Alumnus Starts Program to Unlock Path to Elite Colleges

11/5/2025

High school advisors in the United States are stretched thin, often managing more than 400 students each. Although Bishop Noll is in a much better position with a student-to-advisor ratio of less than 200:1, the process of applying to elite colleges is demanding and strategic.

The Limón Scholars program, started by alumnus Eddie Limón ’85, was created to help high-achieving students navigate this complex landscape and find the best fit for their potential.

Shifting Focus to People

Though many fundraising initiatives will remain, the Advancement team will shift more of an emphasis to other critical areas to ensure the long-term stability of Bishop Noll.

KEY AREAS

Annual Warrior Fund: Unlike an endowment, the Annual Fund is used for operations to cover immediate needs during each school year. This essential funding can include:
- Faculty & Staff: Attracting and retaining top-notch teachers and employees through competitive salaries and professional development.
- Academics: Funding curriculum enhancements, new technology, and classroom resources.
- Student Life: Supporting athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular activities.
- Financial Aid: Providing tuition assistance to families who couldn't otherwise afford a Catholic education.

A common misconception is that tuition covers all school expenses. In reality, tuition covers only a percentage of the total cost, with the Annual Fund making up the difference.

Major Gifts & Planned Gifts (Endowment): The department will work to grow Bishop Noll’s unrestricted endowment fund. This fund is professionally managed, much like a personal retirement fund. While the Annual Fund covers immediate needs, the endowment is for the long term. A healthy endowment provides a steady stream of income to cover major repairs, fund more financial assistance, and support new infrastructure for years to come.
- Growing the endowment is a long-term process, but it is essential for the school's financial security and to ensure Bishop Noll Institute will be here to serve generations of students.

Shared Mission: The Legacy

The Bishop Noll mission is to provide an exceptional Catholic education that forms young people in faith, knowledge, and service. This mission is made possible by the unwavering support of our community—especially our most dedicated donors. We invite you to join us in this shared mission. Your partnership helps us ensure that BNI remains a place where students can thrive for future generations.

This year, we are prioritizing two initiatives to honor those who have made or will make a lasting commitment to our shared future:

The 1921 Legacy Society: Stakeholders are invited to include Bishop Noll in their estate plans. There is no minimum contribution, and all bequests will go into the unrestricted endowment fund. Donors will be recognized with a nameplate on a designated location in the school, each with a link to an interview sharing your story and the “why” behind your gift—a story that can inspire others.
Founders Circle: This is the highest level of permanent recognition at BNI. Founders Circle honorees will receive a permanent plaque with their name and visual recognition, complete with a link to their story to share their legacy with the BNI community. This commitment will be celebrated with a special Mass and event.
- Blue Level Founder: Contribution of at least $250,000 to the unrestricted endowment.
- Gold Level Founder: Contribution of at least $500,000 to the unrestricted endowment.
- This commitment solidifies your place as a founder of the future.

A Shared Responsibility

“The mission of the Bishop Noll Advancement Department is a shared one. Every member of the Bishop Noll community plays a role in supporting the school, and we intend to display a heightened level of fiscal responsibility to our stakeholders.”
—Eddie Limón, Vice President of Advancement