GONZAGA DEVELOPMENT
MAGIS INSPIRING DEVELOPMENT
Since the college opened in the 1950s the Jesuit value of Magis - the challenge of the pursuit of excellence - has inspired continual development of the school. Future planning and strategic capital development ensure Gonzaga students benefit from a high standard of facilities which enables them to fulfil their greatest potential.
This Jesuit ethos of striving for ‘greater’ is what drives development in Gonzaga, promoting the culture of philanthropy that is so deeply embedded in Jesuit education. We are fortunate that our community of parents and alumni are cognisant of the impact of philanthropy in education and take pride in the fact many of our alumni have been responsible for creating positive change in society through their generosity.
PEOPLE FOR OTHERS
It was with the generous support of the Jesuit community, alumni, parents and corporate partners that the Campaign for Excellence was finally completed in 2016.
This campaign spanned 9 years of successful fundraising and delivered the Coulson Theatre, the Sutherland Library, the Dining Hall, 16 new classrooms, the upgrading of sports’ facilities (including a new weight training equipment and additional changing rooms) and various other short-term science and technology refurbishment projects.
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Our recently launched initiative, Building for Tomorrow, further promotes the pursuit of Magis, focussing not only on campus growth but also nurturing the idea of equality and inclusion in a real and tangible way. This campaign is equally ambitious and aims to deliver the following projects by 2030:
New 3G pitch. This exceptional facility was delivered in August 2020 and is ensuring our talented athletes can now compete on a par with other schools. The 3G surface and floodlighting enable students to play matches and train on the darkest and wettest of winter evenings which extends the opportunity for sport in such a transformative way.
Establishment of fund security for the Fr. Sullivan Bursary Programme. This Programme provides access to exceptional students deemed to benefit from an education at Gonzaga but who would otherwise be prevented from access due to a lack of means.
A new fit for purpose science, maths & technology (STEM) centre which reflects the
excellence of teaching and academic success in these areas.
A new centre for the Arts which will include soundproofed rehearsal spaces and studio facilities for music and drama students. Gonzaga has a long history of excellence in the Arts and recognises the need to provide an exceptional facility for our talented students and their teachers with gifts in these areas.
An Interactive Teaching & Learning Hub, providing two new floors of collaborative, multi-media spaces to stimulate students to grow in a challenging, open and innovative school environment. International educational best practice shows classroom-only experiences are evolving to more enriching and learning-friendly environments.
INTERNAL ARCHITECT IMPRESSIONS OF THE NEW SCIENCE, MATHS AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
A FAITH THAT DOES JUSTICE
The Fr. John Sullivan Access Bursary
Who is Fr. John Sullivan?
Fr. Sullivan was an Irish Jesuit priest who died in 1933. He was beatified in Dublin
in 2017 in recognition of a life dedicated to working with the poor and the sick.
We chose to create the access programme in his name in honour of his many personal sacrifices.
Why does Gonzaga want to provide an access programme?
A significant tenet of our Jesuit ethos and tradition is that we teach a faith that does justice and, in this context, we feel the access programme and the tangible experience of social and cultural diversity will continue to enrich the school community in a most positive way.
The current goal is to provide 4 Sullivan Scholarships each year and to assess and review this number as the programme develops. We are very pleased to have 17 participating in the programme currently and our aim is to grow this number to where we can accommodate 8-10% of our intake each year.
A NETWORK OF SUPPORT
We make every effort to encourage our Gonzaga community to participate in the college development. We meet new parents in the first few months of their journey to share our plans in greater detail and to discuss our hopes for, and the prospect of, their involvement in line with our shared Jesuit values.
From time to time we reach out to our network of alumni to share updates on our college development plans and to seek support where appropriate.
If you are considering a gift to Gonzaga College, please be aware that there are various efficient ways to do so depending on your residence and tax status.
The tax legislation in Ireland, the UK and the USA provides different incentives for charitable giving unique to each country.
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For Irish residents, click here to download our Pledge Form and here to complete the CHY3 Cert for tax relief on your donation.
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For UK residents the most efficient way to make a gift to Gonzaga College SJ is through the IFGB. Please click here to download Gonzaga/IFGB donation form.
In Memoriam & Legacy gifts
We hope at some point you might consider the impact a Jesuit education has had on your life, the life of your son, another relative or indeed a friend. A Planned Gift to Gonzaga College SJ, through your will or by your creation of a charitable trust or annuity, will ensure the success of the college mission to educate and form men for and with others for years to come.
Corporate Partnerships
We welcome discussing partnerships with corporate entities who share the values of Gonzaga College SJ and wish to make a positive impact on education in Ireland and invest in the future change-makers.
Please contact any member of the college development team to discuss playing a part in the future of Gonzaga College SJ.
GONZAGA DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Kathryn Maher Grace - Director of Development
Kathryn joined the team in January 2020 having honed her fundraising and development skills in Olympic sport as Executive Director with the Irish Sailing Foundation. An experienced and strategic marketing veteran (Elm Park Golf & Sports Club, Vodafone, Rothco) she brings a wealth of development and communications experience to Gonzaga College. Her focus is centred on building strong relationships with all stakeholders involved in the Building for Tomorrow campaign – parents, alumni, staff and the wider Jesuit community – to ensure funding milestones are met and the project is successfully delivered.
With strong Jesuit and alumni connections running through the family – she has 2 sons in the college, her father and 2 older brothers are alumni, while her grandfather Ned Maher SJ entered the community in Manresa after his wife’s passing. As such, she possesses a deep respect for, and understanding of, the Jesuit ethos and the college history and traditions.
Kathryn is looking forward to the realisation of the Building for Tomorrow project and playing her part in the next exciting phase of development at Gonzaga College SJ.
Tel: +353 87 289 9000 email: kgrace@gonzaga.ie
Fiachra Etchingham – Director of Finance
Fiachra was appointed Director of Finance of Gonzaga in 1993 having trained as an accountant with Coopers & Lybrand (now PWC). Initially responsible for finance and administration, on commencement of the “Improving the Learning Environment” campaign in 1996 Fiachra took on the role of Head of Fundraising. Fiachra also successfully oversaw the “Campaign for Excellence” which delivered €20M to fund the 2007 expansion of the school buildings.
Fiachra has acted as School Representative on the Gonzaga Union Committee since 1997 and has been closely involved in initiating annual alumni reunions in London, New York, Sydney and Hong Kong. Fiachra has served as Chairman of the Irish Bursars Association, Treasurer of Fundraising Ireland and more recently has been instrumental in arranging informal gatherings of Directors of Development from several Irish schools.
A keen sailor and skier, Fiachra also oversees the Gonzaga sailing team and the annual 1st year ski trip.
Tel: +353 87 989 0951 email: fetchingham@gonzaga.ie
Claire Reid – Development Officer
Claire first joined Gonzaga College S.J. in 1999 but left us for a few years to focus on raising her three children.
After a career-break we were delighted Claire returned to the College to resume a role in Development Administration. A trained Accounting Technician, she has worked in Price Waterhouse Coopers, Microsoft and Mainstream Renewable Power. Claire brings her highly organised skills, along with her commitment and loyalty, to her role in the Development Department.
Over the years Claire has volunteered her time as Chairperson of the Parents' Association in her children's primary school, treasurer on the Parents Council in her sons' secondary school and as secretary of Greystones Sailing Club.
In her free time Claire enjoys walking, especially the Greystones to Bray cliff walk, the very odd swim in the sea and the après sailing!
Tel: +353 1 497 2931 email: creid@gonzaga.ie