Vandebilt Catholic High School
Building on Tradition. Strengthening the Future.
INTRODUCTION
For more than a century, Vandebilt Catholic High School has been guided by the founding vision of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart and Marianites of Holy Cross, to educate young people through a holistic approach that forms not only the mind, but also the heart, body, and soul.
From its earliest days, Vandebilt Catholic has stood as a testament to the Brothers’ mission: to make the compassionate heart of Christ known and loved through education. The Brothers’ belief that “we teach not only for time, but for eternity” remains central to every classroom, athletic field, and service project across our campus.
In August 2021, Vandebilt Catholic faced one of the greatest challenges in its history. Hurricane Ida made landfall in Terrebonne Parish on August 29, leaving more than $20 million in damage to our campus. What followed was not simply recovery, but renewal.
Since that moment, Vandebilt Catholic has been reimagined, reinvented, and rebuilt with intention. From a renewed chapel and campus ministry spaces to a modern Counseling Center, from operational upgrades and energy-efficient systems to fully transformed
classrooms and academic centers, the campus has been thoughtfully designed to serve today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders. New learning environments including STEM, digital media, fine arts, and academic support spaces stand alongside revitalized athletic facilities, reflecting our commitment to the whole child: mind, body, and spirit.
Through more than $20 million in strategic capital improvements, Vandebilt Catholic now stands prepared to educate and form students for the 21st century, stronger, more innovative, and more mission-driven than ever before. These improvements have been paid for using insurance proceeds, school funds, diocesan funds, and FEMA funds.
Today, Vandebilt Catholic continues to live out its motto, Faith. Family. Excellence., by providing a Christ-centered education rooted in moral character, academic distinction, and community belonging. Our proposed Capital Campaign represents the next chapter in this sacred mission: to ensure that Vandebilt Catholic remains a place where faith is nurtured, families are strengthened, and excellence thrives for generations to come.
OurVision: Faith, Family, Excellence in the Sacred Heart Tradition
The Brothers of the Sacred Heart, along with the Marianites of Holy Cross taught that the goal of Catholic education is the formation of the whole person, uniting faith with reason, compassion with discipline, and leadership with service.
Vandebilt Catholic’s campaign embraces that legacy through a commitment to Faith, Family, and Excellence, each reflected in our three central priorities.
Faith – deepening spiritual life, gratitude, and stewardship through acts that honor God and sustain the mission entrusted to us.
Family – strengthening the bonds that unite our communitystudents, teachers, parents, and alumni - under the Heart of Christ.
Excellence – advancing academic and athletic programs that challenge our students to reach their God-given potential.
This campaign is not simply about building structures; it is about building disciples—young men and women who will lead lives of virtue, service, and purpose.
ReadinessAssessment:
Exploration, Discovery, Feasibility
A Steering Committee of school leaders - with representation from alumni, board members, parents, faculty/staff, future parents and friends - has begun the work of completing the necessary steps in this feasibility process. These include:
Enlisting and activating the Steering Committee and forming three sub-committees
Information Gathering
Interviews
Communication
Conducting Input/Listening sessions with school leaders, faculty/staff, students, alumni, parents and community members
Creating this Case Statement with FAQ component
Conducting, completing and analizing online surveys
Finalizing the list of interviewees and mailing out letters of invite with Case Statement and FAQ booklet to people who will be personally interviewed in the study
Personally inviting people to interviews
Conducting Interviews
Writing and presenting the Financial Feasability Study report to school leaders
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Ms. Betsy Breerwood
Mr. James “J.J.” Buquet ‘ 84
Mrs. Rene David
Mr. Jeremy Gueldner
Mr. Tanner Magee ‘98
Dr. Mark Williams
Campaign Coordinator:
Mrs. Katie Blanchard
STEERING COMMITTEE:
Mrs. Angelique Barker ‘79
Dr. David and Mrs. Jonie '93 Baugman
Mr. Chuck and Mrs. Julia '84 Bourque
Mr. Travis and Mrs. Valerie Callais
Mrs. Erin Dagate
Mr. Ed '73 and Mrs. Cindy '73 Daigle
Mr. Mark and Mrs. Kerry '86 Diebold
Mr. Chad '86 and Mrs. Michelle Haydel
Dr. Dickie '61 and Mrs. Judy Haydel
Mr. Nicholas '98 and Mrs. Heather Hebert
Mr. Dustin '99 and Mrs. Alex Malbrough
Mr. Mitch Marmande '92
Mr. Kirk '80 and Mrs. Ann '80 Meche
Fr. Andre Melancon '02
Dr. Shane '04 and Mrs. Stephanie '03 Prejean
Mr. Kevin and Mrs. Laura '84 Ramirez
Mr. Dustin '96 and Mrs. Jami Jo '98 Walker
Mrs. Geri Welch
Mr. Kenny '86 and Mrs. Rebecca '86 Wood
Mr. Kenny and Mrs. Kate Wood
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES CENTER
$2–$3 Million
Excellence in andBodySpirit
At Vandebilt Catholic, athletics are part of a larger mission to form the whole student; mind, body, and spirit. Guided by this vision, the new Campus Activities Center will be more than a sports facility; it will support athletics, student activities such as winter guard and indoor percussion, and campus events such as reunions, donor socials and parent meetings. It will be a space where unity and school pride can flourish.
long-envisioned project will be realized in four phases, with Phase 2 funded through this campaign:
Phase 1: Football Operations (funded through FEMA reimbursement- anticipated groundbreaking Summer 2026)
Phase 2: Multipurpose Facility (funded through this campaign)
Phase 3: Locker Rooms and Coaches’ Offices for Softball, Track, Cross Country, Soccer, and Wrestling, along with centralized Athletic Department offices (future naming opportunities)
Phase 4: Weight Room (future naming opportunities)
By investing in this facility, we honor the Brothers’ vision of forming well-rounded individuals—strengthening the body to serve the mission of the heart.
$3.5 MILLION
Faith in Stewardship
When Hurricane Ida struck, Vandebilt Catholic once again relied on the Providence that the Brothers of the Sacred Heart so deeply trusted. Through the generosity of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, we received a $3.5 million loan to replace critical HVAC systems and repair damaged infrastructure that was not fully covered by FEMA.
Through this campaign, we seek to restore those funds, a project we call Financial Restoration, as an expression of gratitude and faithfulness.
This act of stewardship honors our commitment to the Diocese and ensures the school’s long-term financial stability. More than a repayment, it represents faith in action, a tangible expression of the Gospel value of responsibility and trust in God’s continued provision.
INVESTING IN TEACHERS
$500,000
Family through Teachers Who Inspire
The Brothers of the Sacred Heart and Marianites of Holy Cross believed that teachers are the heart of every Catholic school, forming both minds and souls. At Vandebilt Catholic, our teachers carry this mission forward as mentors and role models whose influence extends well beyond the classroom. Yet, on average, they earn only 80 - 90% of what public school educators make.
The V Foundation of South Louisiana (VFSL) was established in partnership with the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana (CFSL), a dedicated community of alumni, parents, and supporters, to create a lasting endowment that supports teacher compensation, retention, and professional growth. Its purpose is to strengthen, not replace, the school’s ongoing commitment to investing in its educators. VFSL currently holds a $500,000 endowment with CFSL.
With $500,000 already secured, this campaign seeks to help VFSL reach its Stage 1 goal of $1 million, providing a sustainable source of support that honors our teachers’ devotion to faith-based education. A gift of this size would generate annual support that helps narrow compensation gaps over time, improve retention, and provide predictable, long-term assistance for educators.
By prioritizing our faculty, we honor the legacy of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart and Marianites of Holy Cross and safeguard the mission they entrusted to us. When we invest in teachers, we invest in faith, excellence, and the enduring strength of the Vandebilt Catholic family.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is Vandebilt Catholic considering a capital campaign at this time?
Following Hurricane Ida, Vandebilt Catholic made critical repairs and infrastructure upgrades to protect students, staff, and academic continuity. At the same time, student programs have continued to grow, and long-term sustainability, particularly teacher support, has become increasingly urgent. This campaign allows the community to address several significant needs together, thoughtfully and transparently, rather than through repeated, piecemeal fundraising efforts.
How is this campaign different from past fundraising efforts?
This campaign is intentionally structured to be comprehensive, clearly prioritized, and accountable. Rather than multiple disconnected asks, it focuses on a small number of mission-critical needs with defined oversight, reporting, and long-term planning. Transparency and trust are central goals of this effort.
What are the primary priorities being considered for the campaign?
Three core priorities have emerged: A multipurpose student facility (Phase 2) designed to serve a wide range of student programs —not athletics alone Repayment of the HVAC obligation to strengthen longterm financial stability
Growth of the V Foundation for teacher support, addressing compensation and retention challenges
How will this directly benefit current students?
Current students will benefit both immediately and long-term. As funds become available, Phase Two construction of the Campus Activities Center can move forward sooner, giving students access to improved and expanded facilities. At the same time, investments in the HVAC and teachers are already impacting students daily, through more comfortable classrooms and stronger academic and spiritual formation, while also building a foundation for future generations.
Why isn’t this obligation handled through the operating budget instead?
Covering this level of infrastructure investment solely through operations would place significant pressure on tuition and annual budgets. Addressing it through a capital campaign helps protect affordability while strengthening long-term financial health.
How will this campaign address past concerns about trust and repeated fundraising?
Community members clearly voiced the need for honesty, clarity, and follow-through. This campaign is designed to respond directly to that feedback by setting realistic goals, addressing hard questions openly, and demonstrating stewardship through action, not just promises.
How will campaign funds be governed, tracked, and reported?
Transparency was a dominant theme in stakeholder feedback. Campaign funds will be restricted to approved priorities, overseen by established leadership and financial controls, and reported to the community through regular updates and clear accounting.
8
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What options exist for families who may not be able to give financially but still want to make an impact?
We realize that our community has different abilities to support this campaign financially, but every penny helps. Every dollar helps. While some people may be able to give larger gifts, the ultimate success of this campaign will lie in the number of people that are going to participate. Families can also participate in the surveys and we always welcome the gift of prayer.
How does the proposed campaign impact other projects listed on the school’s master plan?
The proposed campaign has no impact on a potential chapel, security fencing, or on the relocation of the softball field until building phases 3 and 4 would become a possibility. The school and our architectural partners are taking intentional steps to ensure that this does not impact day-to-day operations of the school and no students will be displaced.
Why is the Campus Activities Center not “just an athletic field house?”
While athletics will use the space, the proposed facility is intended for broad student use, including band, choir, cheer, indoor percussion, clubs, meetings, reunions, and gatherings. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of messaging and design that reflect its whole-student purpose, not an athletics-only function.
How will access to the new facility be scheduled and managed?
Equitable access for all student groups is a priority. Scheduling policies will be developed to ensure fair and mission-aligned use across athletics, fine arts, extracurriculars, and school programming.
What exactly would be included in the campaign-funded phase of the Campus Activities Center? The campaign-funded phase would focus on a flexible, multipurpose interior space, with features such as open practice areas, limited retractable seating, and technology to support meetings and student gatherings. Additional future phases would depend on resources and community input.
If the V Foundation grows, will the school still provide raises through its operating budget?
Yes. Foundation support is intended to supplement, not replace, regular compensation planning. The school remains committed to responsible budgeting and ongoing salary increases as resources allow.
What happens if the campaign does not raise the full goal? Clear prioritization will be communicated in advance. If the full goal is not reached, leadership will identify what is funded first, what may be delayed, and how decisions are made, rather than returning to the community without explanation.
Why Now?
Generations of faithful stewardship, service, and sacrifice have shaped Vandebilt Catholic. As we look toward the future, we are called to renew that commitment in a changing world.
This campaign will: Preserve and strengthen our Catholic and Brothers of the Sacred Heart identity. Support the teachers who carry forward the Brothers’ legacy in today’s classrooms. Enhance facilities that match the quality of our mission and programs. Ensure the financial health and sustainability of Vandebilt Catholic for generations to come.
We are not simply maintaining a school—we are sustaining a mission that continues to form disciples of Christ, grounded in faith, family, and excellence.
Why your support matters?
Everything Vandebilt Catholic is today was built by faith-filled people who believed in its mission. The Brothers of the Sacred Heart began with a simple conviction: that through love, discipline, and education, young people could be transformed by the heart of Christ. That conviction remains alive, but it depends on you.
Alumni: Honor the Brothers’ legacy that shaped your life and faith. Parents: Invest in the spiritual and academic home that nurtures your children.
Friends and Benefactors: Partner with us to ensure that Vandebilt Catholic remains a beacon of hope, learning, and faith in our community.
Together, as one Vandebilt Catholic family, we can carry forward the Brothers’ mission, ensuring that Faith. Family. Excellence. remains the hallmark of every generation that walks these halls.
The Brothers of the Sacred Heart and Marianites of Holy Cross gave Vandebilt Catholic High School more than a foundation; they gave it a soul: a spirit of compassion, service, and enduring faith.
Our Capital Campaign is our opportunity to honor that legacy and extend it into the future. Through this effort, we will strengthen the body through new facilities, the mind through teacher investment, and the spirit through faithful stewardship.
Together, let us build on tradition and strengthen the future of Vandebilt Catholic High School, continuing the Brothers’ mission to form young men and women of Faith, Family, and Excellence, united forever in the Heart of Christ.