BC Case Statement

Forward, Always Forward

A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR BENEDICTINE MILITARY SCHOOL

Mission

Looking to the Future

Transformative Campaign

Current Needs/ Challenges

Campaign Priorities

Message from the Headmaster

MISSION

FORWARD ALWAYS FORWARD When the Benedictine monks opened the doors of the first all-boys high school in Savannah in 1902, their aim was to raise up educated young men of character and virtue. Built upon the values of prayer, hard work, and hospitality emphasized in the Rule of St. Benedict, the monks envisioned a school that would form boys in virtue, service, character, leadership, and brotherhood. In the rigorous framework of military training, students would learn discipline and honor. As the inaugural class of twenty-one local boys began their studies at the new Benedictine Military School, the monks looked forward at what would become a great tradition that would shape the lives of thousands and impact families and communities throughout Georgia and across the country.

More than 100 years later, Benedictine Military School continues to fulfill its mission of educating young men, forming them into men of honor, future leaders who will stand together to create a better world. The tradition of military training and a rigorous academic program grounded in Benedictine values endures, and generations of alumni attest to its value by lives well lived in service to God, country and community. BC alumni are well represented among leaders in government, health care, education, and business in Savannah and beyond, carrying out the principles of stewardship, service, responsibility and perseverance instilled in them at Benedictine.

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“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.�

Proverbs 22:6

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

STANDING FIRM IN TRADITION: A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AND STEWARDSHIP Today’s high school graduates must be prepared to meet experiences that are vastly different than those of their fathers and grandfathers. Advances in technology, a global marketplace, and a rapid rate of change present tremendous opportunities as well as significant challenges.

The Cadets of Benedictine Military School are uniquely prepared to meet the challenges of the modern world. Through the efforts of an outstanding and dedicated faculty, Benedictine’s rigorous curriculum ensures that young men are academically equipped for higher education. Students participate in the school’s JROTC program, learning the value of responsibility, citizenship, leadership, service, and selfdiscipline. Extra-curricular activities are an important part of the BC experience, teaching commitment, teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play. All of this is permeated by the values and spirituality of the Benedictines, who lead the school today just as they have since 1902.

The unique model and enduring tradition of Benedictine Military School provides a high school experience unlike any other. In order to ensure that our young men are ready for the future that awaits them, we must build upon that tradition, arming them with resources and learning opportunities that encompass the latest in technology and innovation.

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Photos: BC Archives, 1960 Case Statement

“Forward, always forward, everywhere forward! We must not be held back by debts, bad years or by difficulties of the times. Man’s adversity is God’s opportunity.”

Archabbot Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B.

A HISTORIC CAMPAIGN

“COME FALL IN LINE, YOU MEN OF OL’ BC…” In 1963, Benedictine Military School was turning 60 and had outgrown its urban campus on Bull and 34th Street in downtown Savannah. As the monks prayed and deliberated on a solution, divine providence presented a solution in the form of a bequest from Mrs. Helen Thorton Anderson. This extraordinary gift of $500,000 served as the catalyst for Benedictine’s first ever capital campaign, allowing for the expansion of the school to its current location on Seawright Drive.

Once again, we are poised to step forward to meet the needs of the future. As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our current campus, we have launched Forward, Always Forward, a capital campaign that will provide the next generation of Benedictine students with the learning environment and tools needed to ensure a bright future for them and for those whose lives they will impact.

It is accepted wisdom that successful fundraising campaigns transform their institutions. The dream of parents, alumni, students, and all members of the Benedictine Military School community is that this campaign will transform the school, building upon a century of tradition and ensuring that it will continue to be the finest of its kind, addressing a great need in today’s world for men who will lead with virtue and serve with honor.

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“And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.�

Nehemiah 12:43

CURRENT NEEDS AND CHALLENGES

FORWARD INTO GREATNESS To continue its tradition of excellence, Benedictine Military School engaged in an extensive self-study.

This resulted in a long-range plan which identifies several critical needs that can be satisfied only with significant funding to: • Update current classrooms with the latest technology to give Benedictine students access to resources commonly used in higher education and in the workplace.

• Expand classroom space, including the construction of a new academic wing with additional classrooms and seminar spaces. New furniture and fixtures in existing classrooms will provide needed upgrades as well as flexible seating arrangements for a more collegiate classroom experience.

• Enhance athletic facilities in order to bring many BC sporting events back to campus and to build athletic programs that promote character development, responsibility, self-discipline and good sportsmanship.

• Provide financial aid to those families for whom assistance is imperative if their son is to receive a BC education.

• Improve campus environment, including upgrades to school entrances, parking lot, and gathering spaces, as well as addressing infrastructure needs.

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“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” 1 Peter 4:10

CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES

ENSURING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: $6 MILLION The education a cadet receives at Benedictine encompasses more than that of any other school in the region. Benedictine is proud of the outstanding academic achievement and impressive college acceptance rates of its students. This academic excellence is a vital component of the original vision of the Benedictine monks. Funds from the Forward, Always Forward campaign will enable Benedictine to: • Renovate our classrooms to create state-of-the-art learning centers with upgraded workstations, equipment, wireless technology and sound systems • Add a new academic wing to provide a collegiate-style learning environment for science, math, and technology instruction • Create a multi-purpose presentation space for seminars, distance learning, and the arts • Expand the Honors/Advanced Placement offerings to all qualified students and adapt our core curriculum to include additional electives that broaden cultural and fine arts offerings • Improvements will include a new entrance with fencing and updated school sign, resurfacing the parking lot, landscaping, and upgrades to the academic building, cafeteria, arcade and plaza

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“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ ” Matthew 19:14

CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES ESTABLISHING A HOME FOR BC ATHLETICS: $4 MILLION Benedictine’s academics go beyond the classroom on to the playing fields, basketball court, and wrestling mat. In athletics, as in other areas of our school program, there are many opportunities for students to develop leadership and management skills as well as emphasizing and maintaining fundamentals in areas such as the importance of teamwork, work ethic, sportsmanship, commitment, and the handling of success and failure. Athletics have expanded tremendously since 1963, and more students than ever are participating in our sports offerings. Through the Forward, Always Forward campaign, Benedictine’s athletic program will be enhanced by: • A new first-class stadium complex which includes a synthetic turf field, energy efficient lighting, home and visitors bleachers, a press box, track and parking lot.

• A new home for our wrestling program and athletic storage.

ENDOWING OUR LEGACY: $2 MILLION Our endowment ensures the caliber of Benedictine’s faculty and programs from one generation of cadets to the next. Our endowment also allows us to invest in students through financial assistance because the monks and administration remain committed to keeping a Benedictine education accessible and affordable to the widest range of students possible. Funds from the Forward, Always Forward campaign will enable us to: • Expand our financial aid program to make the Benedictine education a possibility for more families.

• Provide for professional development for our faculty making it possible to attract and retain top quality instructors and staff.

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“Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law” Psalm 94:12

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER Since 1902, Benedictine Military School has been entrusted to foster young men into great men by equipping and resourcing them with the education, values, and skills needed to achieve success. More than 4,300 men have graduated from Benedictine Military School, going on to be leaders in business, soldiers dedicated to protecting our country, fathers, grandfathers, and community leaders who would forever change history because of the resources bestowed upon them by God and through an education at Benedictine Military School.

It is imperative that Benedictine not only continue to answer this unique and divine calling, but is readily prepared to do so. To fulfill our mission of offering a mission driven and academically excellent education for our students today and in the future, I am excited to announce Benedictine is launching the Forward, Always Forward campaign to address recognized resources needed to meet critical needs of our mission.

Benedictine exists to put young men of character, discipline, and honor in the world to make a positive difference — the most profound of purposes. That is Benedictine’s gift to the world, and that is why it is worthy of our support.

Fr. Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B. Headmaster

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“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.�

Philippians 3:14

MESSAGE FROM THE CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN For me, Benedictine has always been about family. My grandfather, father and I all attended BC, and all of us can point to our time at the school as one of great significance for what our lives became. The mission of the school and its culture are ingrained in us. I have been honored to serve and support that mission over the years, giving back to a place that gave so much to me. My true motivation, however, is to build a future that will unfold on a newer and bigger campus for our children and grandchildren.

Recently, I was blessed with two beautiful grandsons who will one day become a part of the BC brotherhood. Benedictine will play a huge role in their development, cultivating their sense of values and helping them figure out who they want to be and how they will contribute to the world. Chairing this campaign is a way for me to model the leadership and confidence I hope to see in them—a way to show them that when something is important in your life, you must nurture and cherish it.

No successful institution can stand still. Benedictine’s founding monks didn’t simply open the school doors and then sit back to admire what they had accomplished. They and those who followed them worked to improve and to advance the school. Today, we benefit greatly from their efforts. The desire to go forward, always forward is part BC’s culture. By launching this campaign, we will transform the campus and enrich the education of our students, raising our school to the next level of excellence, never resting on any laurels, always striving to go above and beyond. Forward, Always Forward.

Walter B. Murphy, III ‘71 Chair, Forward, Always Forward

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20 YEAR VISION

NEW ATHLETIC COMPLEX

RENOVATED AUDITORIUM NEW STEM WING

NEW FIELD HOUSE GROTTO

Benedictine Military School has educated generations of young men in Savannah, preparing them to be leaders in faith and in service. Our city and our country are better places because of the service and leadership of BC graduates, and we must do everything we can to ensure a bright future for this school and the young men who will walk these halls.

Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv.

Catholic Diocese of Savannah

Forward, Always Forward

A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR BENEDICTINE MILITARY SCHOOL

For generations Benedictine Military School has been the flagship school of Savannah — forming young men in faith, character, intellect and love for God and country.

Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B. Saint Vincent Archabbey

CAMPAIGN PRAYER “Almighty God and Father, your will is that all of creation constantly moves forward and grows and develops to its fullest potential. Benedictine Military School earnestly wishes to continue this mission, providing the opportunity for young men to become well-rounded adults who are grounded in sound academic knowledge, a steadfast faith, and the good health necessary to carry out those services that will make our world a better place in which to live. We earnestly pray that You will see fit to provide those resources necessary for us to achieve our goal. To this end we place our Capital Campaign in Your hands, and pray with the psalmist: “Give success to the work of our hands O Lord, give success to the work of our hands.” We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

6502 SEAWRIGHT DRIVE • SAVANNAH, GA 31406 • 912-644-7000 • www.thebc400.com