Bernard DelGiorno Announces $1 Million Matching Gift at All-School Mass
On Wednesday, May 10 Bernard DelGiorno (Hon.) addressed the St. Rita student body after the final all-school Mass of the 2022-23 academic year to announce his $1 million matching gift commitment. DelGiorno, the son of Italian immigrant parents, who is the 1st Vice President of Wealth Management at UBS Financial Services, is also a champion of educational institutions on the Southside of Chicago, including St. Rita and the University of Chicago.
Bernie DelGiorno addressing student body on May 10.
DelGiorno’s pledge marks a new phase of growth for St. Rita, spurring the Caritas Campaign to raise funds to match his $1 million gift over the next four years. As enrollment expands and St. Rita’s scholarship program grows, this matching gift will ensure young men on Chicago’s Southside have a high school where they can receive a world-class, yet affordable, Catholic, Augustinian education.
Deacon John Donahue, President of St. Rita said, “We are so fortunate that Bernie is such a great friend of ours and generous benefactor of St. Rita. His love for the Southside of Chicago and education of young people as tomorrow’s leaders is evident. We are tremendously happy to welcome him to campus.”
“Take advantage of the opportunity you all have to go to this incredible institution,” DelGiorno urged Ritamen. “St. Rita is a fixture on the Southside of Chicago, and those of us who might have a little bit to say about it are looking forward to another 100 plus years of this school being a leading educational institution in Chicago.”
In 2018, DelGiorno generously donated $2.5 million to St. Rita as part of a comprehensive capital campaign, growing the school’s endowment and upgrading its athletic facilities. The campaign realized the construction of the Mrozek Family Fitness Center, The John McNicholas Baseball Clubhouse, and a gymnasium renovation — ultimately resulting in the naming of the school grounds as the Bernard J. DelGiorno Campus.
“A lot of the people in this room are going to be running this planet in 20 or 30 years.” DelGiorno said.
“I encourage you to maximize your educational opportunities like the one here at St. Rita.”
The Caritas Campaign will launch in June 2023, with more details to come.