Bishop Kelley High School Celebrates the Successful Completion of $25 Million Capital Campaign
March 4, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TULSA, OK – March 4, 2025 –
Bishop Kelley School is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its $25 million capital campaign, the We Are BK: Honoring our Legacy, Building our Future, raising an impressive total of $25,128,667. This extraordinary achievement marks a significant milestone for the school and reflects the unwavering support from its alumni, parents, grandparents, and community members.
The campaign officially concluded on Friday, February 28, 2025, after landing the final five-year pledge. This remarkable accomplishment surpasses all previous fundraising efforts, including the Forever Bishop Kelley Campaign
which raised $6.4 million in 2006, and the Championship Drive
stadium renovation project, which raised $8.2 million. The overwhelming success of this campaign is a testament to the strength of the Bishop Kelley community and its commitment to the school's mission and future.
Campaign Journey:
The We Are BK Capital Campaign
began in December 2019 during its silent phase when Very Reverend Fr. Gary Kastl, then-President of Bishop Kelley, secured a generous $3 million pledge that helped kick off the campaign. Less than three months later, the global pandemic forced the world into lockdown, halting in-person meetings and altering the course of fundraising efforts. Despite these challenges, the campaign persevered, thanks to the relentless efforts of Doug Thomas, Bishop Kelley’s Director of Philanthropy, and the school’s Philanthropy Team, as well as the dedication of the Campaign Steering Committee.
Now, just over five years after its inception, Bishop Kelley has successfully surpassed its original fundraising goal, securing essential funding to support the school’s future growth and impact.
Gratitude for Leadership and Support
The school extends its deepest gratitude to the Campaign Co-Chairs, Beth and Randall Snapp, for their exceptional leadership. Their tireless dedication, professionalism, and personal engagement with both new and longtime donors played an instrumental role in this campaign’s success. BK President Sister Mary Hanah Doak, RSM, went on to say, “From writing heartfelt thank-you notes to attending campus meetings and checking in with regular phone calls and texts, Beth and Randall were key to bringing this vision to life.”
The Snapps echoed that sentiment, saying “The campaign's success would not have been possible without the hard work and generosity of the donors who made this campaign a priority. Each individual and family who gave their time, resources, and support played a vital role in ensuring the school's future growth and success.”
A Bright Future Ahead:
The funds raised through the We Are BK Capital Campaign
play a crucial role in enhancing the student experience at Bishop Kelley, supporting academic excellence, facility improvements, and continued growth in the school’s endowments. The success of this campaign ensures that Bishop Kelley will continue to be a beacon of academic and spiritual formation for generations to come.
“We are truly humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support from our community,” said Doug Thomas, Director of Philanthropy. “This campaign has shown that when we come together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve for Bishop Kelley. We are excited for the future and all the wonderful things we will continue to accomplish with the help of our generous donors.”
For more information about the We Are BK Capital Campaign
or how to get involved with Bishop Kelley, please visit our website at www.bishopkelley.org
or contact the Philanthropy Department at philanthropy@bishopkelley.org.
About Bishop Kelley School
Bishop Kelley School is a Catholic diocesan high school located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which focuses on preparing students' hearts and minds for a purposeful life, for college and beyond. Founded in 1960, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a deep commitment to spiritual formation. Bishop Kelley strives to educate the whole person, empowering students to become responsible, faith-filled leaders in their communities.
Media Contact:
Candace Maggard
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Bishop Kelley High School
Phone: (918) 609-7143
Email: cmaggard@bishopkelley.org
Website: www.bishopkelley.org
TULSA, OK – March 5, 2025 – Bishop Kelley High School is excited to announce that David Alexander has joined the BK community as the new Offensive Line Coach and Math Faculty member for the 2025-2026 school year. With a wealth of experience in both education and football, Alexander brings a unique combination of skills to the school, enhancing both the athletic program and the academic environment. Alexander’s impressive career spans decades of football excellence, both as a player in the National Football League (NFL) and as a coach in the af2 arena football league and at the high school level. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1987, playing for the team until 1994. During his time in the NFL, Alexander showcased his versatility by playing all five offensive line positions, starting 110 of 126 games. After retiring from professional football, Alexander turned his focus to coaching and education. In recent years, Alexander has served as a high school math teacher and football coach at Jenks Public Schools, where he made significant contributions to the school's football program. As a Special Teams Coordinator, he helped lead Jenks to a District and State Championship in 2021 while also teaching Algebra 2/ELL and Newcomer Algebra 1. He also has extensive coaching experience at Broken Arrow High School, where he served as Head Football Coach and Assistant Athletic Director, helping lead the team to a 6A-1 State Championship in 2018 and multiple district titles. “I am incredibly excited to join the Bishop Kelley community,” said Alexander. “My passion for coaching and teaching has always been driven by a desire to make a positive impact on young people’s lives. I look forward to contributing to the success of both the Bishop Kelley football program and students in the classroom.” In addition to his teaching and coaching career, Alexander has earned numerous accolades, including being inducted into the Broken Arrow Athletic Hall of Fame and the Tulsa University Athletic Hall of Fame. He has also received prestigious awards including the Ed Block Courage Award with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Humanitarian of the Year award. Alexander’s professional involvement extends beyond football, having served on the boards of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Jenks Foundation Auction, among others. “It’s rare to find an individual who is as stellar in the classroom as he is on the field. Coach Alexander is a fantastic addition to our Math Department, said BK Principal Jim Franz. “ We know he will have a lasting impact on both our students and student-athletes.” “We are thrilled to have Coach Alexander join the Comet community,” said Bishop Kelley Athletic Director Lance Parks. “His background, both as a former NFL player and a seasoned coach, is a tremendous asset to our athletics program. His passion for football, commitment to student development, and dedication to excellence in education make him a valuable addition to Bishop Kelley High School.” About Bishop Kelley School Bishop Kelley School is a Catholic diocesan high school located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which focuses on preparing students' hearts and minds for a purposeful life, for college and beyond. Founded in 1960, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a deep commitment to spiritual formation. Bishop Kelley strives to educate the whole person, empowering students to become responsible, faith-filled leaders in their communities. Media Contact: Candace Maggard Manager of Marketing and Communications Bishop Kelley High School Phone: (918) 609-7143 Email: cmaggard@bishopkelley.org Website: www.bishopkelley.org
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Bishop Kelley High School
3905 South Hudson Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74135
Phone (918) 627-3390
Fax (918) 664-2134
The mission of Bishop Kelley High School is to carry on the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ by providing a Catholic, Lasallian education that develops individuals whose hearts and minds are prepared for a purposeful life.
