An Update on the Centennial Addition
from President Otto J. Rutt ’79
Dear Fenwick High School Community,

Over a decade ago, Fenwick leadership set forth a long-term vision to transform our campus for the next century of Friars. That strategic vision was intentionally phased to strengthen key areas of our student experience first. Together, we celebrated the opening and dedication of the renovated Pearl and Angelo Mazzone Chapel, established a premier athletic home with the turf field at the Priory Campus, and resolved critical campus logistics by completing the Michael R. Quinlan '62 Parking Center.

Today, I am proud to share that we are taking the most significant step yet toward fulfilling the vision of the Centennial Addition.

Thanks to the extraordinary commitment and vision of our alumni, parents, and friends, we have raised more than $23 million in capital in just the last 18 months. This remarkable groundswell of support has provided the financial foundation required to turn this long-awaited project into reality.


With this funding secured, we have officially shifted into active pre-construction planning and coordination:
  • Village & Utility Coordination: We have initiated the necessary regulatory, zoning, and logistical work with the Village of Oak Park and local utility companies to prepare our campus site. This is taking longer than anticipated.
  • Construction Partnership: Walsh Construction is a premier firm with a deep understanding of complex institutional projects.
  • Fiscal Stewardship & Design Alignment: In close collaboration with our Board of Directors and school leadership, McNicholas Architects and Walsh Construction are currently conducting a comprehensive project evaluation. Our goal is absolute alignment in delivering a modern facility that fully prioritizes our students’ academic and co-curricular needs while maintaining the rigorous fiscal responsibility our community expects.
As a proud member of the Class of 1979, I am humbled and inspired by how our community answers the call when Fenwick's future is at stake. The Centennial Addition is a pledge to future generations that a Fenwick education will remain second-to-none in academic rigor, Dominican values and community life.

We will keep you informed as our planning progresses, including timelines for site preparation and our official groundbreaking.


Thank you for your patience throughout this multi-year journey, and your unwavering devotion to Fenwick High School.

Sincerely,

Col. Otto J. Rutt '79
President
Fenwick High School

Fenwick High School is owned and sponsored by the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Albert the Great headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
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