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Capital Campaigns
As opposed to bond elections used by public school districts and places of higher education, construction and renovation of the facilities at private education institutions is accomplished through capital campaigns.
During capital campaigns, members of our community voluntarily contribute to plans that will transform the school’s campus, learning, and resources.
Capital Campaign Philosophy
Every capital campaign begins with a needs assessment of the campus, and is followed by careful project planning before construction ever begins. Projects undertaken during a capital campaign may include:
- Construction of a new facility to provide more learning space
- Renovation of current buildings to maintain or update existing learning environments
- Increasing the endowment funds needed to maintain buildings into the future
Capital Campaigns: Starcrest Campus – 1964 to 1968
Previously located in downtown San Antonio, Saint Mary’s Hall began facing the problems of progress and expansion that come with a city on the rise. The Board of Trustees decided that the school should develop a new campus to meet their current needs and future demands.
To raise the needed money, the school held its very first capital campaign with a goal of $2.38 million which was exceeded by parents, alumni, trustees, foundations, and other members of the Saint Mary's Hall family.
Capital Campaigns: Starcrest Campus – 1964 to 1968
The land purchased at 9401 Starcrest Drive included the Montessori School, which had been built adjacent to the land, and would later become the Saint Mary’s Hall Lower School, making it a total of 60-acres. The associated firms of San Antonio architects O’Neil Ford and Bartlett Cocke, who had designed Trinity University, were asked to help design the new campus.
The Starcrest Campus was occupied for the first time in November 1968, with more than 300 students (including 119 boarding students) and faculty. The new facilities offered modern buildings and grounds, and room for future growth, which ultimately allowed Saint Mary's Hall to become the great school it is today.
I AM Saint Mary’s Hall Campaign – 2010 to 2012
In October 2010, Saint Mary’s Hall set out on our first capital campaign in nearly 50 years. With a goal of $25 million, the I AM Saint Mary’s Hall capital campaign addressed improving, expanding, or building specific facilities that would achieve increased energy efficiency, as well as establishing a reserve fund for the maintenance of the targeted facilities.
I AM Saint Mary’s Hall Campaign – 2010 to 2012
The I AM Saint Mary’s Hall Campaign included renovation and expansion of the Peggy Pitman Mays Dining Hall and kitchen to accommodate the nearly 1,300 students, faculty, and staff who eat there every day.
I AM Saint Mary’s Hall Campaign – 2010 to 2012
The I AM Saint Mary’s Hall Campaign also included construction of the Social Science & History Center, which includes eight classrooms, a faculty workroom, and a large meeting room for cross-disciplinary learning (Prichard Classroom).
I AM Saint Mary’s Hall Campaign – 2010 to 2012
The I AM Saint Mary’s Hall Campaign included the redesign of the existing athletic center into the McCombs Family Athletic Complex which now includes updated locker-room facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a gathering place for students and teams. It also houses the renovated Booke and Napier gyms, and the McFadden Fitness Center.
I AM Saint Mary’s Hall Campaign – 2010 to 2012
The I AM Saint Mary’s Hall Campaign also included construction of the 28,000 square foot Alonso Ancira Event Center which is the home to school-wide events including Commencement and Passport as well as athletic events and PE classes. The Ancira Event Center includes the Kelleher Family Pavilion, a large patio which overlooks the Salado Creek Basin and acts as an additional space for students and teams to meet.
I AM Saint Mary’s Hall Campaign – 2010 to 2012
The I AM Saint Mary’s Hall Campaign included the addition of the Kim & Rod Lewis Track & Field which includes a resurfaced track, state-of-the-art artificial turf field, and the Greehey Family Grandstands with comfortable seating for spectators. Also at the complex is the Ruth Bowman Russell Field House that includes a concession stand for fans, press box for announcers and referees, ample storage space, and a covered patio for viewing the games.
I AM Saint Mary’s Hall Campaign – 2010 to 2012
Finally, the I AM Saint Mary’s Hall Campaign also included the renovation of the Coates-Seeligson Theater/Chapel to include more gallery space for artwork on display and an updated interior for performances, community gatherings, and other functions.
For more information, contact Assistant Head of School for Advancement Jim Bob Womack at (210) 483-9241 or jwomack@smhall.org.