Bishop Luers High School Breaks Ground on Transformational Campus Expansion
November 11, 2026
BISHOP LUERS HIGH SCHOOL PARTNERS WITH MICHAEL KINDER & SONS TO BREAK GROUND ON TRANSFORMATIVE AUXILIARY GYMNASIUM AND FIELDHOUSE EXPANSION
Historic investment in athletics, performing arts and community engagement marks a new chapter for Bishop Luers and southeast Fort Wayne.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Bishop Luers High School will celebrate a significant milestone in its history on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with an official groundbreaking ceremony for its new Auxiliary Gymnasium, integrated Performing Arts Stage and Luers Fieldhouse.
Bishop Luers is also pleased to announce the selection of Michael Kinder & Sons (MKS) as the general contractor for the project. MKS will oversee construction working closely with school leadership to bring the project to completion.
The groundbreaking represents a major step forward in the school's Ignite the Spirit Capital Campaign, a transformative initiative designed to enhance the student experience, expand educational and extracurricular opportunities, and strengthen Bishop Luers' longstanding commitment to serving families throughout northeast Indiana.
More than a building project, this investment represents a commitment to the next generation of Knights and the continued vitality of southeast Fort Wayne.
"This is an extraordinary moment for Bishop Luers High School and our entire school community," said Seth Coffing, Principal of Bishop Luers High School. "For generations, Bishop Luers has been a place where students discover their potential, develop lifelong relationships and build a foundation for success. This expansion will provide our students with opportunities to grow academically, athletically, artistically and spiritually while positioning Bishop Luers for future growth. We’re not simply constructing new facilities; we’re investing in the future of our students and ensuring that the Luers Spirit continues to thrive for generations to come."
The project will introduce a new Auxiliary Gymnasium with seating for approximately 1,000 spectators, an integrated Performing Arts Stage, and the Luers Fieldhouse including a Hall of Fame, creating a dynamic, multipurpose environment for athletics, fine arts, student activities and community programming.
The expansion will also create opportunities to increase student enrollment by relocating existing administrative offices into the new facility, making additional classroom space available within the current campus.
Beyond serving Bishop Luers students, the facilities are envisioned as a resource for the greater Fort Wayne community, providing opportunities for youth development, educational programming, community gatherings and initiatives that strengthen families and neighborhoods.
A Legacy of Generosity. A Future of Opportunity.
Central to the success of the Ignite the Spirit Capital Campaign has been the extraordinary generosity of alumni, families, foundations, businesses and community partners who believe in the mission of Bishop Luers High School.
Among the campaign's most significant contributions are $1 million donated by the Surack Family Foundation and the remarkable commitment of John Ward, Bishop Luers Class of 1973, whose generosity includes the $1 million Mike Ward Legacy Match Challenge, established in honor of his brother, Mike Ward, Class of 1987.
The challenge inspired the Bishop Luers community to come together and successfully meet the $1 million matching goal, generating $2 million in support through the challenge and reinforcing the enduring connection between Bishop Luers alumni and their alma mater.
"This groundbreaking is a powerful reflection of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared vision and an unwavering belief in the future," said Laurie Perolio-Bullinger, Director of Mission Advancement at Bishop Luers High School. "We’re deeply grateful to the City of Fort Wayne and every donor, alumnus, family, foundation and business partner who has invested in this extraordinary project. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to both Chuck Surack, who helped us kickoff this legendary campaign, and to John Ward, whose remarkable generosity honoring his brother Mike, inspired an incredible outpouring of support. The community's response to this campaign speaks volumes about the strength of the Luers family and the lasting impact this school has on generations of students. Every gift, regardless of size, has helped bring us to this moment. Together, we are creating something that will serve students, families and our southeast Fort Wayne community for decades to come."
Strengthening the Future of Southeast Fort Wayne
Located in the heart of southeast Fort Wayne, Bishop Luers High School serves a diverse student population and remains committed to making a high-quality, college-preparatory Catholic education accessible to families of all backgrounds and faith traditions.
With more than 72% of students participating in extracurricular activities, the expanded facilities will help Bishop Luers meet growing demands for athletic, artistic and student development opportunities while strengthening the school's capacity to welcome additional students.
The groundbreaking ceremony will bring together school leadership, students, alumni, campaign donors, community partners and local dignitaries to celebrate the beginning of construction and recognize those whose generosity and leadership have made the project possible.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Details
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Bishop Luers High School (enter back of school off Noll or Doan Drive)
333 E. Paulding Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46816
Members of the media are invited to attend.
About Bishop Luers High School
Bishop Luers High School is a Catholic, coeducational, college-preparatory high school located in southeast Fort Wayne, Indiana. Rooted in faith, academic excellence, service and tradition, Bishop Luers provides a welcoming and supportive environment where students of all backgrounds are encouraged to discover their potential and become leaders in their communities. Through its commitment to educational excellence, athletics, performing arts and community engagement, Bishop Luers continues to inspire generations of students to live the Luers Spirit.
Media Contact:
Laurie Perolio-Bullinger
Director of Mission Advancement
Bishop Luers High School
333 E. Paulding Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46816
lperolio@bishopluers.org
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