On October 26, Central Catholic High School President Sean Foster announced the donation of a $1,000,000 gift from parents of Central Catholic alumni to support one of the school’s new strategic initiatives as part of the Vision Campaign.
The gift, from Jan Egbers and Jim Bob Morris, founders of Commercial Packaging and Morris Packaging respectively, will be used to expand the school’s counseling program by establishing a Wellness Counselor. The endowed Egbers-Morris Wellness Counselor position is identified by the school’s five-year strategic plan, and will focus specifically on supporting students’ mental health and wellness needs. This contribution to the Vision Campaign puts the campaign within $1 million of the $10 million goal announced in the spring.
Mental health is a critical issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide, including children and adolescents. In a recent (2023) national survey conducted by the CDC, 40% of high school teens said they experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Schools play an essential role in promoting mental health among young people, as students spend a significant amount of their time on campus. However, schools often lack the resources necessary to address these needs in a way that aligns with their mission and values. This initiative will aid in Central Catholic students’ spiritual and personal well-being, academic success, and fulfillment of the school’s mission.
“Central Catholic’s mission is rooted in the full development of the human person, providing formation of the mind, body, and soul,” said Central Catholic President Sean Foster. “The generosity of the Egbers and Morris families will have a significant impact on the student experience at Central Catholic, and is also a legacy gift that will span generations. We are extremely grateful for Jan and Jim Bob’s bold commitment to investing in the vision and mission of our school.”
Egbers spoke about the critical role the school plays in the community saying, “Central Catholic has been, and continues to be, a significant asset to our Bloomington-Normal community. Our family is proud to be aiding in its growth and prosperity. Central Catholic is uniquely positioned as the only Catholic high school in McLean County and has provided my children and grandchildren with an exceptional education and opportunities. The Egbers/Morris family hopes this gift can help further Central Catholic’s mission and provide all students mental health and wellness needs.”
Morris added, “We are honored to make this gift to Central Catholic. Our family has seen the complex need to provide this type of support, which requires more specialized and long-term care. This gives us the opportunity to partner with other organizations in our area to provide a more cohesive approach to student mental health.”
