"Fr. Hayes' vision and tireless efforts made Jesuit High School into the outstanding Catholic college preparatory school that it is today." — Ron Kutella, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Legacy Club Member and Parent of Douglas '94
Fr. William Hayes, S.J. became the president of Jesuit High School in the summer of 1984 and his impact was immediate and profound. Under his capable and visionary leadership, Jesuit grew into an esteemed educational institution and became financially stable for the first time in its history. Fr. Hayes successfully transitioned Jesuit to coeducation in 1993. From 1998 (when he resigned as president) to 2005, Fr. Hayes was chancellor at Jesuit. In 2004, he became the planned giving director and school chaplain.
Fr. Hayes was instrumental in the remarkable growth of the school's facilities and programs. Particularly notable is his devotion to securing the school's mission and future. Fr. Hayes embraced every phase of development and emphasized the importance of building the school's endowment in order to provide for future generations of students. Endowments and other investments have grown from $657,000 in 1984 to their current value of more than $50 million (2017).
"For over three decades, Fr. Hayes was a visionary and inspiring leader at Jesuit High School. Not only did he lay the foundation to ensure the financial stability of Jesuit, but he led a renaissance at our school by insisting upon excellence in all areas," says Thomas Arndorfer, President of Jesuit High School. "Fr. Hayes has indelibly impacted Jesuit and generations of students—past, present and future. We are forever grateful to him for his countless contributions."
Fr. Hayes also founded and cultivated the Legacy Club, a group of 288 individuals who include Jesuit in their estate plans, thereby ensuring the fiscal future and longevity of the school. Members of the Legacy Club believe in the mission of Jesuit High School and are committed to forming students of competence, conscience, compassion and character.
Including Jesuit High School in your estate plans will honor Fr. Hayes and his vision for the future of Jesuit High School for years to come.
"My time at Jesuit built the foundation of my adult life. I was a financial aid student and I wanted to give back. Gayle and I joined the Legacy Club as another way to give back so that others who need financial help will receive it." —William O. "Bill" ’69 and Gayle Carter, Legacy Club Members, Former Board of Trustees Member, Former President's Alumni Advisory Board Member, Parents of Courtney '00 and Kyle '02
Fr. Hayes passed away on Sept. 26, 2017. More information about his remarkable life and contributions can be found on our website.
For more information about planned giving opportunities at Jesuit High School, please contact Diane Salzman at 503-291-5497 or development@jesuitportland.org.