Capital Campaign Midpoint Review

Forward, Always Forward A Campaign for Benedictine Military School

WINTER 2016

WATCH US GROW!

Midpoint Review: Campaign surpasses $6.5 million!

“W

e are truly humbled by the record breaking support we have received from our BC community,” says Headmaster Father Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B. “The Forward, Always Forward campaign is one of the most significant undertakings in the 115 year history of Benedictine Military School. In fact, it is the largest project since the school relocated to the Seawright Drive campus from Bull Street in the fall of 1963. It has generated five out of the six largest gifts in the history of the school.”

Father Frank explains that the campaign has already had a substantial impact on the school. “Our classrooms, curriculum, endowment, infrastructure and athletic facilities have all benefited.

Construction will begin in February for Phase I of the new Brown STEM Wing. B-Wing, which has been formally renamed Brent Hall, has been completely renovated with classrooms that feature a collegiate style learning environment.

Seven acres of fallow land on the south end of our campus is under development and the money generated from that lease will be directed into our endowment to provide more need-based financial aid for qualified students. Our baseball field, arguably the finest in Chatham County, experienced several significant upgrades just in time for our Cadets to host and win the 2014 State Championship.

Most importantly, Forward, Always Forward has provided a renewed sense of optimism and pride in Benedictine.

“For over a century, people have believed and trusted in BC, but they needed a way to demonstrate that passion.

This campaign has given our BC community a focus for their enthusiasm. Our board, parents, alumni, and friends have rallied around this vision for the future of Benedictine as we move forward with a purpose.”

Summary of Priorities Ensure Academic Excellence

• Brown STEM Wing • Renovation of existing classrooms • New entrance, fencing, parking lot & landscaping

Endow our Legacy

$6,000,000

$2,000,000

• Expand our financial aid program • Increase support for faculty & staff professional development

Establish a Home for BC Athletics $4,000,000

• New athletic stadium

Campaign Progress The following projects have been completed due to the generosity of our donors during the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign: • Construction on Phase I of the new 19,000 square foot Brown STEM Wing is underway (2016) • 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 7 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 back stop, 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)

$12 Million Campaign Goal

$6.5 Million December 2015

$4.2 Million January 2015

$2.3 Million December 2013

$4.9 Million September 2015

$4.1 Million August 2014

$ .7 Million April 2013

During the August 2014 public announcement of the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign, the school had received $4.1 million in gifts and pledges.

As of December 2015, that figure had grown to $6.5 million.

Chart of Standards $12,000,000 GOAL

Gifts required Committed Gift Range Total to Date Cumulative total 1 1 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 3 1 $750,000 $2,250,000 $3,250,000 5 3 $500,000 $2,500,000 $5,750,000 7 2 $250,000 $1,750,000 $7,500,000 10 7 $100,000 $1,000,000 $8,500,000 25 14 $50,000 $1,250,000 $9,750,000 50 22 $25,000 $1,250,000 $11,000,000 60 21 $10,000 $600,000 $11,600,000

Many Many Up to $10,000 $400,000 $12,000,000

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Forward, Always Forward: A Campaign for Benedictine

Brown STEM Wing

A Vision Becomes a Reality A state of the art 19,000 square foot academic addition for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics named in honor of Mr. Edward J. Brown, Jr. ’33 and Mr. Edward J. Brown III ’66

laboratories and a lecture hall. We are so close to finishing the entire Brown STEM Wing with over 71% of the total goal raised. It has been very exciting to see people respond to the challenge.

They believe in the vision that has been set forth by our Headmaster and Board of Directors.”

M

arch 18, 2016 will be a historic day at Benedictine Military School as we celebrate the Groundbreaking

Ceremony for the new Brown STEM Wing. Special thanks to all of the generous families who helped us raise 100% of the cash and pledges required to begin the construction of Phase I. Phase II construction will begin as soon as we raise the remaining $1.6 million.

The Brown STEM Wing is our top academic priority in the campaign. An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, the

Brown STEM Wing Floorplan

STEM addition will provide much needed learning space as enrollment has grown over 21% in the last four years. It will also prepare our young men for

Phase I ($3.4 million)

Phase II ($1.6 million)

careers in STEM related fields which are projected to

Groundbreaking Ceremony March 18, 2016

Completion date: TBD

increase by 17% by the year 2020 according to the

• 4 Mathematics Classrooms

• 4 Science Laboratories

New Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• 2 Study Carrels

• 1 Lecture Hall

• 1 Atrium “Phase I of the Brown STEM Wing will soon

• 1 Computer Laboratory

be a reality, but we aren’t finished yet” says

• 1 Conference Room

Greg Markiton ’92, Advancement Director at

• Slab & Building Shell

Benedictine. “We have already begun fundraising for Phase II which will complete the four science

Lecture Hall inside the Brown STEM Wing

Bird’s eye view of the Brown STEM Wing

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Profiles

Donor Profiles

Edward J. Brown III ‘66

Set Your Goals High

I

n July 2013, Father Frank

Just as Ed recognizes his father’s investment, he also

visited with Ed Brown at the

admits that he has benefitted from the generosity

Hendrick Automotive Group

of others. “It was a $500,000 planned gift from

in Charlotte where he serves as the

Helen Thorton Anderson that made the Seawright

CEO and CFO. Ed shared some

Drive campus possible. She had vision and for over

advice that helped shape the vision

fifty years, the returns that her gift has generated are

for the Forward, Always Forward

immeasurable. Now it is time for the generations

Capital Campaign. “Set your

who benefitted from her contribution to step up and

goals high” said Brown. “One of

make an investment for these Cadets and the future

the common mistakes that I see

generations to come. It is our obligation to transfer

with people is that we don’t set our

to the next generation.”

goals high enough. Many people set goals that are comfortable and easily achievable, but that restricts

Ed is a man of his convictions. He is so passionate

an organization. I believe you should set your goals

about this vision that he made a second gift to the

high and make a plan to reach them. Even if you

campaign. The gift of $250,000 was a 2:1 challenge

fall a little short, you have still far exceeded where

gift which helped raise an additional $500,000 in

you would have been had you not set your goals

just a few short months. “This campaign is about

high.” Those words resonated with Fr. Frank and

moving forward and moving forward at a fast pace.

they would prove to be a cornerstone as the vision

The school needs the STEM Wing. Given the pace

for the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign

of change that is accelerating today, the rigors of

began to take shape.

preparing these men for their future requires the best tools in the classroom. We need to invest in

After a follow up meeting with Fr. Frank and

these young men now,” says Brown. “I view this

Director of Advancement Greg Markiton ‘92,

campaign as transformational. Plain and simple,

Ed decided to make a transformational gift to

there is no way that BC can maintain its tradition

Benedictine which would lay the foundation for the

of academic and athletic excellence if we don’t invest

campaign. His $1 million gift, the largest in the

in the future. We want these young men to leave

history of the school, would serve as the catalyst for

BC and go on to the next phases of their lives and

the construction of the Brown STEM Wing which

be future leaders. Having well educated leaders

will be named in honor of his father. Ed credits his

who care and give back will solve a lot of the world’s

father for much of his success. “It is very rewarding

problems. It is a pretty bold vision that has been

to be able to honor my Dad in this way. My Dad

created by Fr. Frank and the leadership at BC. I’m

was a great influence in my life. He was very

proud of what they have accomplished and I’m very

persistent in ensuring that I was well educated. He

proud to call myself a BC man,” Brown added.

invested in me.”

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Forward, Always Forward: A Campaign for Benedictine

Profiles Donor Profiles Continued

The Demere Family, Colonial Group, Inc.

A Legacy of Integrity, Vision & Service

C

olonial Group, Inc., a third and fourth generation, family-owned company, was established in

Savannah, Georgia in 1921 by Raymond M. Demere. Upon returning home from serving in World War I, Raymond recognized new products and services were needed to support the advent of the “gasoline buggy.” What began as American Oil Company over 95 years ago from one man’s vision and a barrel of lubricating oil, is now the parent of eleven active diversified companies.

Mr. Robert H. Demere, Jr., parent of BC

Benedictine Military School since it opened its

alumnus, Houstoun Demere ’98, serves as the

doors in 1902.

President of Colonial Group, Inc. He has been with Colonial since 1974 and is the third generation

The Demere family has always been an avid supporter

to run the business. Houstoun Demere ’98 is a

of the Savannah community and Benedictine. We

member of the Board of Jurisdiction at BC and is

are beyond grateful for their commitment to BC and

currently the Vice President of Enmark Stations,

their desire to see us teach our young men to strive for

Inc. a division of Colonial Group, Inc..

greatness, not just in academic or business pursuits, but as men of character who will serve with integrity

On September 29, 2015, the Colonial Oil

and lead with honor.

Foundation agreed to partner with Benedictine Military School in a truly meaningful way. The

“Colonial is honored to support a school that is not

Foundation challenged the BC family with a

only grounded in a rich tradition but encompasses

$500,000 matching gift for the construction of

all of the technological and scientific advancements

Phase I of the Brown STEM Wing, which was

that will prepare these young men for success in

surpassed in December 2015. This pledge is

higher education and the 21st century marketplace,”

the third largest commitment in the history of

says Rob Demere.

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Profiles Donor Profiles Continued

St. Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, PA

A Mission in Savannah

S

aint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, PA serves

many members of the Savannah community. He has

as the home abbey of our Benedictine monks.

allocated a tremendous amount of human resources

The Archabbey, not to be confused with St.

and financial resources to support the operation of

Vincent’s Academy, assumed proprietorship (as well

Benedictine Military School.

as considerable amount of debt) of Benedictine Military School in 1967. Prior to that, BC was

It was an initial $500,000 commitment from St.

under the oversight of Belmont Abbey in North

Vincent Archabbey that provided the foundation for

Carolina. For nearly fifty years, these monks have

the Forward, Always Forward capital campaign. Part

served our school while instilling the values of hard

of their gift was used to hire a national consulting

work, prayer and hospitality. Their leadership and

firm which conducted the Needs Assessment in

service has been a beacon of stability in the Savannah

2011 and the Feasibility Study in 2012. These two

community since 1902.

reports provided the information that was crucial in shaping the vision for the future of Benedictine

Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, O.S.B., who has served

Military School and ensured the start of a successful

as the Archabbot at Saint Vincent Archabbey since

campaign.

1991, has been a guiding force at BC for twenty-five years. His influence and involvement has played a

The Abbey’s most generous gift to help launch the

significant role in shaping the future of Benedictine

Forward, Always Forward campaign is a testament to

Military School. In fact, it was his leadership that

their commitment in Benedictine Military School.

helped launch the Forward, Always Forward Capital

It also provides strong evidence of their belief in the

Campaign. “Archabbot Douglas has maintained a

leadership and governance of our Headmaster and

constant presence here in Savannah and has made

Board of Directors.

BC a priority,” says Fr. Frank. “He usually visits at least once or twice a year and maintains contact with

“Forward, always forward, everything 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.

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Forward, Always Forward: A Campaign for Benedictine

Profiles Donor Profiles Continued

John & Marilyn Brent ‘59

From Classmates to Brothers

J

ohn A. Brent ‘59

When it came time to plan their estate, they chose to

was born in St.

support BC with a bequest in their will. The bond

Louis and moved

with his classmates was evident as John selected

to Savannah at a very

two of his classmates, Pat Hansen ’59 and Al Tabor

young age. He attended

‘59, to serve as the executors of the estate. The

Blessed Sacrament

generosity of John and Marilyn Brent resulted in one

and graduated from

of the largest gifts in the history of BC; a nearly one

Benedictine Military

million dollar contribution.

School in 1959 at the top of his class.

Friday, October 9, 2015 was a historic day at Benedictine. Headmaster Father Frank, surrounded

Upon graduating from

by John and Marilyn’s classmates and friends,

BC, he attended Clemson

announced the renaming of B Wing as “Brent Hall”

University obtaining an

in recognition of their generosity. We will be forever

engineering degree in 1963. He started his career

grateful to John & Marilyn as they have helped

working as a design engineer at Pratt & Whitney

sustain the future success of BC.

Aircraft and received his masters at the University of

Florida in the late 60s. John had an amazing career in

* John and Marilyn chose to remember BC via their wills.

south Florida and served as one of the lead engineers

This method of philanthropy allows the donor(s) to retain

for the design of the heat shield on the F-16 Fighting

custody and control of their assets during their lifetimes but

Falcon used by the US Air Force and other Allied

their wills then specify that a particular sum or percentage

Nations. He worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for

of their estates, upon death, passes to BC. In addition,

over 30 years and retired at age 55.

this particular mechanism allows the donor to designate the ultimate usage of their gift. Some examples: named

John and his wife, Marilyn, were incredibly loyal

scholarships, improvement of facilities, etc.

supporters of BC. Even though their home was in Florida, John and Marilyn’s bond with the BC Class of ’59 was exceptionally strong. His classmates were like brothers to him and he and Marilyn always attended the class reunions during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Marilyn even handcrafted sashes for each member of the class and they still wear them today.

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U.S. Postage

PAID

Non-Profit Org. Permit No. 346 Savannah, GA

6502 Seawright Drive Savannah, Georgia 31406

Ways of Giving Gifts of Cash

Bequests

Gifts of cash may be made either outright or as a multi-year pledge.

A gift through one’s will is perhaps the most popular form of a planned gift. Such gifts may enable a donor to make a significant contribution

Gifts of Securities Gifts of securities may be made either outright or as multi-year pledges.

Such gifts allow the donor to receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the security (up to a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income) while avoiding both capital gains and alternative minimum taxes on the increased value of the security.

Gifts of Property

to the school that was not possible during his or her lifetime. A bequest to the school can be included in the body of a will or in an addition (a codicil).

For more information about making a gift, please contact Greg Markiton, Advancement Director, at (912) 644-7016 or greg.markiton@bcsav.net. For more information about tax considerations and advantages for your situation, please consult your tax advisor or financial advisor.

A gift of property such as a residence, farm, vacation home, jewelry or art can provide significant benefits to the school and donor. The qualified help of appraisers and tax advisors is recommended on these types of gifts.

Life Insurance Donors may name the school as a beneficiary and owner of life insurance

Campaign Steering Committee Walter B. Murphy III ‘71 Forward Always Forward Campaign Chairman

William E. Schmitt Chairman of the Board of Directors

policies. The donor is allowed an income tax deduction for the cost of

Christopher E. Phillips ‘79

premiums in the contract plus any future premiums paid by the donor.

William W. Shearouse, Jr. ‘66 Donald M. Thompson ‘65

Naming Opportunities STEM Phase I STEM Wing Atrium Computer Laboratory Conference Room Mathematics Classrooms Study Carrels

$1,000,000 $200,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $75,000

(reserved) (1 available) (1 available) (1 available) (2 available, 2 reserved) (2 available)

STEM Phase II Science Laboratory Lecture Hall

$250,000 (4 available) $250,000 (1 available)

Other Opportunities Academic Well in Academic Building New Synthetic Turf Football/Soccer/ Lacrosse Field Academic Halls in Academic Building Renovated Classrooms in Academic Building

$1,000,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $50,000

(1 available) (1 available) (3 available, 4 reserved) (7 available, 14 reserved)

Visit www.THEBC400.com to view campaign website and learn more about the initiatives and priorities.

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