Padua Franciscan High School announced a $16 million capital campaign, Achieving Excellence, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025– the largest fundraising effort in the school’s 64-year history. We’re thrilled to share that the campaign has raised $11.2 million thus far.
The campaign, which endeavors to construct a new athletic center and transform the current gym into a dedicated performing arts center, has been privately gaining momentum since 2024.
This new 29,000-square-foot athletic center will be connected to the southwest corner of the school near Padua Stadium. The facility will include a 14,000-square-foot gymnasium space that provides two full-size courts for practice and tournament competitions. It will hold approximately 1,300 spectators. The additional 15,000-square-foot space will include a grand concourse for entrance, which will house a ticketing booth, lavatory facilities, a Bruin Shop kiosk and a concession stand for both stadium and gym venues. Also, four locker rooms will also be constructed providing a space for Padua girls, Padua boys, visiting teams, and officials. A sports medicine room, as well as the athletic department offices, will be relocated to this space.
During the second phase of construction, the current gymnasium will be renovated into a performing arts center for both vocal and instrumental instruction, performances and theatrical productions. The front of the facility, closest to our current lobby, will house a new vocal classroom and a new band room. The 1,500-square-foot vocal classroom will include an expanded Fine Arts office, storage areas, and a ticket booth and concession space. The 2,500-square-foot band room will include a director’s office, new individual practice rooms, and instrumental storage. The current band room and the current vocal classroom and office spaces located behind the stage will be renovated to create theatrical support spaces including a scene shop, costume design room, and additional storage for the fine arts programs. Utilizing state-of-the-art acoustical design, the tiered 295-seat auditorium would include the expansion of the wings of the main stage, as well as an extended front stage. New lighting and sound systems will be installed to provide professional-level production experiences.
“I want to help foster the vision of the future for the school. Padua Franciscan has a great reputation for academic excellence, but lacks dedicated state-of-the-art athletic and performing arts facilities. These projects will allow our students to achieve excellence and become the best athletes and performers that they can be. Koler Financial Group is a proud visionary donor to the campaign.”
Jerry Koler ’86, Campaign Chairperson
“I believe the family atmosphere and welcoming community ensures that Padua will continue to grow and progress. Life cannot be lived in the rearview, we have to keep looking forward to setting and achieving our goals. After all, a goal without a plan is a wish. I believe Padua has great goals with a plan to achieve excellence. If you’ve been blessed, look to how you can step out of yourself and give it back to others.”
