Liguori Academy Acquires the Aldrich Center for Excellence and Existing Building to Expand Campus and Educational Opportunities
Philadelphia, PA, February 19, 2024 – Liguori Academy, the Kensington-based high school, is proud to announce the acquisition of two buildings that will usher in a new era of educational excellence thanks to the generous donation from the Aldrich Foundation. The Academy will cultivate a high-tech educational campus by revitalizing the building currently used as the main school and transforming the additional building into the Aldrich Center for Excellence, a hub for students to prioritize their mental and physical well-being.
“We are profoundly grateful for the Aldrich Foundation’s generous investment in Liguori Academy. As a school already recognized for our innovative programming, the acquisition of these two buildings will elevate the Boundless Opportunities we offer to our students. This transformative gift will empower Liguori Academy to continue evolving alongside our student body and the industry pipeline in Philadelphia and beyond, ensuring we remain at the forefront of education and workforce readiness," said Advancement Director, Sammy DiGeorge.
With the new Aldrich Center for Excellence, the Academy plans to develop and build out a student health, wellness, and resource center, which will allow all students to utilize the space before, during, and after school, to act as a safe zone to prioritize their social emotional development. In addition to high school’s use of the center, Liguori Academy will also offer the opportunities of the space to the local community.
Liguori Academy and the Aldrich Foundation's relationship was solidified after William Greene, Founder of the Aldrich Foundation, visited the school. He was excited to visit after receiving thank-you calls and handwritten letters from Liguori students for his first donation through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. The EITC program allows Liguori to offer scholarships, educational programs, and resources to students who may not otherwise have access to a permissionless education.
During his visit, Mr. Greene had the opportunity to engage with students, who impressed him with their thoughtful and practical ideas for improving the school. When he asked what they would want if they could have anything— “Think of it as your ultimate wish list,” Mr. Greene suggested. The students shared their aspirations, varying from growing the robotics program to adding further classroom to career ready initiatives. With all their creative ideas, the students made it clear that they loved Liguori just the way it is.
Deeply inspired by the students Mr. Greene and the Aldrich Foundation made a generous contribution of over $3,000,000, enabling Liguori Academy to acquire the two buildings. The purchase will ensure Liguori Academy can bring all of their students dreams to life and more to continue the mission of taking their students from classroom to career or college post-graduation.
Founded in 2021, The Aldrich Foundation is a private organization that is committed to making significant impacts in nonprofit organizations through philanthropic change within educational equity as well as areas of medical advancement, and veteran initiatives. The Foundation made its first impact at Liguori Academy financing the modernization of Liguori’s self-sustaining library. The relationship between Liguori Academy and the foundation continued to grow as both organizations are bound by three core values: Compassion; Commitment; and Community.
With the exciting new year ahead, Liguori Academy is diving deeper into major plans to restore and revive the two buildings from 1854 and 1920. The Main Building and the Aldrich Center for Excellence will evolve into groundbreaking facilities for Philadelphia high school students and the community. To learn more and to get involved with this transformative development, please contact Director of Advancement, Sammy DiGeorge via email at: advancement@liguoriacademy.org.