80 Faces of Marquette Bank: St. Rita High School

St. Rita High School Celebrates 80 Years of Partnership with Marquette Bank

More Than a Bank: How Marquette Bank Has Helped St. Rita Build Students' Futures for 80 Years

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As Marquette Bank celebrates 80 years of serving Chicagoland neighborhoods, it’s not just their longevity that stands out — it’s the depth of the relationships they’ve built along the way. One of the strongest examples? The eight-decade partnership with St. Rita High School, a Catholic institution that has served the South Side of Chicago for over 120 years.

We sat down with Michael Swanson, Advancement Director at St. Rita, to reflect on how Marquette Bank’s support has helped the school remain a beacon of education, faith, and opportunity for generations.
 

A South Side Story: Philanthropy That Changes Lives


St. Rita High School’s mission is clear: to form young men not just academically, but spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially. Rooted in the Augustinian core values of Veritas (Truth), Unitas (Unity), and Caritas (Love), the school creates a tight-knit family of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and parents committed to lifelong learning and service.

“Through these values,” said Michael, “we strive to provide each student with the skills and character to succeed in college and in life.”

The bond between Marquette Bank and St. Rita dates back to the bank's earliest days. Just blocks apart in the heart of Chicago, both institutions have grown alongside one another while staying rooted in community values.

“St. Rita was founded in 1905 on 63rd and Claremont, and Marquette Bank started right around the corner on 63rd and Western,” Michael explained. “That proximity wasn’t just physical — it created a relationship that’s lasted 80 years.”

But Marquette Bank’s involvement with St. Rita goes far beyond banking services. Their financial support has become a vital part of the school’s ability to deliver a high-quality Augustinian Catholic education to families who might otherwise be priced out.

“Marquette has helped provide tuition assistance to hundreds of families just in the last decade,” Michael said. “They fund need-based financial aid, but also help us offer guaranteed scholarships—like $2,000 for Catholic grade school graduates, or $1,500 for children of first responders and city employees. This kind of generosity has become essential to growing our enrollment and living our mission,” he added.
 

A Grit Factor That Goes Beyond the Checkbook


Marquette Bank doesn’t just cut checks — they show up for their neighborhood partners. From annual galas and golf outings to in-kind donations and advisory support, the bank is a constant presence on campus.

“They attend our events. They know our staff. They know our mission,” Michael emphasized. “When we call, they pick up. Even if they don’t have an immediate answer, they figure it out. That’s what partnership looks like.”

For Michael, Marquette Bank’s 80-year history is no accident — it’s the result of something he calls the grit factor.

“You don’t last 80 years without grit. It means doing the hard work, going the extra mile, and forming real relationships,” he said. “That’s what Marquette Bank has done for St. Rita—and for the South Side. And it’s why they’ll be around for the next hundred years, too.”

When asked what sets Marquette apart from larger institutions, Michael didn’t hesitate.

“At corporate banks, you don’t know who’s running the place—and they certainly don’t know you,” he said. “At Marquette, they know our CFO by name. They visit our school. They ask what we need and how they can help. It’s not just business—it’s personal.”
 

Why 80 Years Matters


For St. Rita, Marquette Bank’s 80th anniversary isn’t just a milestone for the bank, it’s a shared celebration.

“While this may be Marquette Bank’s 80th anniversary, it’s also the 80th anniversary of our relationship with them,” Michael said. “From 63rd and Western to our current campuses in Chicago and Orland Park, we’ve grown together. We’re proud to call Marquette Bank our partner—and we’re even prouder to call them a friend.”