{"id":290,"date":"2016-05-01T19:56:29","date_gmt":"2016-05-01T19:56:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/?p=290"},"modified":"2020-01-23T09:52:02","modified_gmt":"2020-01-23T09:52:02","slug":"4500forever-finish-strong-joplin-campus-expansion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/2016\/05\/01\/4500forever-finish-strong-joplin-campus-expansion\/","title":{"rendered":"4500Forever Finish Strong Fuels Joplin Campus Expansion"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Mount Everest-climb of the most robust capital campaign in St. Thomas history is nearing the final crest.<\/span><\/p>\n

The $66 million summit appeared unreachable in November 2013. \u00a0The ascent would<\/span> require faith, resolve and a deeply rooted due diligence as essential as the necessary funds to close in one year\u2019s time on the<\/span> monumental land acquisition.<\/span><\/p>\n

The unprecedented philanthropy included more than 1,800<\/span> commitments from STH family and friends, alumni and foundations plus time if not treasure from countless benefactors. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Joplin-Naming-Joplin-Storey-Clay-Dec-2014\"<\/p>\n

And the two largest individual leadership gifts in the school\u2019s 114-year history … a $6 million matching gift from Jane and Bill Joplin \u201854, which generated contributions of $14.6 million during an 11-week period as part of the No Substitute For Victory Challenge … and a $10 million donation from Dona and Al Clay \u201861, raising the 4500Forever Campaign total to more than $53 million.<\/span><\/p>\n

The extraordinary infusion of financial assistance will enable St. Thomas to continue its educational mission and vision established in Houston more than a century ago, as well as deepening STH\u2019s foundational Catholic identity in the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know there were those who believed our bid was crazy, that we there was no way we would ever be able to close on the property. \u00a0I was 100% sure this was the right number, the right project, the right time. \u00a0If we could get the traction, it would happen. \u00a0But we had to swing for the fences. \u00a0And we hit the home run.\u201d — <\/span>Al Clay <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Clay and Joplin emerged as the angel investors<\/span> as St. Thomas approached the one-year anniversary of securing the final bid for the adjacent 11-acre HISD property.<\/span><\/p>\n

The acquisition equips the Basilian Fathers with the necessary resources at the current 4500 Memorial Drive address to meet the future needs of their diverse student body.<\/span><\/p>\n

To honor the exceptional leadership gifts of Clay and the Joplin, the Basilian Fathers and the STH Board of Directors approved the naming of the expanded STH footprint as the Jane and Bill Joplin Campus and renaming the main building as Clay-Storey Hall, honoring the visionary leaders who boldly stepped out to help give rise to an extraordinary period in STH history.<\/span><\/p>\n

With nearly $54 million raised to date, the strategic planning to expand programs and increase enrollment continues. \u00a0And the laser focus of 4500Forever remains fixed on the final objective … raising the the remaining $12 million to complete the acquisition and renovation of the Joplin Campus. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes you feel you have no right to feel this blessed. \u00a0Blessed that Al Clay and Bill Joplin are contributing like this, blessed that Al is choosing to put our names together for the campus, blessed that our entire community has rallied in a way few others ever have, blessed that I can be but one small factor in this reality. \u00a0Just a great moment to thank God.\u201d — <\/span>Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB, St. Thomas President<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

— <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Joplin-Revealed-Nov-2014\"<\/p>\n

Bill Joplin was always highly regarded not only for his sharp business mind but also for his deep devotion to his alma mater.<\/span><\/p>\n

His involvement with 4500Forever was initially in the shadows, an anonymous presence whose physical profile was not nearly as important as his pledge – offering to match, dollar for dollar, gifts between September 19 and December 5 up to $6 million as the No Substitute For Victory Challenge. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery seldom in life do you have the opportunity to make a real difference,\u201d Joplin said when still an unknown benefactor. \u00a0\u201cAnd this campaign needed someone to step up. \u00a0How are they going to close this deal this year unless someone stepped up big? And I said to myself, \u2018I can do it.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joplin\u2019s realization was not without soul searching before deciding that a gift made from the heart creates a connection to something larger and brings meaning and purpose to one\u2019s life which may not have before existed. \u00a0And the nature of his philanthropy appealed to Joplin\u2019s intensely competitive nature with a name borrowed from his introductory days to St. Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo substitute for victory … the first thing I heard when I was a freshman at St. Thomas before our first football game that fall. \u00a0I can\u2019t remember who we played. \u00a0I\u2019ll always remember those words.\u201d — <\/span>Joplin<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n

Just as vivid to Joplin was an emotional recollection describing how his family once faced financial stress and his father, unable to meet the next tuition payments, arrived on campus fully prepared to remove an older brother from the school.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Basilians would have none of it, instructing the father to leave his son enrolled and simply pay when the dollars became available.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that was one of the best investments St. Thomas ever made.\u201d — <\/span>Joplin<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Joplin stands now with equally strong convictions to support the STH students of tomorrow, to shape a STH stronger and more entrenched than ever as the school moves forward into a \u00a0second century of teaching goodness, discipline and knowledge in the tradition of the Basilian Fathers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joplin was revealed as the driving force behind the Challenge during Alumni Weekend, presented to a thriving support group gathered on campus with a more than suitable backdrop … the Eagles clinching a third consecutive district football title with a surging win against generational rival St. Pius X, with the Eagles\u2019 1964 state champions honored at halftime.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Joplin-Revealed-Joplin-Storey-Nov-2014\"<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that long ago I never would have dreamed being here tonight … certainly never expected to participate quite like this,\u201d Joplin told the assembled alumni. \u00a0\u201cBut this campaign is so big for St. Thomas. \u00a0We needed something to help get us over the hump.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBill was an answer to our prayers, no doubt about it. \u00a0He guaranteed the success of the campaign, transformed it. \u00a0Having that size boulder go into the pond mid-way through our fundraising effort sent a reverberating belief of accomplishment and confidence to our community. \u00a0So many wide-ranging examples … a $250,000 donor who indicated he was inspired by Bill\u2019s initiative. \u00a0But regardless of the amount of each gift, Bill instilled that sense of \u00a0\u2018now it\u2019s my turn\u2019 which struck a chord within so many Eagles.\u201d — <\/span>Fr. Storey<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cBill understood our closing deadline was approaching and 4500Forever needed a jolt. \u00a0The entire St. Thomas community continues to make this campaign a success but Bill Joplin called the right play at precisely the right time when he issued the challenge.\u201d — <\/span>Mark deTranaltes, St. Thomas Vice President for Advancement<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

— <\/span><\/p>\n

Al Clay has long embraced STH\u2019s unique environment of caring and sense of brotherhood. \u00a0The \u00a0Basilian traditions and devotion to personal and academic growth were instrumental in shaping his life\u2019s path.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere comes a time when you have look inside yourself and ask, \u2018Why am I on this earth? \u00a0Why am I accomplishing all that I have?\u2019 \u00a0And the reason is that God has smiled on my life with Dona and on our business. \u00a0We have to pay that forward, help provide the future Eagles the same opportunities I was given.\u201d — <\/span>Clay <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Clay\u2019s enduring relationship with STH took root more than a half century ago. \u00a0He then graduated from Texas A&M in 1965 with an accounting degree and followed with a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Texas. \u00a0He was a certified public accountant and active in mortgage brokerage in Houston until founding Clay Development & Construction with his son, Robert, in 1998. The two have helped pioneer the re-emergence of the city\u2019s real estate development business.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"4500Forever-Clay-Office-Dec-2014\"<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are other charities out there to support. \u00a0But St. Thomas is part of me. \u00a0Without St. Thomas, I wouldn\u2019t be the same person I am today. \u00a0Wouldn\u2019t have had the work ethic and moral ethic instilled in me, that drive to be successful. Wouldn\u2019t have the relationships which continue to last. \u00a0I\u2019m 71-years-old and the guys I went to St. Thomas with remain my very best friends.\u201d \u00a0<\/span>— <\/span><\/i>Clay<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Clay was a one of the driving forces behind the relentless St. Thomas effort to win the best-final bid in November 2013 for the current High School For Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The expansion will eventually enable St. Thomas to increase enrollment to approximately 1,000 students, as well as provide additional classroom areas, enlarged science and drama departments, plus much needed and expansive athletic practice fields. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As a member of the Land Acquisition Committee, Clay contributed the initial $500,000 escrow deposit which allowed St. Thomas to enter the bidding without financial exposure to the school. \u00a0He continued to work closely with 4500Forever chairs Suzanne and Danny Grant `78 through a tireless fundraising process.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere was never any doubt from Al from the very beginning this campaign was going to get done. \u00a0That supremely positive attitude was infectious. \u00a0I\u2019m so excited that his name will be associated with the campus for the next 114 years … makes me so proud given all that he\u2019s invested. \u00a0And we had so many in our community who matched Al\u2019s spirit, whether the contribution was $25 or $10 million. \u00a0They\u2019ve all stepped up.\u201d — <\/span>Danny Grant<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cAl is a man of faith. \u00a0We are humbled by his persistence, loyalty and love for St. Thomas. \u00a0Al and Dona\u2019s family legacy will live at the school deep into the next century, allowing so many more fine young men to learn what Al has not only talked but walked the St. Thomas motto of \u2018Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge.\u2019\u201d — <\/span>Suzanne Grant <\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cI have been awed by Al\u2019s passion and energy he has brought to 4500Forever. \u00a0He has continually gone beyond what is expected in terms of time and effort. \u00a0It\u2019s clear that this campaign is very personal to Al and he\u2019s willing to sacrifice for the school he loves.\u201d — <\/span>John Rathmell \u201875, head of St. Thomas Board of Directors<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\"4500Forever-Al-Clay-Day\"<\/p>\n

In the spirit of a particular verse which Clay favors, he has been a determined advocate for the growing needs of his alma mater and has advanced the STH objectives through his generous support.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018To whom much is given, much is expected.\u2019 That\u2019s the drill. \u00a0I totally believe that. \u00a0Dona and I owe. \u00a0Because we have the ability to make this kind of contribution, we will. \u00a0I owe St. Thomas a debt. \u00a0And I\u2019m paying it back … investing in the future boys of the inner city … hoping to make the Basilian experience available to many who otherwise could not participate.\u201d — <\/span>Clay<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

— <\/span><\/p>\n

The boldest capital campaign in STH annals included an never-before boost from the Basilian Fathers of Toronto, along with a significant contribution from the Basilian Fathers of St. Thomas, capturing much the same sentiment of those who established Houston\u2019s first college preparatory school in 1903, and then had the foresight to relocate from downtown Austin St. to the current site on the bank of Buffalo Bayou. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rev. George T. Smith, CSB, the Superior General of the Congregation of St. Basil since 2004, announced an inaugural gift of $500,000 to 4500Forever in November 2014. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe General Council of the Basilian Fathers has decided to financially support 4500Forever for a number of reasons. \u00a0First of all, we believe that the vision of Fr. T. P. O’Rourke (in the 1930s) to create a new home for St. Thomas on the banks of Buffalo Bayou, guided by the Holy Spirit as it was, should continue to inspire us. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSecondly, we see that same Holy Spirit to be powerfully at work in the St. Thomas community today as it fulfills its mission to teach goodness, discipline and knowledge. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFinally, we are convinced that to bring our founding vision to fulfillment we must invest in the future of St. Thomas at 4500 Memorial Drive. We have the option of believing that the 11 acres touching the north perimeter of our campus became available because of coincidence, or because of Divine Providence. The Basilian Fathers choose to believe in Providence!\u201d — <\/span>Fr. Smith in a statement<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\"4500Forever-Basilians-Nov-11-2014\"<\/p>\n

In the wake of the half-million dollar donation, the St. Thomas Basilian Fathers contributed their own gift of $150,000.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am equally inspired by our elder Basilians. \u00a0Fr. Albert Gaelens and Fr. Ronald Schwenzer were the most vocal about our financial contribution to 4500Forever, especially when our resources are set aside to provide for their security with health and retirement.\u201d — <\/span>Fr. Storey<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Fr. Gaelens\u2019 40-plus years in education as a Basilian priest included serving STH in a number of roles and capacities, including faculty member, assistant principal, director of guidance, senior counselor and principal from 1987-94. <\/span><\/p>\n

Fr. Schwenzer ignited a STH resurgence after becoming principal in 1998, remained for eight years until becoming the school’s first president in 2006 and was succeeded by Fr. Storey in 2012, two years after Fr. Patrick Fulton, CSB was named principal.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the last five years under the combined leadership of Frs. Storey and Fulton, St. Thomas has enjoyed a surge of achievement and was recently recognized as a 2014 Top Workplace by the <\/span>Houston Chronicle<\/span><\/i>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Fr. Bob Glass, CSB is currently assisting in the Dean of Students Office. \u00a0He returned to STH in 2006 for his fourth assignment with the school, previously contributing as a valued faculty member from 1967-70, 1974-79 and 1987-1993.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fr. Jim Murphy, CSB teaches Theology, serves as the assistant athletic director to Mike Netzel, the chaplain in Campus Ministry and an assistant director in the fall and spring STH drama productions. \u00a0Fr. Murphy joined the St. Thomas faculty in 2011. <\/span><\/p>\n

— <\/span><\/p>\n

Bill O\u2019Brien had never spent so much as a second on the STH campus. \u00a0He was a city resident for only a matter of weeks after becoming only the third head coach in Houston Texans history when he agreed to speak at a 4500Forever event at the cold-call request from Fr. Storey.<\/span><\/p>\n

What O\u2019Brien delivered measured beyond celebrity endorsement and struck to the core of 4500Forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"4500Forever-O'Brien-June-2014\"<\/p>\n

\u201cI really believe in Catholic education. \u00a0One of the turning points in my life (was graduating from St. John\u2019s Prep in Danvers, Massachusetts) … taught me so much about structure and discipline and hard work and competition. \u00a0And one of the things that made St. John\u2019s such a great school … phenomenal facilities. \u00a0I went back a couple of years ago and they\u2019ve put in FieldTurf, a new library, new classrooms. \u00a0An amazing makeover.\u201d — <\/span>Bill O\u2019Brien<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201c(O\u2019Brien\u2019s) sense of the importance of being a Catholic, of Catholic education, of athletic excellence paired with academic excellence, of facilities … was as if he were a St. Thomas Eagle his entire life. \u00a0He told our story without really knowing us. \u00a0He legitimately believes in what he said and that\u2019s what (was) so empowering for our community to hear.\u201d — <\/span>Fr. Storey<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

From O\u2019Brien\u2019s commitment to speak to the night of his riveting address in Reckling Gymnasium, 4500Forever raised more than $2.2 million.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor St. Thomas, to take the school from where it is now to where it can be, it\u2019s really how far do you want to go to be the best you can be. \u00a0Fundraising is obviously a huge part of that.\u201d — <\/span>O\u2019Brien<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

—<\/span><\/p>\n

Among the multiple donations which paid a double dividend during the No Substitute For Victory Challenge was the $50,000 contribution from the STH Alumni Association.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith a campaign as historic as 4500Forever and all that it represents, we knew the Alumni Board, as representatives of the Association, had to step up and do our part to see this to fruition. \u00a0This contribution reflects our ever-present dedication to the ideals and core values St. Thomas and the Basilian Fathers have instilled for generations. \u00a0It shows current students, parents and the public at-large that the lessons of service to a cause greater than yourself begin within the halls of STH and continue throughout our lives.\u201d — <\/span>George Oggero \u201800, St. Thomas Alumni President<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The Alumni Association hopes their emphatic move continues to serve as a motivation for thousands within the Eagle community.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny amount, no matter how large or small, truly matters. \u00a0The strong message here is our desire to see St. Thomas continue to succeed and we\u2019re willing to do our part to make it happen.\u201d — <\/span>Oggero<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

— <\/span><\/p>\n

The 4500Forever campaign is proving stupendously successful. \u00a0Clay acknowledges that closing on the HISD property brings a proper celebratory moment, yet the final fundraising efforts remain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Clay-Blessing-Storey-Clay-2015\"<\/p>\n

\u201cThis campaign will continue. \u00a0We\u2019re not finished until the pledges reach $66 million to cover the refurbishing of the property. \u00a0We\u2019re all living in a remarkable time in the history of St. Thomas. \u00a0I\u2019m blessed to be surrounded by loyal and courageous friends who have stepped forward to encourage all of us to take hold of a rare opportunity.\u201d — <\/span>Clay<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Catholic. \u00a0Basilian. \u00a0Teaching Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge since 1900.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Mount Everest-climb of the most robust capital campaign in St. Thomas history is nearing the final crest. The $66 million summit appeared unreachable in November 2013. \u00a0The ascent would require faith, resolve and a deeply rooted due diligence as essential as the necessary funds to close in one year\u2019s time on the monumental land […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":223,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[9,13,24,8,19],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/4500Forever-Town-Hall-2014.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/290"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=290"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/290\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":292,"href":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/290\/revisions\/292"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/223"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=290"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=290"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sths.org\/4500Forever\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=290"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}