Gonzaga College High School officially announced its "Keeping The Promise" Capital Campaign and dedicated the "Rev. Allen P. Novotny, S.J. Memorial" on October 6, 2011, in the Collins Quadrangle. Several hundred guests, including the Board of Trustees, alumni, past and current parents, faculty, staff, and friends, enjoyed wonderful weather and a great program.

Following food, drinks, and great conversation, Dr. John Warman '57 cued a "flash mob" performance by alumni of the Gonzaga Dramatics Association to begin the evening. Mr. Paul Warren '68 served as master of ceremonies and introduced the Gonzaga Chamber Choir (led by Mr. Jeremy Young) to sing the National Anthem. Rev. Vincent Conti S.J., Gonzaga Headmaster, then gave the opening blessing.

Mr. Jack Vardaman, Chairman of Gonzaga's Board, and Fr. Novotny's former assistants Patty Stone, Carol Kluttz, and Mary Ann Murphy, then came forward for the unveiling of the St. Ignatius statue and the Fr. Novotny Courtyard plaque. Gonzaga President Rev. Stephen Planning S.J., blessed the statue and the memorial and dedicated both to the memory of Fr. Novotny.

After a performance of "Like an Eagle" by the Chamber Choir, campaign chairs Courtney and Scott Pastrick, Mr. Vardaman, and Fr. Planning addressed the crowd, publicly announcing Keeping the Promise: The Campaign for Gonzaga College High School. Fr. Planning outlined the goals of the campaign and the needs it would address on Gonzaga's campus, and he also shared with guests that $9.2 million of the $17 million total goal had been raised to date.

Mr. Rick Cannon, Gonzaga English teacher of 35 years, then recited his poem "This Promontory, Gonzaga." At the conclusion of the reading, guests joined Jeremy Young and the Chamber Choir in the singing of Gonzaga's Alma Mater.

The evening was a great success and Gonzaga is extremely thankful to those on the Public Announcement Committee, and especially Chairs Nancy and David Leach and Kathleen and Paul Warren.

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