MATTERS MARIAN - Marian Catholic High School

Planning for the Future Generation
When the Marian Catholic Board of Directors
gathers in August for their annual retreat, the
primary focus of the day will be to initiate the
Strategic Planning Process. Several members of the
school community have already been at work during
the summer with Amy Holsinger of Project Enroll to
ensure that key information and statistical data will
be in place prior to attempting the critical work of
providing for the future of Marian Catholic High
School through the exercise of strategic planning.
“We are confident in our ability to move through
this process successfully,” said Sister Judine Hilbing,
O.P., President of Marian Catholic High School.
“We have secured the consulting services of Lorraine
Nelson Consulting, Inc. who will work with the
Directors of the Board and participants in the Vision
Groups.”
The goal of strategic planning for Marian Catholic
is to clarify a consistent Mission; assess programs as
they support that Mission; and make adjustments
for the future. The participation of Vision Groups
will be integral to the process and will help to ensure
that the collective wisdom of the school community
will emerge.
Marian Catholic’s last strategic plan occurred in
2003 and led to the TC2L Capital Campaign. The
preliminary goal of TC2L was $5.25 million and
was later adjusted to $6.3 million as the success of
the campaign evolved. Planning for the future and
providing for future generations is always an exciting
exercise that strengthens the institution. Marian
Catholic is excited to begin the process of providing
for future generations through sound strategic
planning.
Making Choices for the Future!
Alumni Association: Networking in Action
Growing up James
Hughes ’84 knew
he wanted to attend
Marian Catholic
High School, but
did not realize the
impact that decision
would have on his
future and his career.
Marian Catholic
meant opportunity
for Jim, a place where
he would be exposed
to the resources needed to become a successful adult.
To ensure the resources to be a Spartan, he worked
two part-time jobs throughout his high school years
to help pay his own tuition. With diligence and
determination, he turned his aspiration into a reality.
During Jim’s time at Marian he received a strong
education and developed many friendships which he
still cherishes today.
After high school, Jim went on to get a Bachelor’s
Degree in Psychology and minor in Business from
Eastern Illinois University. As his major, psychology
intrigued James; however, he was hesitant to pursue
it as his occupation. He felt a bit lost, so he began to
research other potential avenues and he reached out
to friends.
Through Ray Burley ’84, a Marian Catholic alum
and friend, Jim landed an interview which Ray’s
brother in-law Rob Wygant ’81 facilitated. That
interview began Jim’s life-long career in the banking
industry when it led to a job at American National
Bank. Jim later went back to school at Georgetown
University to earn a Graduate Certificate in
Banking. As he reflects on his professional life,
Jim credits Marian Catholic for giving him quality
networking opportunities that led him where he
is today. “I am truly grateful for the friends and
network that I have gained from attending Marian
Catholic,” says Hughes. “My experience at Marian
has certainly shaped the person I am today.”
Social networking has become ubiquitous and Jim
encourages students to be aware of the character of
the people they are connected with and leveraging
those relationships to learn more about career
options. “A fantastic way to learn about an industry
or profession is to ask someone you know who
understands the everyday realities of the role.”
“It’s never too early to start networking and
learning about different industries,” said Hughes.
“Marian Catholic can offer ample opportunities for
students who seek career advice.” Jim encourages
Marian Catholic students to learn more about the
professions of their classmates’ parents.
Jim is very active with the Marian Catholic Alumni
Association and has participated in Career Days at
MCHS, an annual event when alumni and friends
share their professional experiences with current
students. Jim’s involvement in Marian Alumni events
is another way for him to give back to the institution
that has made such an impact on his personal and
professional life. Jim encourages Marian Catholic
Alumni to work to “open doors” for the Marian
Alumni who are newly minted college graduates, just
as Rob and Ray once did for him.
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