Kuemper Catholic School

THE CHALLENGE

For more than 150 years, Kuemper Catholic School has provided exceptional Catholic education in Carroll, Iowa, forming students in mind, body and soul while preparing them to know, love and serve God with joy. As enrollment continued to grow, accelerated by increased demand for Catholic education and the introduction of Iowa’s Education Savings Accounts, Kuemper’s facilities began to feel the strain. Classrooms reached capacity, and spaces originally designed for other purposes were converted into learning areas. Art and music programs relocated to neighboring buildings, while aging infrastructure created inefficiencies and rising maintenance costs.

Although Kuemper’s previous capital campaigns successfully enhanced academic programs, teacher support, technology and facilities, school leaders recognized the need for a long-term solution that would position the school system for another century of growth and mission-driven excellence. To meet the evolving needs of 21^st century learners, Kuemper needed a unified campus that reflected the quality of its educational experience and strengthen its commitment to faith.

THE VISION

Building on two previous successful campaigns with the Steier Group, a transformational effort to create one campus, one mission and one future included:

• Expanding the elementary school with a new 50,000-square-foot academic addition.
• Creating a unified preschool through grade 12 campus by relocating middle school students to the expanded elementary facility.
• Constructing 26 new classrooms for art, music and technology education.
• Building a new chapel to support faith formation and school ministries.
• Renovating existing elementary spaces to create a modern library and media center.
• Combining the current gymnasium and cafeteria into a larger community gathering space.
• Installing updated HVAC systems and energy-efficient infrastructure.
• Constructing a new 12,000-square-foot competition gymnasium with locker rooms and seating for 525 spectators.
• Creating a skywalk connection across a street to safely unite the campuses.

THE SOLUTION

As a trusted partner for a third campaign, the Steier Group worked alongside Kuemper Catholic School leadership to translate a bold vision into a compelling case for support that inspired donors, families, alumni and the parish communities. By building upon decades of philanthropic momentum and honoring the school’s legacy, the campaign united stakeholders around a shared purpose: creating a campus where every student can learn, pray and grow together. Through strategic campaign planning, comprehensive, onsite fundraising counsel and a mission-centered approach, the Steier Group helped Kuemper communicate how this transformational investment would enhance academic excellence, improve operational efficiency and deepen opportunities for faith formation. The UKNIGHTED Capital Campaign proved that trust in the process of the Steier Group way led to a third major success for this community. The power of long-term partnership and the impact of visionary leadership, dedicated supporters and expert fundraising guidance provided the keys to building something lasting for the Kuemper Catholic School community.