Jesuit Financial Aid Benefit Moves Online and Raises $450,000

Jesuit graduate, Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach Miami Heat

Portland, OR. Jesuit High School held its first-ever online Financial Aid event to raise funds for financial aid. Head Coach of the Miami Heat Erik Spoelstra, was one of the featured speakers during livestream event. The Jesuit graduate is pictured above at a pre-pandemic meet and greet with students.

Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach Miami Heat

During the livestream event on November 19th, Spoelstra spoke about the importance of financial aid at the private Catholic school to support current and future students.

The online event raised $450,000 with more gifts promised by individuals and corporate matching programs in the coming weeks.

Stan Brock also recorded a greeting for fellow supporters. He’s a former NFL football player and Jesuit graduate.

Hosts for the event were Father Billy Biegler, S.J., and math teacher Laura Schick.

Jesuit Portland president Tom Arndorfer helped move the evening along and the fundraiser clocked in at less than one hour.

Here’s a recording of the livestream event:

From Jesuit High School:

For the current school year, 351 deserving students and their families received over $3.7 million in assistance. This is a 12% increase from 2019-20. Your gift of any size is needed and appreciated by present and future Jesuit students.

Still hoping to donate? We are continuing to accept contributions to our financial aid fund. Click here for a link.

We are also incredibly grateful to our wonderful sponsors and donors, including the Challenge Gift Sponsors who joined together to match gifts up to $50,000. Special thanks to The Scott/Daniel Family, Renee James and Steve Cooney, Tricia and Patrick Heffernan

Our mission to educate young women and men is rooted in over four centuries of a Jesuit educational tradition defined by faith, community, and a commitment to serve the “Greater Glory of God.”

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.