With its 100th anniversary in sight for 2026, Bethlehem Catholic High School established a clear path to its future by forging a partnership with the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania to manage its endowment fund effort. Bethlehem Catholic moved nine scholarship endowments into the Catholic Foundation — one general and eight other funds started in memory of or in honor of alumni, administrators, or friends of the school.
“If you want your goals to live beyond your lifetime, this is the way to do it,” said Joe Uliana (Beca 1983), president of the Bethlehem Catholic Board of Directors. “It’s the right way to ensure gifts to Beca continue to make a difference long after we’re gone – and last another 100 years and beyond.”
A Partnership For Greater Growth For Beca
Upon the recommendation of its Finance Committee and a special committee formed by the Board of Directors, Bethlehem Catholic took a deliberate approach in vetting the investment oversight and returns, and the added value marketing and fundraising support offered by the Catholic Foundation. Bethlehem Catholic is the Catholic Foundation’s 116th partner. The Catholic Foundation now manages $52.6 million in assets in 156 endowment funds.
“Our partnership with the Catholic Foundation offers greater growth potential for our endowments and scholarship programs as well as long-term financial stewardship that ultimately provides more opportunities for students in need,” Uliana said.
Dr. Dean Donaher, principal at Bethlehem Catholic, believes strong, healthy endowment funds will make a Becahi education accessible for all families, regardless of means.
“With tuition becoming a greater challenge for families, these scholarships funds are a lifeline,” Donaher said. “Many parents work extra jobs and stretch every dollar to send their children to our school.
“Our partnership with the Catholic Foundation allows us to focus on our shared commitment with parents to provide an enriching, faith-based academic experience for their children – forever.”
Donaher also shared his tremendous gratitude for the donors who have started funds or contributed to the scholarship funds.
“Your generosity honors our past, supports our present, and builds a stronger future for Bethlehem Catholic,” he said. “We are humbled by your belief in our students, our school, and the mission we share.”
Tom Vresics (Beca 1981), Bethlehem Catholic’s director of development, emphasized the responsibility that comes with this mission.
“Every dollar donated is sacred,” Vresics said. “That scholarship award is not just money. It is a message to a student: ‘You matter. Someone believes in you and wants you to succeed.’ That kind of affirmation can change a life.”
If you are interested in making a gift to an existing fund or establishing a new named scholarship fund, please contact the Catholic Foundation [email protected] or the Development Office at Bethlehem Catholic: [email protected].
Bethlehem Catholic High School NEW Scholarship Endowment Funds
- Bethlehem Catholic HS Special Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Bethlehem Catholic HS Mary Zubia Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Bethlehem Catholic HS Joanne Casilio Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Bethlehem Catholic HS Gwen Talijan Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Bethlehem Catholic HS Martina M. Malone Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Bethlehem Catholic HS Saemmer Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Bethlehem Catholic HS Culver Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Bethlehem Catholic HS John Pinto Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Bethlehem Catholic HS Syslo Scholarship Endowment Fund
In December 2022, Monsignor Michael Chaback, an alumnus of Bethlehem Catholic High School, established the Msgr. Michael Chaback Bethlehem Catholic HS Scholarship Endowment Fund.