Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf is celebrating its 140th birthday with a multitude of festivities, including renaming St. Katharine’s Hall.
That and other events include:
- Bettendorf Mayor Robert Gallagher declared Tuesday, Sept. 24, “Rivermont Collegiate Day.”
- The school’s mansion was officially renamed St. Katharine’s Hall on Saturday, Sept. 21. The new name is a tribute to Rivermont’s origin in 1884 as St. Katharine’s School. It was a boarding and day school for girls.
- Also on Saturday, Rivermont announced its new fundraising campaign entitled “Time for All to Shine.” It will help Rivermont continue to provide a supportive environment where students can learn, create and grow. More than $3 million has already been raised toward bolstering the Rivermont Excellence fund, completing the third-floor STEAM Center and replenishing the school’s Endowment Fund following the challenges of the pandemic. With a goal of $5 million, the campaign features many ways to support academic programs, technology infrastructure, student tuition assistance and more.
“We rely on philanthropy, and the generosity of donors has already been astounding. We’re incredibly grateful for their support, which helps ensure bright students from around the world will be able to shine at Rivermont, Headmaster Max Roach said in a news release.
“This campaign supports day-student scholarships, extracurricular activities, and so much more. We’re excited for this next phase.”
The college preparatory school, at 1821 Sunset Drive, Bettendorf, serves students from across the region and globe. With preschool through 12th grade, the school, which is both a boarding school and day school, provides a rich cultural experience built on high expectations and individualized attention.
Rivermont’s evolution
Rivermont has evolved greatly since its start in 1884 as St. Katharine’s – an Episcopal boarding and day school for girls. In 1968, the school began accepting boys, discontinued the boarding program and added St. Mark’s to its name. I
In 1973, the school moved to its present location – the former home of Joseph W. Bettendorf. In 1980, the school severed ties with the Episcopal Church and became nonsectarian. In 2001, Rivermont adapted its current name, and in 2017, the boarding program was reinstated. Rivermont is now ranked as the number one college prep school in Iowa and among the top 10 percent in the country, according to Niche.com.
“We’re grateful for the support from the community as we celebrate this milestone, and we’re grateful for people from across the region and around the world for being part of our Rivermont family. It was terrific to see the alumni who spent their formative years at Rivermont. Thinking of 140 years of students taking part in this culture of excellence makes me truly happy. It’s worth celebrating,” Mr. Roach said.
For more information about Rivermont Collegiate or to support the “Time For All to Shine” campaign, visit rivermontcollegiate.org.
