October 7, 2025 // Diocese

Bishop Luers Looks to the Future with ‘Ignite the Spirit’ Capital Campaign

Georgia Lieb

Bishop Luers High School officials have announced the launch of their $11.7 million capital campaign entitled “Ignite the Spirit!” They emphasize that this is more than a campaign. It is a call to action and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Bishop Luers.

The purpose of the campaign is to support future Knights and address long-term needs of the school. Currently, students are learning in outdated classroom environments and have limited space for athletics practices and theater performances. Bishop Luers’ student body has grown in recent years, creating a need for facilities that help them reach their full potential in educational and extracurricular settings. The campaign consists of three visionary goals:

• Facility Revitalization ($2.5M) – For many years, students have used classrooms with outdated furniture and lighting. Bishop Luers students deserve classrooms that match their energy, creativity, and ambition. With the community’s support, the school will upgrade flooring, lighting, ceilings, furniture, and technology to create dynamic classrooms that spark collaboration and focus.

• Establishing a Permanent School Endowment ($2M) – This is history in the making. For the first time ever, Bishop Luers is launching a permanent school endowment through the Catholic Community Foundation of Northeast Indiana, a foundation that will provide stability, innovation, and long-term growth for generations to come.

• New Auxiliary Gym and Performing Arts Stage ($7.2M) – The current Bishop Luers gym is at full capacity, and the growing student body needs space to train and compete. Bishop Luers’ Theater Program has also run out of space. Because of scheduling conflicts, they perform one of their musicals in the school cafeteria. The new addition will include an auxiliary gym with performing arts stage, Bishop Luers Hall of Fame, locker rooms, concessions, weight room, staff offices, and a parking lot.

These three components of the capital campaign are all geared towards one ultimate goal, to provide the best possible facilities and spaces for Bishop Luers students to learn and grow as students and athletes.

“The Bishop Luers capital campaign is a testament to what can be achieved when our mission and generosity come together,” stated Laurie Perolio-Bullinger, director of mission advancement and capital campaign director. “With the dedicated leadership of campaign chairs Bruce Boxberger and Jerry Henry, and the unwavering support of our committee, donor partners, and alumni, we are strengthening our mission and sparking renewal in the southeast community. Together, we are building a legacy of hope that will shine for generations.”

Progress has already been made through this campaign. Sixteen classrooms at Bishop Luers were updated throughout the summer with new desks, flooring, ceiling, lighting, paint, whiteboards, and bulletin boards. Renovations also included a new door and lock system, as well as a sound system complete with microphones and ceiling speakers.

At the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, English Department Chair Pat Shifley was in one of the updated classrooms. She said, “The new desks are the part I like the best, I think. There is more room on the top for the students when using their computers, and I like that the chairs aren’t attached to the desks anymore. It is much easier to put them in groups without moving desks all around. The updates are wonderful, and I am so grateful for all the changes.”

This past spring, the demolition of the Old Friary building on the northwest corner of the school took place, making room for the auxiliary gym on the premises.

The campaign’s name, “Ignite the Spirit,” refers to Bishop Luers’ tagline – “Luers Spirit.” Many have described Luers Spirit as a feeling when they enter the school building, a spirit of community and family.

Bishop Luers Principal Seth Coffing said, “Through the capital campaign, Bishop Luers is deepening its mission and extending its impact. It’s about building a stronger future for our students and our southeast community. Together, we are planting seeds of hope and renewal that will grow for generations to come.”

School officials say now’s the time to Ignite the Spirit! They invite the community, including alumni, families, friends, and local businesses, to come together to support the capital campaign. Donations can be made through the Bishop Luers website at bishopluers.org by going to the Support Bishop Luers tab and clicking on Ignite Luers Spirit – Capital Campaign 2025. For more information, please contact Laurie Perolio-Bullinger at 260-456-1261 ext. 4101.