Mater Dei’s $22.3M ‘Growing in Grace’ campaign brings first major campus improvements since 2012

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - A multi-million dollar initiative will include a new parking lot at Mater Dei High School, along with a multi-use activity center for the school, a renovated track and a renovated chapel among other improvements.

School officials said the project is aimed at improving both the exterior and interior of the campus.

The campaign has raised 21 million dollars, approximately 1.3 million dollars short of its goal. Mater Dei President Dan Niemeier said community support has been significant.

“This is unprecedented really in the history of Mater Dei in terms of the community coming together in the way that they have to really make these things happen,” Niemeier said.

Niemeier said the improvements are intended to attract and welcome more students to the school.

“Part of it is making sure we are inviting and we bring kids into our school, so they can experience this incredible environment, culture and family that is Mater Dei,” Niemeier said.

He said the project is designed with all students in mind - athletes, musicians and students of varying interests.

“It will affect every student that walks through our doors for generations to come, and it’s really rewarding to see it reach the whole student body on so many different avenues,” Niemeier said.

Niemeier credited donors for sharing the school’s long-term vision.

“They see what it is our vision for the future of Mater Dei, and they want to be part of that vision, and so, we’ve been blessed to see them come along and help us make this happen,” Niemeier said.

The 110-space parking lot is expected to be complete before the start of Mater Dei’s school year. Remaining improvements are scheduled to continue throughout the 2026-2027 school year.