. Benedictine Military School received a $1 million gift from Mr. Patrick White, BC Class of 1982, to the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign in Sept. 2020.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THIS TRANSFORMATIVE GIFT TO BENEDICTINE?
“My father (John Patrick “Jack” White, Jr.) graduated from BC in 1940. He was always a big supporter of BC. We all grew up Catholic. We all went to St. James and BC and St. Vincent’s. I had the opportunity. I went to work with him and made a lot of money. I sold that business and then built another business, and I made more money. I always talked about trying to do something if I had the money to do it. The first thing I thought about was doing something to honor him because, if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am. I went to work for him when I got out of high school and I stayed with him. I did it for 30 years until I sold the business. When anyone asks me and I tell them Pat White '82 with his two sisters, about my success, I give all the credit to him because if it were not for him believing in me and putting me to work … everybody’s path is Margaret Sharpley and Patti Autry. different. I guess this is a way for me to give back to him and my Dad loved BC. Growing up, he would take us to the football games every Friday night. We never missed one. It is all about working hard. That is what my Dad did all his life. That rubbed off on me and enabled me to be successful. I guess if I would have had a slacker or nobody to follow, there is no telling where I’d be today.”
HOW DOES YOUR FATHER CONTINUE TO INSPIRE YOU?
“He was in the Battle of the Bulge. He fought in a lot of battles. He has a helmet from the war and there is a bullet that went right through the top of his helmet. It skinned the top of his head. The soldier next to him got killed in that battle and the bullet that probably would have taken him out is a visible reminder to us of what he sacrificed, what he could have sacrificed, which is his life. He was commissioned as a first lieutenant when he came out. He did not talk a lot about it, even if you asked him. It must have been tough at that age, right out of high school, and you go straight into a battle like that. He got frostbite, and all his toes were pretty much done. He battled that all the years after, which was just a bad reminder of how bad the conditions were.”
WHY IS BENEDICTINE SPECIAL TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY?
“You hear it all the time. BC is a brotherhood. It is funny, when I left St. James, I thought ‘I don’t want to go to an all-boys school.’ And then when I first got there, that freshman year, I would not change it for anything. Everybody got along so well, and you still have friends to this day. A brotherhood. I know you hear that a lot, but it is true. It’s a family.”
Mario '79 and Deannie De La Guardia, Jr. Mario, BC Class of 1979, and his wife Deannie, made two significant gifts to the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign — $250,000 to name the Chemistry Laboratory in the Brown STEM Wing in honor of his father, Mario De LaGuardia, Sr and a $1 million gift to the new turf field named in honor of Father Albert Bickerstaff, O.S.B.
WHAT DOES BENEDICTINE MEAN TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY?
“We’re immigrants to the U.S. We came from Cuba. Savannah adopted us as part of their family. We are so thankful. My parents left with nothing; literally, the clothes on their back and $50. In '62 they left and (Fidel) Castro confiscated everything and every possession, nationalized all of the businesses, including the business my dad was working at. What he brought to this country was an education from Georgia Tech (engineering degree in 1949). He believed a lot in education. We were fortunate that Benedictine and St. James were a path that we took, my sister, myself, my brother, and we got a great education. Without that you’re really not able to maximize the potential you have in this world. We appreciate the fact that we were adopted by this country, immigrants that were able to be a part of this American dream, that we were able to find a great group of religious Benedictine monks who were able to put discipline in me.”
AS A BUSINESSMAN, WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM BENEDICTINE?
“You really establish long-term friendships there and you get put on the right path. You understand what right and wrong is, and you understand the importance of sacrifice and the persistency and dedication you have to have to reach your goals. It’s not ever going to be easy. It’s not every going to be handed to you. You’ve got to fight for everything that you want and believe in but you’ve got to be fair about it. You’ve got to be reputable. You’ve got to respect other people. You can’t step on other people to get to the top. That’s not the way to do it. That’s the philosophy that Benedictine gives you. You’ve got to care for other people and you’ve got to put other people first.”
FR. ALBERT HAD A BIG IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? HOW DID HE SHAPE YOU?
“Fr. Albert (Bickerstaff, O.S.B.) was a great example of how to live your life, how to be fair to other people. He was levelheaded. He got the job done and he made sure you reached your goals. That’s one of the reasons I believe everyone in our class believed in Fr. Albert and everything he stood for. People maybe regret when they burn a bridge. I, in my life, have tried not to burn bridges. Even if you have disputes and disagreements, try to leave it in a positive situation that you just can’t agree to agree. You agree to disagree. But don’t leave it where you’re enemies. I think Fr. Albert showed that in his simple way of treating people. He never left an impression that you couldn’t go back to him. You could always go back to Fr. Albert and tell him why you felt a certain way and he would listen. You’ve got to be able to put yourself in other peoples’ shoes and understand where they’re coming from, even though you don’t agree with it you’ve got to at least understand they’re coming from a different way of looking at things. I believe BC helped to at least put that in perspective.”
Will Dorminy Will Dorminy, the Managing Partner of Southern Eagle Distributing, made a $1,000,000 gift to Benedictine to support the athletic priorities of the campaign and to construct Father Albert Field.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THIS TRANSFORMATIVE GIFT TO BENEDICTINE?
Mario De La Guardia '79 (left) and Will Dorminy (right) with Fr. Frank (center) at the groundbreaking of Father Albert Field.
“Over the years, I have found that a good base underneath you during your formative years, that really came from a foundation of education, athletics, coaching, teaching, really serves young people and helps to develop them into future leaders in every community. It seemed to me that a lot of those ideologies are encapsulated within Benedictine. One of the first real positive business leaders that I dealt with was a graduate of Benedictine, back in Fitzgerald, Ga. Then, once I relocated to Savannah, I began to see and admire many business leaders throughout the community, and it seemed like many of those people came from Benedictine. It seemed to be a recurring pattern over and over and over in my life and I wanted to somehow show my respect and admiration for the school and its institutions, not to mention for the people who have helped me along the way.” “I went to (The) McCallie (School) in Chattanooga, (Tenn.), which was an all-male school that had many of the same foundational principles. My father graduated from there as well and I thought that it was a good place for boys to develop into leaders. You pair that with my firm belief that athletics lay a fantastic foundation for kids because it provides a place to learn teamwork as well as roles, develop charisma as well as fellowship, hard work as well as good times, and so I think that drew me into the culture and mystique of Benedictine. That’s why I’ve always admired it so much.”
AS A BUSINESSMAN AND ENTREPRENEUR, WHAT CHARACTER TRAITS DO YOU VALUE?
"I try to hire as many Benedictine graduates as I can. And there are so many out around Savannah and the surrounding areas that are in business. It seems to me that there are certain schools that produce professionals and then there are certain schools that produce entrepreneurs and leaders. And I went to a school that tends to produce entrepreneurs and leaders. There are many schools out there that produce professionals. Not that one is better than the other but if you really look at the foundational principles of the schools, they are generally different. The schools that produce entrepreneurs and leaders are disciplined, tend to have much more aggressive and thorough sports teams, teach their students to give back to communities, be good members of the community, and have an appreciation and thankfulness for the opportunities that they have. And it seems to me that the ones that produce professionals are not as disciplined, have less drive and desire within their extracurricular activities. I see that and I look at the schools around and that is generally what I see. We have grown the company and operate in many different cities and I see the need for schools like Benedictine to continue to thrive and prosper in a time when it kind of seems like a lot of things are going in a different direction.”
Forward, Always Forward A Campaign for Benedictine
3
GENEROUS DONORS
Advancing the Mission with Naming-Level Gifts Benedictine would like to recognize the parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and friends, who have contributed to the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign. These families have helped transform Benedictine through their kindness and generosity. Each of these families have made a significant investment in the future of Benedictine Military School. Their partnership demonstrates their belief in the current vision for the school and their commitment as they stand with Benedictine to ensure a strong future for the school.
Ed '66 and Jan Brown
The following are a selection from the many gifts that have been designated to the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign. We are grateful for these contributions and all of the donors who have invested in the values of Benedictine.
Jason and Lori Barlow, P '18, '20, '21
Jason and Lori Barlow, parents of Walker '18, Luke '20, and Ben '21 made two significant contributions to Forward, Always Forward. Through their thoughtful guidance and leadership, the Barlow Learning Center was created to support and enhance the academic success of Cadets with diagnosed and documented learning differences. They also made a sizable gift to help build Father Albert Field and Jason even volunteered his time to help serve on the leadership committee for the project.
Ed '66 and Jan Brown* BC Class of 1976
Ed, and his wife, Jan, have committed generous gifts in addition to their previous contribution which named the Brown STEM Wing in honor of his father, Mr. Edward J. Brown, Jr. '33. They also created two endowed scholarships. The Brown Family Scholarship is awarded annually to a student in need of financial aid and the Brown Math Award is presented to a rising senior with the highest GPA in the highest-level mathematics course.
BC Class of 1976
The members of the BC Class of 1976 came together and cumulatively made a leadership level gift to the campaign. They chose to name the new Athletic Plaza in honor of their classmates and the BC Class of 1976. They have been making history since they were Cadets. With 123 graduates, they are still the largest class to matriculate from BC and now they are the first class to collectively support Forward, Always Forward. Now, they have challenged other classes to Come Fall in Line for ‘Ol BC! Greg '91, Jim, Mary Anne, Chris '89, and David '95
Catholic Diocese of Savannah
The Catholic Diocese of Savannah has long been a supportive partner of the Benedictine mission here in Savannah. Since 1874, when the first Benedictine monks came to Savannah at the request of Bishop William Gross, the Diocese and the Benedictines have served together in our community. Their substantial investment in the campaign signifies their commitment to the future of Benedictine.
The Chatham Foundation
Marty '86 and Coleen Hogan, P '19, '24
The trustees of the Chatham Foundation made a significant gift to Forward, Always Forward to create an endowed scholarship fund to honor the legacy of their long-time friend and colleague Odilo Blanco '55. Mr. Blanco was an executive for Savannah Foods as well as a founding member of the first Advisory Board at Benedictine, and a cherished member of the BC Class of 1955. He and his wife, Anne Sheehan Blanco, had two sons graduate from BC- Joseph '88 and Tim '95.
The Colonial Foundation
Benedictine has received an additional generous gift from the trustees of the Colonial Foundation. This second substantial contribution expresses their commitment and firm belief in the mission and vision of Benedictine Military School. Houstoun Demere III '98 is the Vice President of Business Development and also serves as a member of the Benedictine Board of Directors.
The Colonial Foundation
4 Forward, Always Forward A Campaign for Benedictine
Bobby Chu '69*
As a former member of Benedictine’s Board of Directors and a leader in our community, Bobby Chu has been a loyal supporter of Benedictine and Catholic education. Bobby made a major commitment to the campaign to help construct the Brown STEM Wing. His gift will name one of the new mathematics classrooms in honor of his family.
John '86 and Avis Coleman, P '17, '19, '20
John Coleman '86, and his wife, Avis, parents of Jack '17, Aidan '19, and Brendan '20 have made significant contributions to Forward, Always Forward. They made several unrestricted gifts to the campaign and provided the temporary portable classrooms which served as our home for mathematics while the Brown STEM Wing was being constructed. They also took a leadership role in the creation of our new Lacrosse Locker Rooms at the Ricky McAllaster Lacrosse Field. John is a former member of the Board of Directors at Benedictine.
Lieutenant General Jack N. McLaughlin '36*
GEN Jack McLaughlin '36 was a highly decorated officer with 33 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. He was a participant of wars in the Pacific, Korea and Vietnam and served as the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. GEN McLaughlin remembered Benedictine in his estate plans and was a member of the 1902 Heritage Society. His gift will impact thousands of Cadets for decades and his legacy will be remembered at Benedictine.
Fred and Dinah Gretsch, P '84, '86
Fred and Dinah Gretsch, parents of Greg '84 and Daniel '86, committed a significant gift to the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign. Passionate about music and Catholic education, Fred and Dinah made a gift to greatly expand our music program at Benedictine which has resulted in many more classes and more Cadets developing a love for music.
Kay Stephens Halligan, P '93, GP '20, '25, '25 Kay Stephens Halligan is the parent of Kevin '93. She contributed a substantial gift to Forward, Always Forward to fulfill the legacy of her father John W. Stephens, Jr. '40. She chose to name the new Lecture Hall inside the Brown STEM Wing in his honor as Mr. Stephens was a mentor, leader, and loyal supporter of Benedictine for decades.
Marty '86 and Coleen Hogan, P '19, '24
Marty '86, and his wife, Coleen, parents of Colin '19 and Liam '24, have made a significant contribution to the campaign. In addition, Marty is a member of the Benedictine Board of Directors and served as the Chairman of the “Field of Dreams” committee which raised money for the athletic priorities of Forward, Always Forward. Marty’s passion, excitement and love for Benedictine is inspiring and sparked the involvement of many families in the campaign.
Tom '61 and Jerrie James, P '84, '88
Tom '61, and his wife, Jerrie, parents of Tom '84 and Len '88, made a substantial gift to Benedictine. Their gift was used to help fund the construction of Phase I of the Brown STEM Wing which was the first and top priority of the campaign. In accepting this gift, Headmaster Father Frank Ziemkiewicz said, “Countless Cadets will benefit from the generosity of the James family. They have been dear friends who have loyally supported Benedictine Military School for decades.”
J.C. Lewis Foundation
Benedictine is grateful to the trustees of the J.C. Lewis Foundation for their considerable commitment to the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign. Their gift is one of great encouragement because it echoes their strong support of the values of character, spirituality, purpose, and brotherhood which are hallmarks of a Benedictine education.
Making Naming-Level Contributions to the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign Dr. Jim and Mary Anne Miller, P '89, '91, '95
Jim and Mary Ann Miller, parents of Chris '89, Greg '91, and David '95 made a major gift to the campaign in honor of Mary Ann’s father, Lt. Commander Daniel J. McCarthy who chose to name the new Technology Laboratory in the Brown STEM Wing in honor of McCarthy, a decorated surgeon who gave his life in service of our country in World War II in the battle of Iwo Jima. Jim is a former member of the Board of Directors at Benedictine.
Gifts of $2,000,000+
Gifts of $50,000 - $99,999
Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Brown III '66
Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Andrew C. Ambos '87
Gifts of $1,000,000$1,999,999
Mr. & Mrs. Harold C. Ambos '85 Benedictine Athletic Association
Anonymous
Mr. William L. Boyden
Estate of Mr. & Mrs. John A. Brent '59
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Carbo '76
Benedictine has received several generous gifts from Joe '78
Estate of Mr. & Mrs. Leo M. Coleman '49
Mr. & Mrs. Walter C. Corish, Jr. '61
honor of Joe’s father, Clayton Moore '47, which will provide
Colonial Foundation, Inc.
a substantial gift to the help construct the 19,000 square foot Brown STEM Wing. Joe has also made many in-kind donations from his company, Precision Cutting Services, which have helped transform our Baseball field and Athletic Plaza.
Mr. & Mrs. Mario M. De La Guardia III '79
Dr. & Mrs. James A. Daly III '74
Mr. William J. Dorminy, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Mario J. De la Guardia, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. J. Patrick White III '82
Mr. & Mrs. Julius Edel
Joe '78 and Tina Moore
Walter '71 and Cindy Murphy*
Walter '71, and his wife, Cindy, have made significant contributions to the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign. Walter, a former member of the Board of Directors at Benedictine, was the chairman of the first phase of the campaign. He and the members of the steering committee led us though our Feasibility Study, the public launch of the campaign, and the completion of the Brown STEM Wing. Walter and Cindy made generous gift to the Brown STEM Wing and joined the 1902 Heritage Society by remembering Benedictine in their estate plans.
Gifts of $500,000- $999,999 St. Vincent Archabbey
honors the legacy of the Murrin family and now provides need-based financial aid to qualified Cadets in perpetuity.
Pat '83 and Cathy Parker, P '10*
Gifts of $250,000- $499,999 Estate of Mr. & Mrs. Donald G. Arpin
Ms. Kay Halligan
Ricky McAllaster Foundation, Inc.
Estate of James E. Murrin '41
Dr. Frank Scarbrough
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick W. Parker '83
Dr. Lucy Scarbrough
Parker '10 Field just in time for the Cadets to win the 2014 Baseball State Championship, the second this decade. Pat and Cathy have continued to support the school with several other generous gifts and Pat currently serves on the Board of Directors at Benedictine.
BC Class of 1976
Mark and Kim Smith
Mark and Kim Smith, parents of Benedictine graduate Gowan '20, made major contributions to the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign. the formation of our academic priorities, including the Brown vision and the time they invested (Kim served as our PTO President) made a huge impact on our Cadets.
Mary Lane Morrison Foundation
Mr. John A. Pratt '48
Gifts of $100,000- $249,999
Dr. Rizza was a 1946 graduate of Benedictine. He earned degrees from Armstrong College, Emory University, and the Medical College of Georgia. A veteran, he served in the US Army working at the 44th MASH Hospital in Korea. He then went into private practice in New Orleans as a pediatric surgeon. He remained a loyal supporter of Benedictine and became very involved with the school when he retired to Savannah. Dr. Rizza’s legacy continues to live on through the lives of thousands of Cadets as he remembered the school in his estate plans and joined the 1902 Heritage Society.
Mr. & Mrs. Martin S. Hogan '86
Mr. & Mrs. J. Robert Myrick, Jr. '99
Pat '83 and his wife, Cathy, parents of Brian '10, have been instrumental in the positive improvements to Benedictine through the campaign. Pat and Cathy made a leadership gift to the Benedictine Baseball program in memory of their son
Dr. Frank Rizza '46*
Mr. & Mrs. Richard M. Geriner Jr. '86 Hendrick Automotive Group
James '41 and Virginia Murrin*
Jim '41 and his wife Virginia are members of Benedictine’s 1902 Heritage Society by remembering the school in their estate plans. In their will, Jim and Virginia established a scholarship in honor of Jim’s father, James Murrin '14, and
Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Jason Barlow
Catholic Diocese of Savannah
Mr. Robert M. Chu '69 Mr. & Mrs. John M. Coleman, Sr. '86 Estate of Gen & Mrs. John N. McLaughlin '36 Mr. & Mrs. Fred Gretsch
J. C. Lewis Foundation, Inc. Dr. & Mrs. James W. Miller Mr. & Mrs. Joseph P. Moore '78 Mr. & Mrs. Walter J. Muller III '75 Mr. & Mrs. Walter B. Murphy III '71 Estate of Dr. Frank A. Rizza '46 Mr. & Mrs. Mark V. Smith
* Member of the 1902 Heritage Society Forward, Always Forward A Campaign for Benedictine
5
Summary of Priorities Ensure Academic Excellence •
Construct a new ten classroom academic wing to provide a collegiate style learning environment for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). (Complete).
•
Renovate our existing classrooms to create state-of-the-art learning centers with upgraded workstations, equipment, wireless technology, and sound systems. (Complete).
•
Rebuild the school entrance to improve security with new fencing, school sign, parking lot, and landscaping. (2022).
Endow our Legacy •
Expand our financial aid program to make a Benedictine education a possibility for more families. (Underway).
•
Provide for professional development for our faculty making it possible to attract and retain top quality faculty and staff. (Underway).
Establish a Home for BC Athletics •
Construct Savannah’s largest NCAA regulation-size synthetic-turf athletic field for soccer, lacrosse, and football. (Complete).
Naming Opportunities Selecting a naming opportunity is a special way to honor a loved one and provide support for our important school initiatives. Below is a listing of all of the opportunities available during the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign
Academic Facilities Academic Plaza Academic Well Academic Hall (8) Learning Center Renovated Classrooms (23)
*** *** $500,000 $50,000 $50,000
Available Available 2 Available Reserved 12 Available
Brown STEM Wing STEM Wing Lecture Hall Science Laboratory (4) STEM Commons Conference Room Mathematics Classroom (4) STEM Wing Entrance Way Technology Laboratory Project Based Learning Room (2) STEM Garden
$2,000,000 $250,000 $250,000 $200,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $75,000 $50,000
Reserved Reserved 3 Available Available Reserved 2 Available Available Reserved 1 Available Reserved
Athletic Facilities Synthetic Turf Athletic Field Drill Field
$1,000,000 ***
Reserved Available
Baseball Field
$250,000
Reserved
Concession Stand Athletic Plaza Athletic Plaza Grand Entrance Gate Athletic Courtyard
$250,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000
Available Reserved Reserved Available
Endowed Scholarships Establish a Named Endowment Fund
$25,000 ***Please contact the Advancement Office for details To reserve a naming opportunity, please contact Greg Markiton '92, Director of Advancement at (912) 644-7016 or greg.markiton@bcsav.net
6 Forward, Always Forward A Campaign for Benedictine
Available
Chart of Standards Campaign Scale of Gifts
$21,000,000 Working Goal as of June 2021 GIFTS REQUIRED
COMMITTED
GIFT RANGE
TOTAL
CUMULATIVE TOTAL
1
1
2,000,000.00
2,000,000.00
2,000,000.00
1
1
1,500,000.00
1,500,000.00
3,500,000.00
4
6
1,000,000.00
4,000,000.00
7,500,000.00
3
1
500,000.00
1,500,000.00
9,000,000.00
4
3
250,000.00
1,000,000.00
10,000,000.00
16
16
100,000.00
1,600,000.00
11,600,000.00
30
19
50,000.00
1,500,000.00
13,100,000.00
60
30
25,000.00
1,500,000.00
14,600,000.00
40
36
10,000.00
400,000.00
15,000,000.00
Many
Many
Up to $10,000
500,000.00
21,000,000.00
Ways of Giving The Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign offers a wide variety of ways in which families can contribute. The Benedictine Advancement Office is available to serve you and help you create a gift plan that would best suit your desire to support Benedictine and maximize your personal financial goals. Many donors have chosen to make pledges over a three to five year period. The main consideration in making any type of gift to the campaign is to find a way that brings joy to you and your family by sharing the gifts that God has given you and supporting a cause like Benedictine that you believe in and value.
GIFTS OF CASH Gifts of cash qualify for a charitable deduction. The adjusted gross income (AGI) limit for cash contributions remains increased for individual donors through 2021. For cash contributions made in 2021, you can elect to deduct up to 100 percent of your AGI (formerly 60 percent prior to the CARES Act).
GIFTS OF SECURITIES Gifts of securities can be very advantageous for the donor. They can allow the donor to receive a charitable deduction for the full market value of the security, while avoiding both capital gains and alternative minimum taxes on the increased value of the security.
GIFTS OF PROPERTY Gifts of property including a residence, farm, vacation home, jewelry, or art can provide significant benefits to the donors. The qualified help of special appraisers and tax professionals is necessary to make such a gift.
GIFTS OF LIFE INSURANCE Donors may name the school as a beneficiary and owner of a paid in full whole life or permanent insurance policy. Gifts of life insurance can provide a way to make a sizeable gift at a relatively low cost.
BEQUESTS Naming Benedictine as a beneficiary in your will is the most popular type of planned gift and it qualifies you for membership in the 1902 Heritage Society. Such gifts enable the donor to make a significant contribution to the school that may not have been possible during their lifetime. Families can choose a predetermined dollar amount or simply name a percentage of their estate. Forward, Always Forward A Campaign for Benedictine
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U.S. Postage
PAID
Non-Profit Org. Permit No. 346 Savannah, GA
6502 Seawright Drive Savannah, Georgia 31406
Visit the BC400.com/forwardalwaysforward for more information on the capital campaign.
PLANNED GIVING
Profile
A LOVE STORY
Leo '49 and Traude Coleman
It’s the story of Mr. Leo Coleman, a 1949 Benedictine Military School graduate who served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. After the war, he met and fell in love with Gertraude Koss, a young Austrian opera singer. They married, lived in Savannah since the 1950s and, before his death at age 85 in 2013, he drafted a will instructing the executor of their estate to leave a gift to Benedictine Military School after Gertraude died. She passed away at age 95 in 2019. The Colemans’ gift to Benedictine Military School was $1.66 million, the largest gift in the history of the school. The Colemans were unable to have children of their own, but their gift will transform the lives of BC boys for generations to come. “The future development of BC is going to be forever grateful to Leo and Gertraude for the gift that they gave us,” BC Headmaster Fr. Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B., said. “It would not be possible without it. Their bequest to BC is going to be influencing several generations of Cadets. We are only so grateful to them.” The Colemans were loyal donors to BC and loved the school. Their family is one of 58 families who are members of the 1902 Heritage Society. They joined in 2016 after Mrs. Coleman checked the box on her annual fund envelope notifying BC’s Advancement Office that they had remembered BC in their will. This significant investment marks the sixth $1M+ gift in the 119-year history of the school; all six of which have come during the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign. With an original goal of $12 million, the campaign has now surpassed $17.2 million. After Mr. Coleman died March 27, 2013, Fr. Frank maintained a close friendship with Mrs. Coleman, checking on her many times over the years until she died April 9, 2019. Mrs. Trisha Bacich, 70, executor of the Colemans’ will, was Gertraude’s caregiver after Leo passed away. But their relationship was much deeper,
“Gertraude’s dying wish was to make sure Benedictine Military School received the $1.66 million gift that Leo wanted her to give. She fulfilled his final wish.”
as they were more like sisters. “When we first met it was like we had known each other all our lives,” Trisha Bacich said. “We could sit down and talk for hours. Gertraude went by Traude. The special people got to call her Troddle. My husband (John, 75) and Leo were in the Sheriff’s department together and we met through them. John and Leo were friends because they were on the boat together with the Marine Patrol. They were friends at least 26 years. Ever since I’ve known Leo, since he had no kids, whatever money he had was going to (Benedictine). They were not showoffs by any means. They didn’t flaunt anything. In fact, if you had met them, you wouldn’t have thought they had anything.” Leo Coleman joined the Merchant Marines in 1946 but returned to Benedictine Military School and graduated in 1949. He wore his Merchant Marine uniform for his photo in the BC Class of '49 composite, which is displayed in Alumni Hall. After his time with the Merchant Marines and at BC, Leo Coleman joined the U.S. Army, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Fr. Frank, who checked on Gertraude for several years after Leo died, said he admired her determination to make the most out of life. “With regard to her employment during the war years, she was committed to a labor force,” Ziemkiewicz said. “She was incredible for her tenacity, her commitment to survive and, ultimately, to allow herself to live a productive life. Given the circumstance of the time, her life could have taken many directions. Had she not made the commitment to maintain her own morals, her life could have been entirely different. As it was, she survived the war. She managed to come to the States and, through that journey, met her husband (Leo). She and her family, during the post-war years, managed to regenerate their lives, live fruitful lives. She was one brave woman. She was bucking the tide and living dangerously. Her tenacity and strength, obviously, lie with her very excellent upbringing. And she carried that with her in spite of the political winds that blew.” When World War II ended, Gertraude went to America to
visit a friend and was introduced to Leo. In Savannah, Leo served as a communicant of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. “Every Saturday, Leo went to St. Francis Cabrini to the late Mass and to see Fr. Gabe,” Trisha Bacich said. “His love for BC was very deep. He might not have told a lot of people but when he talked about BC it was of the fond memories he had of going there. He was happy that his parents put him there. I don’t know if he was at the top of the class or not but he had to be pretty high up there because by the time he went to college, he put himself through the academy and became a policeman on his own. And there he made straight A’s. He went to an accounting class and there he made straight A’s. Leo was a very smart man. And he also loved guns. He was a true marksman. He had trophies and things like that.” Gertraude often was visited at her home by BC’s Ziemkiewicz and St. France Cabrini’s Fr. Gabriel Cummings. “Fr. Gabe and Fr. Frank would come over there and they would just sit and talk,” Trisha Bacich said. “No matter how tired those two Fathers were, before they left, they wanted to know if they could do anything for us. As busy a people as they are, how generous of them to ask could they do anything for us. My gosh. You don’t know what that meant to me for them to offer, and me know how busy they were. If we had told them we wanted something they would truly have went and got it. “I called Fr. Gabe to come out. She had her last rites three times. That was important to her. When we left the hospital after finding out that she had brain cancer, that she died of, I wanted to make sure that she had (last rites). I asked a priest at St. Joseph’s to do it. Fr. Joe (Smith). He gave her her last rites for me. And then Fr. Gabe did it twice just to make sure.” Gertraude’s dying wish was to make sure Benedictine Military School received the $1.66 million gift that Leo wanted her to give. “She fulfilled his final wish,” Trisha said.
CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP PHASE I – STEM
PHASE II – “Field of Dreams”
Walter B. Murphy III '71 – Chairman
Martin S. Hogan '86 – Chairman
William E. Schmitt* – Board Chair
W. Jason Barlow
Mark T. Shawe '73 – Board Chair
Richard M. Geriner, Jr. '86
Christopher E. Phillips '79
Dr. Frank E. Scarbrough
William E. Shearouse, Jr. '66
Timothy M. Strickland '85
Donald M. Thompson '65
F. Brooks Zeigler '01 *deceased