Attached is a copy of a memo that was drafted for the High School students and later sent to all families of students at the Pontiac campus in regards to questions raised by some of the High School students regarding the plans to combine Capital Campaign proceeds with student Walk-A-Thon proceeds to build a new all-purpose facility/auxiliary gym. 

It is reprinted here in the Blarney Stone for viewing of all families in all three divisions at both campuses.  If you would like to support this project financially or have any questions at all, do not hesitate to call the Advancement Office at any time. 

Director of Advancement

Notre Dame Preparatory School & Marist Academy

From:      Andrew J. Guest, Director of Advancement

Date:       August 28, 2006

Recently, Fr. Leon and I met with the Student Council to discuss some of the concerns that we had heard regarding the proposed all-purpose facility/auxiliary gym project that Fr. Leon announced at the school liturgy a couple of months ago.

There were a number of excellent questions raised by the Student Council on behalf of the student body and after we explained more of the history behind the project and answered the questions, there was a much better understanding of the project. 

At the suggestion of the Student Council, we wanted to share with the entire student body some of the dialogue from the meeting. So, please read on…

The History (short version)

During the 2000/2001 school year, we embarked on an aggressive capital campaign to try and raise money for a variety of building projects important to the long-term growth of the school. The total goal of the campaign was $8.0 million. 

Shortly after the launch, the economy went into a recession compounded by 9/11. Though the campaign continued, the amount of money raised ($1.7 million) was well short of the goal.

After careful consideration, we determined that the best course of action was to bring the campaign to a close and move forward with the project that we think will most benefit the student body…given the dollars that we have available. At the same time, we had a benefactor step forward with a plan to build an all-purpose facility/auxiliary gym. 

What exactly is an auxiliary gym?

An auxiliary gym is basically an extra gym that could be used for sports practices, play practices, sports events, special events, tournaments, band practices, concerts, fundraisers, meetings, open-houses, college fairs, liturgies, dinners, Alumni activities, reunions, Irish Week games and any other special activities where we need space. In short, it can be used for many of the things that we currently use the gym for today.

Why do you refer to it as an all-purpose facility?

When we call it an auxiliary gym, people tend to think of the project as a facility that only benefits athletics. In reality, we have a great need for additional activity space for just about everybody in the school. An all-purpose facility addresses the fact that the new structure will benefit the entire student population. 

What would it look like and where would it go?  

Current plans allow for a stand-alone structure, about 20 feet high, with a full-sized gym floor, approximately 10’ of space around the floor, a few rows of carpeted, concrete seats on one side, four walls, lighting and a roof. 

The building would be located on the grassy area between the Athletic Field and the school. It may include a small stage or band room depending on whether or not we could raise additional funds. The structure will be permanent and look nice.  

Does the all-purpose facility/auxiliary gym project mean that we won’t be getting air conditioning in the non-air conditioned portions of the school?

Absolutely not! The air conditioning has already been approved and is in the budget. The air conditioning proceeds are being funded out of this year’s Walk-A-Thon proceeds. The auxiliary gym would be funded out of upcoming Walk-A-Thon proceeds. 

It seems like all we ever support is Athletics (i.e. tennis courts/new gym). What about some of the other needs of the school?

The administration of the school cares deeply about all the programs offered at the school. In fact, it is the plethora of clubs, sports, academic and arts offered that make Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy so great. In past years, we have renovated the building, added the media center, expanded the number of classrooms and built the Cafetorium.

The tennis courts are the result of a major donor designated gift which we are extremely appreciative to receive. It is not costing the school any money out of its current operating or capital campaign budgets.   

Is building an all-purpose facility/auxiliary gym a wise use of money? Couldn’t the money be used for other things, such as teacher salaries?

We have an extreme shortage of space for extracurricular activities at the school. Extra space has been a priority for the school for some time. The decision to build the all-purpose facility/auxiliary gym is partly based on our ability to realize some significant cost savings on building materials and partly based on key donor interest which makes it a very wise use of money.

Theoretically, we could use the money for another project, but teacher salaries would never be covered even partially out of student fundraising dollars. This is an inherent conflict of interest that would not be consistent with the mission of the school.   

Do we have any future building plans?

We also have plans to expand the chapel and performing arts areas. These plans would require substantially more dollars than we have available at the moment. Plans to build a new academic wing are on hold. There has been some donor interest in building an outdoor concession stand and restroom building by the Athletic field. This would be pending our availability to raise the necessary funds. 

When will the new all-purpose facility/auxiliary gym be built? Will we (current students) benefit from it?

If all goes well, we can start construction as early as next fall. This is dependent on a number of approvals from the city of Pontiac, State of Michigan, Archdiocese of Detroit, the NDPMA Board of Trustees and the Marist Board of Directors. Our hope is that the facility can be complete by the end of next school year if not sooner. 

Keep in mind that true stewardship is giving not for our own individual benefit, but for the benefit of others. Just like all of you are benefiting from the classes before you, your efforts will help those that come behind you. That being said, the facility that we plan to build will be a permanent addition to the school. If you don’t benefit directly as a student, you will certainly benefit as an alumnus.

What can we do to help make this project a success?

Because the donations to build the auxiliary gym are just covering the base construction costs, it will be imperative that we have a successful Walk-A-Thon the next 2-3 years to help round out the project. The proceeds will help cover some of the incidental costs of the facility such as the addition of basketball nets, pulleys, tarps, volleyball equipment, scoreboards and a small seating area. The more money that we raise, the nicer we will be able to make the facility. 

The other thing you can do is to help spread the word that this is an exciting and meaningful project for the school. Excitement from the student body, particularly during next year’s Walk-A-Thon, will help raise the funds to complete the project. A letter will go out to the entire community next year, but we wanted to make sure that you, our students, are in the loop from the beginning. 

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to stop by and visit me in the portable office behind the school anytime. Thanks for all your support!