“With so many individuals and institutions stepping up their giving in the previous 2020-21 fiscal year to help Marian securely face the challenges of COVID-19, we were unsure whether this year would see the same level of investment in the school and our students. Our parents alumni and friends have proven that the generosity of our community is truly sustainable and strong. These individuals have truly lived up to “Being Marian”, and we cannot thank them enough,” said Michael Brennan ‘06, Head of School.
Sources of support to Marian this past fiscal year included $617,103 in unrestricted gifts to the “Marian Fund;” $345,199 in gifts towards the school’s Pennsylvania State Tax Credit Program and $109,493 in special gifts , including an $60,000 gift from an anonymous donor to fund a new guidance program. Over 1,300 gifts were made to the school.
The unrestricted funds are added to the general fund of the school’s budget for use in meeting current operating expenses, providing over $350,000 in student financial aid, maintaining the physical plant, and ensuring the continuation of a quality Catholic education.
Tuition and auxiliary income are simply not adequate to cover the operating expenses incurred at Marian, as is the case for most Catholic secondary schools in the country. The actual cost of education for each student is approximately $11,180 for the 2022-23 school year. Tuition and fees cover about 63% of the cost of a Marian education. The Marian Fund bridges the gap between tuition revenues and operating expenses.
“At Marian, how we treat people, how we serve our community and how we steward the gifts and resources provided to us are a direct reflection of the values this school. It is now up to us as parents, alumni, grandparents, volunteers, donors, faculty, and staff to carry on that legacy,” said Patrick Reilly, P ’99, ’02, ’11, President of the Board of Directors.
“Nationally, many peer Catholic secondary schools are struggling. Marian is thriving because our community recognizes the importance of philanthropy towards ensuring the school’s sustainability,” said Kristine Evina, Director of Advancement.
“Each year, students are impacted by the generosity of the philanthropic support, and we see the difference it makes in their lives and in the life of the school as a whole. We’d like to especially thank those who made a gift to the Marian Fund, the oxygen of our school,” said Joe Velitsky ’62, Chair of the 2021-22 Marian Fund and long-time benefactor.
”Hundreds of alumni, parents, grandparents and friends provide leadership support to Marian. The generosity of our leadership donors enables the school to enhance the outstanding academic, leadership and service-learning experiences we offer our students. Whether left unrestricted to the Marian Fund or designated to specific initiatives, leadership gifts make a real difference in transforming the lives of our students,” said Larry Furey ’79, Chairman of the Board’s Advancement Committee.
Marian Catholic High School is a Catholic secondary school under the ownership of the Diocese of Allentown and is governed by the Board of Directors under the leadership of Patrick Reilly, P ’99, ’02, ‘11. Other members of the Board for this school year include Nikki Andel ‘91; Dave Bielen ’69, P ’91, GP ’24; Patrick Boyle ’03; Joe Cannon ’75, P ’04, ‘06; Jack Cusatis P’93; Christine Fannick P’ ‘14, ‘15; Rev. Robert Finlan; Larry Furey ’79; Leo V. Marzen ‘79, CFA, CPA, CFP; Sr. Rose Mulligan, IHM ’84; Erin O’Gurek ’03; Jim Sauka ’66, P ’93, ’94, ’96, ’00; Leo Schilling ’57 and Bill Stulginsky ’69.
Marian Catholic High School opened in September 1954 and has graduated more than 8,000 students, now living in all 50 states and abroad. The school also calls alumni from the four predecessor high schools, Saint Ann’s High School in Lansford, Saint Mary’s High School in Coaldale, Saint Jerome’s High School in Tamaqua and Mauch Chunk Catholic High School in Jim Thorpe as its own.
Marian Catholic High School will open its 79th school year in September with an enrollment of nearly 250 students in grades nine to twelve.