BusinessWest Publisher Donates $500,000 to Cathedral High School
SPRINGFIELD — Cathedral High School has received a $500,000 donation from Cathedral alumnus John Gormally, owner and publisher of BusinessWest magazine. Cathedral High School President Dr. Ann Southworth said the gift “will be used to provide immediate tuition assistance to students desiring a Cathedral High School education, as well as support faculty.”
But the money is more than just a donation. Gormally is also challenging the business community in Western Mass. to “step up to the plate and show their support” like he has done.
“I have confidence in Catholic education,” said Gormally, a 1978 graduate of the school. “I think it is important to have a Catholic high school in Springfield. It is my hope and desire that the Springfield Diocese finds a way to rebuild Cathedral on Surrey Road in Springfield. I would also hope that the business community steps up to recognize Cathedral as the important resource it is in the community and financially support it.”
Currently the fate of Cathedral High School, which was heavily damaged in the 2011 tornado, has yet to be decided by Bishop Mitchell Rozanski. A nonprofit group called the Committee for Cathedral Action has been rallying support and raising funds for the school, and is about halfway to its $10 million goal.
