St. Mary's University - San Antonio, Texas
Building on Winning Traditions
When St. Mary's University in San Antonio broke ground for its new Athletics Convocation Center in March 1999, a great cheer went up from all those gathered in celebration ... the students, parents, trustees, alumni, administrators, faculty, staff and other friends. Their cheers were an echo of the winning spirit of generations past who helped build St. Mary's into one of the largest and most accomplished Catholic universities in the Southwest. Their cheers were also a preview of future achievements as St. Mary's University embraces the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
The new Athletics Convocation Center represents a triumph on many levels for the University. The new state-of-the-art facility replaces a small, unairconditioned 70-year old gymnasium, enabling St. Mary's student athletes to compete interscholastically as well as to significantly expand
intramural sports and promote student wellness on campus. The new facility also provides a 3,500-seat arena so that for the first time, the entire school community can gather for celebrations, performances and special events. In both cases, the Center will help St. Mary's continue to attract and retain outstanding students and faculty. Of equal importance, the successful $15 million campaign to build the Athletics Convocation Center is unprecedented in St. Mary's history and has helped the University establish a development operation that will long serve the school's fundraising needs.
What Made It Happen?
St. Mary's leaders recognized that the success of this campaign would be crucial to future fundraising achievements. So they took the proper steps to lay a sound foundation, beginning with a Skystone Ryan constructed pre-campaign feasibility study and development operations assessment. The firm helped the volunteers and staff organize and implement Building on Winning Traditions. Campaign Chair Bill Greehey recruited an exceptional group of volunteers, who, along with the support of President John Moder and Vice President Thomas B. Galvin and his staff, made this campaign a success. Attracting three gifts of $1 million or more, including an important $1.5 million challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation, the campaign team was able to surpass the goal. Skystone Ryan also helped restructure the advancement department by conducting a thorough development assessment and providing interim management while conducting an executive search. The winning traditions of St. Mary's have inspired not just new heights of athletic achievement, but ongoing fundraising achievements as well.
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