October 7, 2024
$2 Million Gift from Frank and Barbara Sullivan Strengthens Saint Ignatius High School’s Welsh Academy and Vision ’30 Campaign
A gift to support The Welsh Academy and Vision ’30 Capital Campaign
CLEVELAND, OH—Saint Ignatius High School is proud to announce a generous gift of $2 million from Frank and Barbara Sullivan, long-time supporters of the school and parents of four boys who graduated from Saint Ignatius. This contribution will support the growth of The Welsh Academy and strengthen the capital campaign support of Vision ’30. $1 million is designated for the Welsh Academy and $1 million toward the construction of DiSanto Hall, the school's new academic wing currently under construction.
The Welsh Academy, The Middle School at Saint Ignatius, founded to honor the vision of Rev. Robert J. Welsh, S.J. '54, serves the unique needs of early adolescent boys of modest economic means in their journey of becoming Men for Others. Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, The Welsh Academy shares the mission and life of Saint Ignatius High School, forming boys to grow in faith, leadership, academic excellence, and the desire for lifelong learning. The gift marks a crucial step toward the long-term goal of establishing an endowment and ensuring it continues to offer a transformative experience that nurtures academic excellence, leadership skills, and character development in its students.
The Sullivan’s $2 million commitment builds on the growing momentum of significant leadership gifts, including the recent leadership gift from Brittan and Fred DiSanto ’80. Together, these contributions are accelerating the realization of the Vision ’30 campaign’s goals, which focus on enhancing academic excellence, faith formation, and long-term affordability. The Sullivan’s’ generosity not only strengthens the school’s facilities but also underscores a shared commitment to the future of Saint Ignatius and its mission of forming “Men for Others.”
Reflecting on the Sullivans' generosity, Rev. Ray Guiao, S.J. '82, President and Chief Mission Officer of Saint Ignatius, shared, “Frank and Barbara’s commitment to the future of Saint Ignatius, particularly through their support of both the Welsh Academy and DiSanto Hall, embodies the spirit of hope and renewal. Their gift enriches the present and ensures that future generations of Wildcats will have the resources and facilities to thrive. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing partnership in our mission.”
In response to their decision to support these initiatives, Frank and Barbara Sullivan said, “We believe in the transformative power of a Jesuit education, and Saint Ignatius has been a cornerstone of our community. Supporting the Welsh Academy and the Vision ’30 campaign allows us to invest in the future of young men who will go on to lead, serve, and make a difference in our community and throughout the world.”
The Campaign for Vision ’30 is focused on strengthening the school’s infrastructure and academic resources, with DiSanto Hall playing a pivotal role in shaping Saint Ignatius's future. This state-of-the-art facility will enhance the learning environment for all students and ensure the school continues to provide an academically excellent education deeply rooted in faith. In addition to academic improvements, the campaign will expand the school’s counseling center, providing increased resources for student mental health and well-being. This investment ensures that students have greater access to essential support services, reflecting the school's commitment to the holistic development of each individual.
About Saint Ignatius High School
Saint Ignatius High School opened its doors on September 6, 1886, and is a Jesuit college-preparatory school for grades 6-12. The school enrolls more than 1,400 young men who hail from 96 cities in a nine-county region. Located near downtown Cleveland in the vibrant and energetic Ohio City neighborhood, the school occupies 23 acres, including 19 buildings and three athletic fields. The school has 113 faculty members, 90 percent of whom hold advanced degrees. Academically, Saint Ignatius is a regional and state leader in National Merit finalists and Advanced Placement scholars. Nearly 100 percent of Saint Ignatius students go on to four-year college programs at universities across the United States.
Please visit Saint Ignatius High School's website for more information about how to support the Welsh Academy and the Campaign for Vision 30.