Metro Magazine / metroMAGAZINE-Up-to-the-Minute 2010 / Future Looks Bright for Roncalli Catholic High School

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Future Looks Bright for Roncalli Catholic High School

$1.4 million development campaign means North Omaha anchor can help local families

Roncalli Catholic High School officials announced today that its capital campaign drive has received $1.4 million in pledges, cash and in-kind gifts, with another $1.35 millionstill to be raised.

 

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The first phase of the drive got underway last fall. The Rev. Lloyd Gnirk, president and principal of the north Omaha school, has led the charge, along with a team of committed alumni, school parents, donors, and friends of the school.

A year ago, with the schools future at risk, school leaders developed a strategy to build a strong foundation for the school. "We formed a three-point plan to address the financial situation at Roncalli," Gnirk said, "We met our obligations last year, we balanced our budget for this year and we introduced a capital campaign to help our students with tuition. We've made great progress and we plan to build on
our success."

Gnirk established tuition assistance as the top priority for the campaign's first phase. Much of Roncalli's student body comes from families with moderate incomes, many of those single-family households of north Omaha. Gnirk said he frequently hears from north Omaha parents who want their children to benefit from Roncallis emphasis on accountability, structure, diverse extra-curricular activities and its well-known college preparatory program.

Archbishop George J. Lucas serves as the campaigns honorary chairman. With the campaign more than half-way towards its $2.75 million goal, Lucas said the Roncalli family deserves praise for taking an active role in providing a quality education and strong spiritual values for north Omaha families, "I congratulate Father Gnirk, his team and all those who have rallied around this community anchor, Roncalli Catholic High School. To raise $1.4 million in just one year says everything about the commitment within this wonderful Roncalli community. Thanks to your efforts, young people and their families will benefit. And, when you reach your ambitious goal of $2.75 million, I look forward to coming back to Roncalli for a celebration."

Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle applauded the Roncalli community for hard work that will benefit the entire community. The school really is an anchor in this community providing stability, security and values. "My thanks to the campaign team and the donors," said Suttle, "By supporting this school, you strengthen surrounding neighborhoods and help us build a better City of Omaha"

Fundraising will intensify to raise the last $1.35 million. The campaign team is meeting with potential donors throughout Omaha and reaching out to Roncalli alumni. To contribute to the campaign for Roncalli Catholic High School, go to www.roncallicatholic.org.

About Roncalli Catholic High School

Roncalli Catholic High School is part of the Archdiocese of Omaha, providing a comprehensive co-ed, college preparatory education. In a structured and faith-centered environment, Roncalli offers an outstanding educational opportunity to all students regardless of income. Roncalli's roots are found in the Notre Dame Academy, an all-girls school founded in 1926 by the Notre Dame Sisters, and Archbishop Rummel High School, an all-boys school founded by the De LaSalle Christian Brothers in 1964. The schools merged in 1974 to become Roncalli, named after Pope John XXIII (Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli). Today the school continues its educational mission in the tradition of these two religious communities.

Contact: 6401 Sorensen Parkway, Omaha, NE 68152, Phone 402.571.7670, www.roncallicatholic.org.