The Roman Catholic High School of Philadelphia broke ground Wednesday, May 20 on a new state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Center, a project made possible by a $10 million lead gift from alumnus Daniel M. DiLella, the largest donor commitment in the school’s 136-year history.
The facility will be constructed on the current parking lot along Vine Street as part of the school’s “Vision of Promise” expansion initiative. School officials said the campaign has raised more than $26 million to date, including DiLella’s contribution.
DiLella, a member of the class of 1969 and chairman of the school’s board, joined President John Prendergast and Board President Thomas Leonard at the ceremonial groundbreaking. Jay DeFruscio, chief operating officer for secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education, also participated.
Elected officials and representatives from several organizations attended, including Pennsylvania State Rep. Mary Isaacson and Philadelphia City Councilman Mark Squilla, along with representatives of the Connelly Foundation, Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS), the Ambassador’s Fund for Catholic Education, and project partners.
School leaders first announced DiLella’s $10 million gift in December 2025, unveiling plans for the STEM Center aimed at expanding academic offerings and enhancing science and technology education for students.
Founded in 1890, Roman Catholic High School is the nation’s first free diocesan Catholic high school for boys.
A recording of the groundbreaking ceremony livestream is available online here.
PREVIOUS: Archbishop Pérez Honors 132 Top Catholic High School Scholars at Annual Convocation
NEXT: IHM Nun Run Aims to Fund Van for Retired Sisters
Share this story