Marian Catholic 50th Anniversary

Springfield Dominicans web site (Sept. 6 video)

50th Gala planned April 25 at Art Institute

   Maybe it’s the rustling of taffeta and crinolines or maybe the look of a crisp white tuxedo shirt studded with black buttons, but think back on a black tie event, even if you have to think all the way back to your senior prom.
   Remember the excitement of selecting the perfect dress and coordinating the boutonniere and corsage colors with your outfit? Perhaps you and your date went to dinner prior to the dance at a fancy restaurant with linen tablecloths and elaborate table settings. Whatever your memories of formal gatherings of the past, the Marian Catholic 50th Anniversary Gala on April 25, 2009 will surely elicit fantastic memories far into the future.

   Set in the beautiful School of the Art Institute Ballroom on Michigan Avenue, the 50th Gala promises to be an evening filled with music, memories and dancing as we celebrate Marian Catholic’s first fifty years. Like many Marian gatherings, the evening will start out with a 4:30 p.m. Mass at Lewis Chapel on the DePaul University campus a short walk from the party.
  Then, as guests are welcomed into the impressive School of the Art Institute Ballroom with flags and colors flying, they will be whisked up to the Mezzanine level to peruse ten silent auction packages and enjoy a cocktail before dinner while listening to some of Marian’s finest musicians, both current students and alumni. A short program honoring the Dominican Legacy Pillar Award winners will take place while dinner is served at elegantly decorated tables, then dancing through the decades will continue well into the evening with music provided by the Dennis Keith Experience.

   If you’d like to put on your best party clothes, help wear the finish off of the ballroom floor and join in the 50th Gala celebration, please contact the Marian Advancement Office at (708) 755-6579 or jnoth@marianchs.com to receive an invitation in early 2009. For those coming from out of town, great accommodations have been reserved at the Hyatt Regency Chicago and Club Quarters on Wacker, and to get the weekend started right, a Friday, April 24, 2009 welcoming gathering is being planned in conjunction with the Metro Chicago Alumni & Friends group. Location to be determined, but rest assured, Marian knows how to throw a party!

Marian begins 50th Anniversary celebration with Sept. 6 Mass, event
  Great, consistent numbers for AP Scholars, Illinois State Scholars, college scholarships and National Merit Recognition.

  Excellence across a brilliant college prep curriculum, including academics, athletics and fine arts.

An unparalleled record for Service in the South Suburbs, as well as generous parent groups and a successful and storied alumni.

  It would be easy to come up with 50 reasons to celebrate the outstanding tradition at Marian Catholic High School.

  Instead, as the Southland’s finest academic institution turns 50 with the 2008-09 school year, Marian plans to take pride in a brilliant past and future with the Marian Catholic 50th anniversary celebration!

  While plans begin unofficially with a Sept. 5 football showdown at rival Bloom Township and an Anniversary Mass with Francis Cardinal George highlight the official Sept. 6 Kickoff Celebration on campus, events are planned throughout the year to commemorate 50 outstanding years.

  An afternoon carnival-type atmosphere beginning at 2:30 p.m., including events on Marian’s new stadium FieldTurf, will precede the 5 p.m. Anniversary Mass, while an adult social for Marian alumni, families and friends will follow.

  Many of the year’s events will focus on alumni and the past, honoring the pioneers that cultivated a great tradition of Teaching Scholars with a Soul. Meanwhile, celebration activities will also center around current Marian students who will carry on the proud tradition as Marian embarks on its next successful half-century.

  The celebration year includes a Springfield Heritage Trip to the Dominican Motherhouse on March 28 and will culminate with a gala planned at the Art Institute in Chicago on April 25, but reunions, alumni gatherings and traditional Marian events with take on a flavor of the 50th anniversary throughout the school year.