St Ignatius High School - Ignatian Yearbook (Cleveland, OH)

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DEVELOPMENT INSURES FUTURE One of the following words or phrases has been repeated more often than any other in this past year. Which one is it? Wildcats, ' 77, the Ignatian, it's 2:10, Senior slump, or development? If you say de-I velopment, you're probably right. Development became a much-t used word in '76-'77 due to the implementation of a new program calling for construction, expansion, j and renovation of the Ignatius campus. Fr. Robert Welsh, S.J., was ap-r pointed Development Director, and he, in cooperation with Fr. James O'Reilly, S.J., Carl White, and Tom O'Donnell, spear-headed the drive to gain capital in excess of 7.5 million dollars. The attempts to secure the money were conducted in several ways. The Development Team, consisting of the four previously mentioned men, spoke, either separately or in groups, to corpora- tions, foundations, and wealthy individuals in an effort to obtain ’ large amounts of capital. Also, alumni were contacted and asked to donate either their time or money. When questioned about asking wealthy people for money, Fr. O'Reilly replied, I don't think of myself when I'm doing it; I think of the students and the future. Fr. O'Reilly also said, 1 think the people who are asked to help are doing a great job. The mechanics of the program are divided into several phases. The first phase encompassed the Learning Center, which contains a new library and additional space for group learning endeavors. The Learning Center, begun in February, is the former Carroll Gym, built in 1913. The following construction will include renovation of Loyola Hall and the Main Building and construction of an Arts and Music Center (formerly Slavin's Furniture Store), a Social Service Center, a West 30th Street Mall, an intramural practice field, and a companion building for the Sullivan Gym. All this should take approximately three years to complete, barring any unforseen problems. At the root of the Development is a reason for the multi-million dollar program. Fr. Welsh states: As the Jesuits entered their ninetieth year here at the school and saw the need to renovate and to plan where education would go in the future, they reached a moment of decision. It was necessary to decide whether to expand and improve the facilities in order to continue providing the students with a quality education or whether to pull back and continue with a smaller school until an eventual closing. The two people seen busily working in the former Teachers' Lounge are Mr. and Mrs. Walter Weisman, professional fundraisers. They have helped to raise funds for such noteworthy endeavors as the Lakewood Hospital and the Beck Center for Performing Arts. Incidentally, their salaries are being taken care of by benefactor contributions. Mr. Robert Corna has been chosen as architect, and he has displayed a rare show of enthusiasm in regards to the program. It's the kind of thing you can really get yourself involved in. If the environment begins to fall down, the quality of education will also. Mr. Coma's plans are designed to adapt St. Ignatius to a student body much like the present one. He emphasizes that the changes are not an enrollment booster, but rather, the construction, expansion, and renovation are necessary to update the quality of learning. Skeptics were surprised at the progress of the Learning Center. In the next three years buildings will be changed, raised, and constructed at an amazing rate in building the St. Ignatius of the future. Having been appointed Development Director. Fr. Robert Welsh. S.J.. spent many hours talking to potential contributors to the capital drive. Feature 13

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Bemdos having played an important role In the spiritual hie ot many ignatians, Fr. James O'Reilly. S.J.. also made immonso contributions to the Development Program. '' Located in The Development Olhce. this scale model ol the future St. Ignatius Campus provides students, alumni, and capital contributors with a general view of the planned construction. expansion, and renovation, indicated by the lottors are A. The Renovated Administration Building, B. The Renovated Loyola Hall. C. Mall of Fame. D. Fine Arts Center. E. The Re-novatod Sullivan Gym. F. Intramural Sports Building. G. Natatorium. H. Intramural Field, and I. Learning Resources Center. This extensive program is expected to take three years to complete if things progress according to plans. ST. IGNATIUS HIGH SCHOOL cuvnANO .onto DEVELOPMENT PLAN ROBERT COPNA ASSOC. AJ.A. CLIVIIAND .OHIO APCHITRCTB PLANNFOfl

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14 Seniors