Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School proudly announces the successful conclusion of Ascend, its $25 million campaign launched in January 2019 and announced in April 2024. Initiated just prior to the pandemic, Ascend secured early and decisive support to initiate or expand critical student programming and address pressing needs for additional learning and community space.
Alumni, families and friends from more than 6,000 households contributed to bring its bold vision to life, currently exceeding $25.7 million.
“Since the start of Ascend, we have been humbled by the generous ‘yes’ from our benefactors—people who believed in what we set out to accomplish for today’s students and who wanted to see the mission of our school continue to grow in the Dayton community—a tradition that was established 175 years ago by the Marianists and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur” said John Marshall ’86, director of development. “We are in such a different place than we were in 2019. As the world changed, achieving the goals of Ascend became not just important, but essential.”
Early campaign initiatives strengthened CJ’s commitment to ensuring all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The school’s counseling program expanded to include comprehensive social-emotional services, and a full-time ECHO counselor joined the team through CJ’s partnership with the University of Dayton’s Center for Catholic Education (Empowering Children with Hope and Opportunity). CJ also launched its college and career program to guide students to grow in their gifts and talents and best connect with post-graduation opportunities. During this period, the school piloted its English Learners (EL) program, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that has since grown significantly.
“We were able to maintain the services piloted during the 2020–2021 school year,” said Marshall. “Because of Ascend, these high-impact programs continue to flourish—and so do our students.”
Endowment support was a cornerstone of the campaign.
Fifteen new scholarships were created, and 37 individuals committed future gifts through the school’s Salve Regina legacy program. Endowment funding also secured the Cuvilly program, which provides an immersive educational experience designed to help students with learning needs reach their fullest potential.
Additionally, endowment support helped pilot CJ United in the 2024–2025 school year—new school-day programming that ensures all students can engage fully in the CJ experience and participate in expanded leadership opportunities. The program was later sustained with a special gift.
“CJ was ready to make a bold shift—one that would benefit every student,” said Greg Mueller, principal. “CJ United expands leadership and club opportunities, strengthens relationships and support systems, and helps students grow socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically.”
Teachers also benefited from increased investment in professional development, including the creation of a growth coaching program.
“It matters that our teachers have opportunities to pursue their own professional goals,” Mueller said. “They return to the classroom with new energy, creativity, and expertise—which directly enriches our students’ learning.”
CJ’s focus on student growth and excellence has not gone unnoticed by others.
The school was named a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE), meeting rigorous standards established by the U.S. Department of Education.
“I’m immensely proud of this group of educators and teachers who have made this achievement a reality,” said Mueller. “CJ’s recognition in the category of Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing, which illustrates our commitment to serve all learners and prepare them to succeed in college, highlights the commitment of our people, the quality of our programs, and the dedication we all feel to our mission.”
Campus expansion was an equally significant component of the Ascend campaign, ensuring the school can meet the needs of future generations.
“There was a clear need to grow our campus and strengthen our neighborhood footprint,” said Dan Meixner ’84, president. “When surrounding properties became available, CJ was able to act—thanks to the ongoing trust and support of our community.”
Founders Center, one of two major acquired properties, opened in fall 2022. The building now serves as a hub for student and alumni activities, relocated school offices, and classroom space for seventh and eighth grade learners.
CJ also acquired the Dayton Frozen Solutions building north of Emmanuel Church on Eaker Street (acquired in 2023) and secured funding for its demolition, paving the way for nearly two acres of new possibilities.
Additionally, CJ completed demolition of Marianist Hall, originally constructed in 1956. Once home to Marianist Brothers and later repurposed for school ministries and offices, the demolition revealed a new landscape with Emmanuel Catholic Church emerging as the focal point of campus. Renovations funded through Ascend also included replacing the gym floor in Mary, Our Lady of Victory Gym, and an HVAC system in the Skelton Family Community Center, supporting student-athletes year-round.
The final development project of the campaign will occur this summer, when the welcome center and counseling and student services office will be renovated and air-conditioned—further enhancing the warm, hospitable environment that CJ is known for.
“We listened to our community and set bold goals focused on serving students well,” Meixner said. “Our supporters responded with extraordinary generosity. Their belief in CJ’s mission ensures we can continue offering an excellent Catholic educational experience to all students who are ready to learn, grow, and lead alongside peers from across the Dayton region.”