A Philadelphia Catholic high school has received a $74 million donation that school officials say will fund campus improvements and expand student scholarships.
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School announced on April 17 the gift from philanthropists Nick and Lorie Howley and the the Howley Foundation as part of its “Forever the Prep” campaign. The school said the contribution is the largest known gift to a Catholic high school in the United States.
The donation will support redevelopment of the school’s North Philadelphia campus, expansion of its scholarship program, and growth of its endowment. The Howleys have contributed a total of $80 million to the school.
Founded in 1851, the Jesuit, all-boys college preparatory school has operated at its current location since 1866 and draws students from across the Philadelphia region.
School President John Marinacci said the funding will help advance long-term plans for the campus.
Nick Howley addresses students, faculty, and guests on April 17 at the Prep during the announcement of a $74 million gift that will fund campus redevelopment and expand student scholarships. (Photo: St. Joseph’s Prep)
“This gift helps fulfill the dream the Jesuits had for St. Joseph’s Prep when they chose to rebuild in North Philadelphia 60 years ago,” Marinacci said.
He also described the donation as a defining moment in the institution’s 175-year history.
“It is rare that we are able to point to a defining moment in the history of an institution while it is happening,” Marinacci said. “This transformational gift is one of those moments.”
Plans include upgrades to campus facilities and the development of new outdoor spaces for academics, athletics, and student activities.
The gift will also expand the Howley Scholars Program, which provides full-tuition scholarships to students with financial need. The program will increase to 80 students annually, with 20 in each grade.
Nick Howley, a school alumnus and chairman of the foundation, said the investment reflects the impact of the program on students.
“Over the last decade, Lorie and I have seen the impact that our support has made on the young men at the Prep,” he said.
The Howley Foundation, established in 2003, supports educational opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds and has provided assistance to about 1,500 students nationwide.
Architectural renderings illustrate planned campus improvements at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, including a new plaza and enhanced athletic facilities, to be developed as part of a major North Philadelphia redevelopment made possible by a $74 million gift from Nick and Lorie Howley and the Howley Foundation.
Share this story