Capital/Endowment Programs

School Campaign More Than Meets $17 Million Goal

Columbus Academy’s Advancing the Quest (ATQ) capital campaign is one for the record books: It met and exceeded its $17 million goal in less than expected time, in the process setting an area record for private or parochial elementary/secondary school fundraising campaigns.

Advancing the Quest, which kicked off in January of 2002 during the stock market’s post-9/11 slump, benefited from the steady, seasoned leadership of Cheryl Krueger (campaign chair) and Abigail Wexner and John Wolfe ’61 (honorary co-chairs). But it was the dedication of the Board of Trustees, coupled with the generosity of countless volunteers and donors that put the effort over the top – $17.5 million in less than three and a half years.

ATQ’s overriding goal was “to provide central Ohio with a co-ed independent day school that rivals the very best anywhere in the U.S.” To accomplish this, the campaign raised funds dedicated to four areas: faculty and staff excellence, student body diversity, school size and structure, and facilities. In particular, the campaign’s $17 million goal would dedicate $9.5 million to the school’s endowment ($6.5 million for faculty/staff compensation, $3 million for financial aid) and $7.5 million toward new and renovated facilities.

According to campaign chair Cheryl Krueger, “The true beneficiaries of this successful campaign are the students of today, those of tomorrow, and the faculty/staff who guide them in their quest to be the best."

A donor recognition board, listing all those who donated to Advancing the Quest, can be found in the school's theatre lobby. For additional information, please contact the Columbus Academy Alumni/Development Office at 614-509-2228 or by e-mail at hunker@columbusacademy.org.