Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, unveiled its ambitious Ignite the Spirit capital campaign on August 22, 2025, aiming to raise $11 million for campus upgrades and long-term support. This initiative focuses on modernizing facilities, boosting student experiences, and strengthening ties to the local community on the city’s southeast side.
Campaign Overview and Goals
School leaders announced the campaign during a special event, highlighting its role in transforming the Catholic high school’s infrastructure. The effort comes at a time when educational institutions across the nation are investing in facilities to meet growing demands for quality learning environments.
With a target completion date of fall 2027, the campaign addresses key needs identified through community input and school assessments. Officials emphasize that this is more than just fundraising; it represents a commitment to fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth for students.
The $11 million goal breaks down into specific areas that will directly impact daily life at the school. This strategic approach ensures funds are used efficiently to create lasting benefits.
Key Priorities of the Initiative
At the heart of Ignite the Spirit is the construction of a new auxiliary gymnasium equipped with an integrated performing arts stage. This addition will support athletic programs and creative activities, allowing more students to participate in extracurriculars.
Classroom renovations are another major focus, with work already underway. Over the summer of 2025, 16 classrooms received updates to improve learning spaces and incorporate modern technology.
The campaign also establishes an endowment through a local foundation, providing ongoing financial stability. This fund will help cover scholarships, teacher development, and other essential programs for years to come.
- Auxiliary gymnasium with performing arts stage to enhance sports and theater opportunities.
- Renovation of outdated classrooms to create inspiring educational environments.
- Creation of an endowment for sustained support of student and faculty needs.
These priorities align with broader trends in education, where schools are adapting to post-pandemic challenges by investing in versatile spaces that promote holistic development.
Leadership and Community Support
Bruce Boxberger and Jerry Henry, prominent community figures, serve as chairpersons for the campaign. Their involvement brings expertise from business and local leadership, helping to rally support from alumni, parents, and Fort Wayne residents.
Principal Seth Coffing shared enthusiasm for the project, stating that it builds a stronger future for students and the surrounding area. His comments reflect the school’s deep roots in Catholic values and community service.
Other school officials noted that the campaign reinforces Bishop Luers’ identity as a hub for faith-based education. With a history of athletic success, including multiple state championships in football and other sports, the school aims to extend that excellence to all aspects of student life.
This leadership team has already secured initial pledges, showing strong early momentum. Their efforts tie into recent community events, such as volunteer programs where students contributed over 1,500 hours to local organizations in 2025.
Impact on Fort Wayne’s Southeast Side
The campaign extends beyond the school grounds, contributing to the revitalization of Fort Wayne’s southeast neighborhoods. By upgrading facilities, Bishop Luers positions itself as a key player in local economic and social development.
Students and families will benefit from improved resources that prepare them for college and careers. With an enrollment of about 554 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1, the school maintains a personalized approach to education.
Local leaders see this as part of a larger wave of investments in the area, including infrastructure projects and community initiatives. The timing aligns with Indiana’s focus on educational funding, where state support for private schools has increased in recent years.
| Project Component | Estimated Cost | Expected Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Auxiliary Gym and Stage | $5 million | Enhanced athletics and arts programs for 500+ students |
| Classroom Renovations | $3 million | Modern learning spaces with updated technology |
| Endowment Fund | $3 million | Long-term scholarships and program support |
This table illustrates how the funds will be allocated, based on school projections. Such transparency helps build trust among donors and the community.
Recent challenges, like a lawsuit involving the school earlier in 2025, have not deterred progress. Instead, leaders are channeling energy into positive growth, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all.
How the Campaign Fits into School Legacy
Bishop Luers High School, founded in 1958, has a storied history in Fort Wayne. Known for its athletic prowess, the school has won 12 state football titles, with the most recent in 2023.
The Ignite the Spirit campaign builds on this legacy by addressing modern needs. It supports the school’s mission to provide a well-rounded Catholic education, including service programs that encourage students to give back.
In 2025, the school continued its tradition of community involvement, with initiatives that tied faith and service together. This campaign ensures that future generations can thrive in an evolving educational landscape.
As Indiana sees rising enrollment in private schools, with a 5 percent increase statewide from 2024 to 2025, efforts like this help Bishop Luers stay competitive.
Share your thoughts on this exciting development for Bishop Luers High School. Have you attended or supported similar campaigns? Leave a comment below and spread the word to help ignite the spirit in Fort Wayne.
