The Kuemper Catholic School System is more than two-thirds of the way to its $30 million fundraising goal for its uKnighted Capital Campaign to expand its campus footprint. School officials hosted a blessing ceremony this (Tuesday) morning to coincide with a visit by the leader of the Sioux City Diocese, Bishop John Keehner. Bishop Keehner says the diocese is fortunate to count Kuemper among its roster of Church-affiliated schools and credits the staff, families, and students, past and present, for making the parochial school what it is today.
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
Following the address and blessing from Bishop Keehner, Kuemper President John Steffes shared publicly that the fundraising campaign has raised a remarkable $20.56 million so far. Several years ago, the staff opened a time capsule buried at the cornerstone of Holy Spirit Elementary in 1952. In it was a letter from then-priest Frank Greteman, who later became bishop of the Sioux City Diocese. Steffes says they knew then that another capital campaign was inevitable, and shared a piece of that letter
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
Steffes adds that construction is already scheduled to begin this summer, likely in early June after classes dismiss for the 2025-2026 school year. The project includes expanded classroom spaces, a new chapel, a new gymnasium, and a skywalk to tie the campus together. Steffes says it will open a new chapter for Kuemper when it is completed, potentially as soon as the 2028-29 school year.
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
Tuesday’s announcement marks the end of the major gift portion of the campaign, and the committee’s attention now shifts to the general public. Contributions to the project can be made online at www.kuemper.org/uknighted-donate-now.