AIM is a focused, short-term effort to develop Marian Catholic High School's west campus acreage. AIM targets those in the Marian Catholic community who support athletics.

Have there been other efforts like AIM?

Yes, both the Science Lab Initiative (an $800,000 project that revamped the labs and improved technology) and the Band Initiative (a $500,000 project to provide instruments and an instrument replacement endowment) turned to those in the Marian Catholic community who had a passion for these areas. Unlike AIM, Partnership 2000 was wide in its scope and intention, even though it allowed donors to specify areas of interest.

What has already been done on the west campus?

The Dominican Sisters of Springfield purchased 13.3 acres from the Archdiocese of Chicago and gave the acreage to Marian Catholic High School. The farm acreage has been put to tax-exempt use: four practice fields, the basics for a softball diamond, the (Booster-sponsored) concession stand and washrooms, a refinished track, and a 1.1 mile fitness trail.

What is still needed?

Portable bleachers for baseball, softball, and soccer, completion and fencing of the softball diamond, water source for field maintenance, scoreboard, press box, and new home bleachers (ADA compliant) for the varsity stadium, portable bleachers for soccer, and final landscaping.

Who will benefit?

Our student athletes with safe, accessible fields (softball now has to practice off-site), fans (adequate seating, safety, convenience), the band (use of press box and adjacent field), every Marian student in Physical Education, area Catholic elementary schools needing practice/game space, Marian neighbors with landscaping and improved drainage, and the community through use of the fitness trail.

When will it happen?

The improvements will take place exactly as funded by AIM—and as quickly. Current improvements have cost $1 million; no further monies will be expended by Marian on the west campus acreage except those funds raised through AIM. This is a short-term effort with commitments being made over the next 18 months.

Why me?

As someone who has supported Marian athletics either as a player or as a fan, you and other invited leaders have already demonstrated an ability and willingness to meet goals. This same leadership is needed to engage others in AIM.

What can I do?

1. Invest yourself, at whatever level you are comfortable. It makes you credible in speaking with others.

2. Find a way to get others together to work with our $200,000 challenge grant ($1.00 will be gifted for every $2.00 pledged up to $200,000):

• team/class get-togethers to prompt joint gifts and sponsorships of the larger items (field, press box, lights, softball diamond, softball field bleachers, etc.)
• communicate with those you feel have this interest, making sure key people know about AIM before the general brochures arrive later in the summer.

How will the Advancement Office help?