Viatorians were among the founding religious communities to financially back Cristo Rey St. Martin when it opened in 2004 — and Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV served as its president.

Fr. Charles Bolser served as the first president at CRSM

Fr. Charles Bolser served as the first president at CRSM

With the announcement this week, of the Viatorians’ major gift to the school’s new building campaign, the community continues to support the school — and its mission of providing a college prep education to students and families of limited means.

“The Viatorians’ commitment, enthusiasm and care for the young people of Waukegan and North Chicago has never wavered,” says Preston Kendall, president of Cristo Rey St. Martin.

Fr. Thomas von Behren, right with Preston Kendall, president of CRSM

Fr. Thomas von Behren, right with Preston Kendall, president of CRSM

“As we begin a new initiative to develop a permanent campus,” Kendall adds, “the Viatorians are again responding with a resounding, ‘YES!’ ”

Once renovated, the 115,492-square-foot former Kmart building, will provide an 2015 CRSMadditional 70,000 square feet of expanded learning space — and a 21st Century educational environment to prepare students for college and a career, Kendall says.

“We’re calling it, our Cornerstone Campaign, and it’s off to a wonderful start with this significant gift,” Kendall says. “May it bear much fruit – the same way our close relationship with the Viatorians has done for so many years. We are so grateful.”

Over the years, Viatorians have served in administration, on its board, on the faculty and staff, in Campus Ministry and as mentors and benefactors. Currently, Fr. John Milton works with the physics department, while Associate Jim Thomas serves on the school’s board of directors.