Cardinal Stritch bought for $24M, group that backs St. Augustine Prep
MILWAUKEE - The Ramirez Family Foundation announced on Wednesday, July 26 that it has acquired the Cardinal Stritch University campus in an agreement worth $24 million.
"I now have keys to everything," said Gus Ramirez, Ramirez Family Foundation.
Ramirez said a big purchase was not part of his plan.
"I wasn't looking for space," Ramirez said.
Gus Ramirez, Ramirez Family Foundation
But the timing for his visit to Cardinal Stritch changed that.
"It happened as a God thing. I was here for a graduation. Afterwards, I walked around campus and got interested because I knew it was for sale," Ramirez said.
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Cardinal Stritch University closed its doors for good this spring after more than 85 years in Glendale. The Ramirez Family Foundation saw it as an opportunity. The former college campus is going to maintain its academic roots. It will soon be an expansion of St. Augustine Prep School.
Cardinal Stritch University
"We have to change the technology and bring it up to the Aug prep standard. We want to make sure the rooms are configured in ways that are appropriate the ages we will have. But this place is in good shape," Ramirez said.
Ramirez told FOX6 News, he remembers the legacy Cardinal Stritch leaves behind.
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"The thing that made Cardinal Stritch and ourselves happy is we’re continuing what they were doing. We’re providing faith-based education, we’re just changing the ages of the kids we’re educating. The mission is very similar," Ramirez said.
Cardinal Stritch University
Ramirez said the plan is to start recruiting new students and new staff for the campus starting in September 2024. The school itself is set to be officially open in fall 2025.
Reaction
Bryan Kennedy, Glendale mayor
"The City of Glendale has had a lengthy and extremely positive relationship with Cardinal Stritch University. The university has provided a strong educational foundation to members of our region, with a focus on developing character and improving the lives of people in our community.
"With the sale of the university property to the Ramirez Family Foundation, the space will continue to serve as a place that fosters a similar mission. We look forward to sitting down with the Foundation leadership in the coming weeks and discussing their vision for the property."