Kuemper Catholic kicks off capital campaign

December 2, 2004

There are many things to give thanks for on the eve of Thanksgiving 2004. One of them is the wonderful Catholic education system that is available right here in Carroll County. While there have been many changes over the past 130 years, the one thing that has remained constant is the impact of Catholic education. From the establishment of the first Catholic school in Mt. Carmel in 1874 to the unification of schools into the Kuemper Catholic School System in 2003, Catholic education has played an important role in our community.

It is almost impossible to look at any business in the community that is not influenced by the legacy of these schools. Alumni of Catholic schools can be found in all levels of leadership throughout the county.

In an effort to continue to provide an excellent education to the children and their families, Kuemper Catholic Schools announced today the official kick-off of a major campaign A Tradition of Faith...A Spirit of Excellence in front of 125+ persons at the Kuemper High School cafeteria. Funds raised from the campaign will enhance facilities, technology, curriculum, tuition assistance and endowment.

The minimum goal of the campaign is $4,000,000 with a challenge goal of $5,000,000 will further heighten the educational opportunities offered to students today and into the future. To date a total of $2,234,505 million has been raised!

Jim Auen, President of Auen Distributing, and the Campaign General Chairperson noted in his comments to the attendees, "The goals of the campaign are not to make our school system bigger, but to make it better than the great school it already is." Auen continued, "The funds raised to date ensures that we are well on our way to achieving our overall goal not only of raising the needed funds, but to also position Kuemper us a one of the premier Catholic K-12 education systems in the Midwest."

Funds raised in the campaign will be used to address the following needs:

* Stewardship of School Facilities - which includes retiring the debt on the new air-conditioning and heating system here in Kuemper High School and the St. Angela Building, increasing the reserve on the bond from the 1996 Kuemper Campaign and addressing repairs and renovations in all the education centers, including air-conditioning needs at the Holy Spirit and St. Lawrence Centers.

* Technology Enhancements & Curriculum Enrichment - which includes adding to the technology program at all the centers including the addition of portable computer labs for classroom use and integration of technology in the teaching process. Creating a Media, Communications and Music Composition Studio, enhancing various parts of the curriculum and strengthening the Campus Ministry Program is also part of the overall curriculum enrichment.

* Making sure there are sufficient Tuition Grants so all families with a demonstrated financial need who desires a Catholic education for their children are never turned away, and.

* Increasing the Kuemper Catholic Schools Foundation to provide income for the general operating budget in order to supplement the support provided by the parishes.

Auen also noted the impact that Kuemper Catholic Schools has on the tax base in Carroll County. "There have been numerous articles written that show the importance our dual educational system and the tax savings that Kuemper provides business and home owners on their property taxes. It has been estimated that the Kuemper Catholic Schools save taxpayers approximately $5.3 million per year."

Dr. Thomas Tacheny, Superintendent of the Kuemper Catholic Schools noted, "Working on the campaign is exciting because it focuses on the future of our schools. It has allowed me to go out and share the good news of our Kuemper School System and our plans that will make our great school even better."

Dr. Tacheny further noted the symbolism of making the announcement of the campaign and funds raised to date on the eve of Thanksgiving. Tacheny stated, "This is a time of the year when we count our blessings. Thanksgiving is a time when families come together and are grateful for all the blessing they have received. We are proud to be included in blessings of many. Like a family, Kuemper has been blessed to have many people working on the campaign and has been most blessed by the gifts and prayers we have received."

In addition to announcing the campaign goal and the funds raised to date, Jim Auen and Dr. Tacheny took the opportunity to recognize the campaign leadership, volunteers and donors to the campaign.

After a feasibility study was conducted last winter, a decision was made to conduct a campaign. The campaign began in April and by June volunteers were engaged in visiting with individuals, families and businesses in the Carroll area for their support.

The first phase of the campaign was overseen by Auen and the Leadership Gift Phase chairpersons, Tom and Jean Farner, Cathy and Mike Greteman, and Matt and Peggy Greteman. The second phase of the campaign has been under the guidance of Major Gift chairpersons Art and Rose Behrens, Howie and Sara Drees, Mark and Lee Feilmeier, Brad and Nancy Kanne, Scott and Cathy Potthoff, and Scott and Cathy Tigges. Along with a team of 60 volunteers the success they have seen has been remarkable with eight out of every ten individuals, families and businesses saying yes to the campaign and supporting it with a gift. The average gift between these two phases has been over $17,000.

The campaign also took the time to recognize all donors to the campaign with special mention that the top 30 donors contributed $1.5 million of funds raised.

Additionally, the campaign has included a Faculty and Staff Phase. Campaign leaders expressed enormous gratitude toward the members of the faculty and staff who were approached during this phase. The Faculty and Staff Phase had 100 percent participation and has achieved 100 percent of the financial goal.

According to campaign leaders, "We doubt there are many schools around that could boast this type of accomplishment. It shows the dedication and commitment that our faculty has toward our students and the education we provide."

Speaking at the announcement was Kevin Vickery, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Sioux City. Vickery read a letter from Msgr. Roger Augustine, administrator of the Diocese of Sioux City who was in Rome for a visit with the Holy Father.

In his letter, Msgr. Augustine stated, "To you and all who have been working on the campaign, which has been very positive, I extend my congratulations. My prayers are that this momentum will continue as you reach out to more constituents and the community. Kuemper Catholic Schools is truly a witness to the faith of the communities involved in building up the Kingdom of God. I pray for God's Blessings on the efforts of all leaders and donors of this campaign for the growth of faith for future generations."

Also making comments at the celebration were Jack Thein, representing the Kuemper Catholic Schools Foundation, Lori Goetzinger, Board President of the Kuemper Catholic School System, Carroll Mayor Ed Smith, Dave Quandt, Vice President of Service for American Home Shield, representing the donors to the campaign, and Michael Wittry, a 12th grader at Kuemper High School and Co-President of Kuemper High School Student Council and son of David & Mary Wittry of Breda.

Recognized at the Public Announcement for their contribution to Kuemper Catholic Schools were Honorary Chairpersons Monsignor Robert Augustine, Roger "Chico" & Bev Kanne, Kuemper Class of 1959 and long-time supporters and Sister Mildred Tigges, F.S.P.A.

The campaign thermometer, displaying the total raised was unveiled by representatives of the past, present and future of Kuemper - Michael Wittry and Kaitlyn Tigges a second grade student at Holy Spirit Center, daughter of Scott & Cathy Tigges of Carroll.

For additional information regarding the campaign call 792-3313, ext. 259.