Why Give

Ken and Fran Bader recently made a $1 Million gift to St. John Vianney High School. Ken was inspired after reading an article in the Spring 2021 issue of Black & Gold. David Cassilly '63 had issued a challenge after making his $1 million gift, "I believe there are at least five other million-dollar donors from Vianney right now... Please prove me right"

The Bader's donation will help fund the Activity Center and Media Center renovations, wrestling program, new campus signage, school technology, and financial aid.

Ken: Fran and I have been married for almost 55 years. We started a real estate-appraisal business, Bader & Associates, in 1975. It grew beyond anything we imagined. We also made some good investments along the way.

Fran: We lived within walking distance of another Catholic high school but our oldest son chose Vianney, because he felt at home here. I volunteered in Griffins Cafe for more than 20 years as all six of our sons attended Vianney: Dan '91, Luke '94, Adam '97, Mark '98, John '03, and Andy '06.

John '03, Andy '06, Dan '91, Amy Meier, Ken, Fran, Adam '97, Luke '94, and Mark '98

Ken: We told our kids at Christmas of our intent to give a $1 million gift to Vianney. They were all happy, including our daughter, Amy.

Fran: I remember when Dan took an accounting class at Mizzou and said "it was a breeze" because his high school accounting teacher, Mike Loyet '77, had more than prepared him for college. Vianney impressed on the boys the importance of giving back, sharing their talents. Our kids all went to public grade school, but we wanted a faith-filled environment for high school and they received that at Vianney.

Ken: We met some of their closest friends here. Now we come to grandparent events at Vianney and see these same friends who are here fore their own grandkids.

Fran: Vianney built a base for our children and their future. Over the passing of time, we are pleased with most of our decisions and choosing Vianney is one of them. It's been a joy to watch the school progress.

Ken: We need at least two more million-dollar donors by the end of this year. I know who you are! Check with your financial advisor, because there are definite tax advantages when donating appreciated assets.

 

 

 

Larry Valenza '83 is Principal at M + H Architects. He has shared his gift for architecture with St. John Vianney High School as Chairman of the Facilities Committee since 2016 and Chairman of the current Long-Range Campus Planning Committee. Larry is also an alumni parent with TJ graduating in 2014.

"I don't consider myself to be the smartest guy in the world, but somehow I've made a series of really good decisions - my wife, my college, my profession, and so many more. But, the first decision I ever made on my own, without being guided in any particular direction by my parents, was the choice to attend Vianney, This ended up being the "first domino" triggering all of the following events which have impacted my life so profoundly. I initially wanted to go to Vianney, because i would attend football games (on Saturdays before they were played on Friday nights) with one of my junior football teammates whose older brother played at Vianney. It turned out that eight of my football teammates also decided to attend Vianney, so a whole group of us started high school together.

There's definitely always been a spirit and culture at Vianney which is hard to describe without experiencing it. We call it the Vianney family, and it's real. I made lifelong friends who I still see and consider my brothers. I played football which was a source of pride, created indelible memories, and most importantly taught me about teamwork, sacrifice, persistence, and humility. While at Vianney I took Coach Farrell's Architectural Drawing class and fell in love with architecture. After my dad, he's undoubtedly the man who has had the biggest influence on my life. Every morning, I get out of bed and go to work because he introduced me to my profession. 

So, why do I give? To be honest, it's partly selfish, because I get the opportunity to spend time at Vianney in the unmistakable family atmosphere that still feels like home. I get to apply my area of expertise to help make the facilities nicer and more efficient, which I hope ultimately enhances the high school experience for the current generation of Griffins. I get to work with a passionate staff at the school whose decisions are always based on what's best for the kids and the school. And, I know that my financial contributions are used to support the ongoing operation of the institution so that more young people can make the same great decision to attend Vianney that I did."

-Larry Valenza '83

 

"Greetings to the Vianney Family... we are blessed with the unique opportunity of looking back with gratitude and looking ahead with optimism. Considering the many campus improvements, solid enrollment, and ongoing generosity of the Vianney family, there is much to celebrate."

Campus Improvements:

Our Griffins are fully utilizing Vianney's recent campus updates: renovated locker rooms and weight room, new Esports facility, and expanded Student Services Center. For the upcoming school year, the Activity Center (Vianney's original gym) will be transformed into a multi-functional space for meetings, Masses, theatre productions, and events. The upgrades include new windows with automatic shades, ample storage, and a state-of-the-art sound/light system with improved acoustics. In the Media Center, look for increased functionality and eye-appeal as we transform a portion of this space into a Marketing & Communications office suite with a video production studio for student use, as well as large, more attractive space for meetings, receptions, and quiet study. New entrance signs are planned for S. Kirkwood and Big Bend Roads which will better reflect our college-preparatory and faith-based curriculum. These campus improvements represent the first phase of a larger initiative to renew and revitalize our 62-year-old school building and surrounding spaces to better meet the needs of today's students. 

Vianney Activity Center Remodel

Enrollment:

Full classrooms and a vibrant campus allow us to elevate Vianney's academic offerings, expand co-curricular programs, and continually improve school operations. Credit the quality of our admissions efforts and updated school website for more effectively conveying Vianney's mission and the benefits of our two-semester, college-style schedule to prospective students and their families. The results are evident as the Class of 2026 looks to be one of the largest incoming in recent years. We're building on this success by expanding merit scholarships, revitalizing our athletic programs, and creating opportunities to engage with more grade school boys and their families.

 

Advancement:The incredible generosity of the Vianney family was once again evident this past school year. Our in-person Night of the Griffin auction set records in net proceeds and Fund-A-Need donations. The Griffin Fund will also surpass established goals due, in large part, to Ken and Fran Bader's $1,024,000 gift; the second $1 million gift in as many years. Growth in the value and number of Patron (formerly, "Named") Scholarships are helping build Vianney's endowment. Earlier this spring, Robert Gau donated a fully-endowed, memorial scholarship in the name of his daughter, Jennifer Gau Marr.

We have much to celebrate. But, it is also important to keep in mind that our work never ends. As long as there are young men who can benefit from this spiritual, academic, and personal formation, Vianney's mission and its Marianist ministry continues. With your prayers and support, we can look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm as we continue transforming boys into Men of Character and Accomplishment.

May the Father, the Son, and The Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Rick Davis '79