Capital Campaigns

Since 1994, St. Bernard has successfully completed three campaigns for capital improvements on our campus. 

From 1994-1997, the first St. Bernard Capital Campaign raised $2.7 million primarily for the construction of the Fazi-Richard Athletic Center and for a health-care facility for the older monks of St. Bernard Abbey.

In 1999, the Millennium Campaign began for the renovation of the St. Bernard Retreat and Conference Center (a.k.a. Boniface Hall) and for specific needs in the school (e.g., air conditioning in the dorms, construction of a new football/soccer stadium, etc.).  In the fall of 2004 the $2.5 million goal of the campaign was achieved and our projects were completed.

The Heritage Campaign opened in 2005 with the goal of renovating the Ave Maria Grotto Gift Shop and repurposing the old college science building for the dual purpose of providing a Middle School Classroom building and a campus Student Union.  Both of these projects were completed by 2010 and were funded by the $2,900,000 raised by the campaign.

St. Bernard is now entering upon a campaign called The Campaign for St. Bernard.  Abbot Cletus, in his letter, says the following:

This campaign flows out of the vision put forth in our strategic plan.  The campaign has two phases.  Phase I focuses on a Performing Arts Center while Phase II concentrates on the renovation and repurposing of the Heidrich building.  The Performing Arts Center will be new construction and provide a theater for dramatic presentations as well as a concert hall for the growing music program of the school.  Retreat groups, lecture series and community events will find a home here.  Because of the growth and objectives of our school, the Southern Association, our accrediting agency, is strongly encouraging us to move forward with this project.
 
Upon the completion of Phase I, we will then move to Phase II and the redesign and renovation of the Heidrich building. The structure will become “The Historic Archive and Academic Building” and will house the Abbey’s archive which includes artifacts and items of historical significance.  The new archive will have a controlled climate, a safe and other features to preserve and protect the historic treasures and books that are part of the Abbey’s endowment.  In addition, this building will provide new classrooms and support the academic program of our school.

I ask your generous support of this undertaking.  Only with your help will we be able to achieve the goals of this campaign..  Together we can build and sustain the legacy that is St. Bernard for future generations of monks and Bernardians to come.