ETHS Breaks Ground on Major Campus Expansion, Launches $48M Campaign
![ETHS groundbreaking ceremony July 23, 2025.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1753374266/ethsk12ilus/vz821pbdquoejbv1iw8d/Groundbreaking-ETHS-2025.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1753374266/ethsk12ilus/vz821pbdquoejbv1iw8d/Groundbreaking-ETHS-2025.jpg","width":512}])
ETHS groundbreaking ceremony. Left to right: Eric Witherspoon, Pat
Savage-Williams, State Rep. Robyn Gabel, Nick Gehl, Sheau-ming Ross,
Marcus Campbell, Leonard Schaeffer, Casey Varela, Jennifer
Gong-Gershowitz, and Jeff Hammock.
Evanston Township High School (ETHS), in collaboration with the ETHS Foundation, held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, to celebrate the start of a transformative campus expansion focused on the arts and career exploration.
The event, held near the build site at the corner of Lake Street and Dodge Avenue, also marked the official launch of the ETHS Foundation’s new campaign, Evanston to Everywhere, which aims to raise nearly $48 million to support major campus renovations. Inspired by the journeys ETHS students take—from Evanston to every corner of the world—the campaign reflects the school’s commitment to preparing students for success beyond high school. Nearly halfway to its goal, the campaign has already raised $23.5 million reflecting the extraordinary generosity and belief of ETHS alumni and community partners.
“This project isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about building futures and reimagining what’s possible in public education,” said Dr. Marcus Campbell, Superintendent of ETHS District 202. “We are proud to be creating new spaces that reflect the talent, creativity, and ambition of our school community. And we are prouder still that this project is being driven by our alumni, whose deep commitment to ETHS is creating new opportunities for the students who walked our halls after them.”
The Evanston to Everywhere campaign launched with two significant lead gifts: $7 million from ETHS alumnus Leonard D. Schaffer ‘63 and $2.5 million from the Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation. These contributions will support the development of new and renovated learning spaces in the Arts Wing designed to support future-ready learning, equity in access to world-class facilities, and a vibrant, student-centered educational experience.
“This extraordinary show of support from our alumni, families, and school community reflects a deep confidence in ETHS to empower our students wherever their paths may lead,” said Jeff Hammock, Chief Advancement Officer of the ETHS Foundation. “Their generosity is not only helping us reach a historic milestone—it’s a powerful investment in the future of our students, our school, and our community.”
The expansion is part of a broader campaign to invest in 21st-century learning spaces that reflect the diverse talents and aspirations of ETHS students. The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from district leaders, representatives of the ETHS Foundation, and major donors who played a key role in bringing this vision to life. The campaign represents a bold step toward strengthening public education in Evanston for generations to come.
About the ETHS Foundation
The ETHS Foundation supports Evanston Township High School by funding innovative programs, infrastructure improvements, and learning opportunities. Through the generosity of alumni, parents, and community members, the Foundation ensures ETHS students have access to the resources they need to excel.