Openness to a Journey

An accomplished educator and musician hailing from his hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Stephen Handrigan delves into the topic of openness to the journey set before each of us in life and in fundraising. With degrees in music and education, Stephen’s career spans leadership in Catholic and independent schools. This experience led him to the role that he currently holds as president and head of school at St. Bonaventure’s College in St. John’s. An independent, K-12 Jesuit Catholic school, St. Bon’s was reopened in 1999 to offer again Catholic education in the province after church scandals left the archdiocese bankrupt and unable to maintain the schools. 

Through an open discussion, Stephen explores the impact of transparency and trust-building, as well as a rebrand marketing effort that helped locals see St. Bonaventure’s College in a new light. The success of the “What did you learn today?” marketing effort lent way to a new capital campaign effort that played on the theme, now recognizable throughout the community. The What did you give today? Capital Campaign has provided a new learning experience for the St. John’s, Newfoundland, community. As uncomfortable as it is to make the ask, or even receive the ask, for a sacrificial gift can be, it has uncovered the truth that there is no “they” when it comes to supporting our own communities; we are “they” and it is only through educating our own communities about the need that an school, church or nonprofit organization will successfully support a major fundraising goal. Indeed, “sneaky Jesus”, as Stephen affectionately points out, will guide the journey when we are open to laying our plans, needs, resources and communities into the hands of the Lord. 

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