Aug Prep Gala Raises Over $2.5 Million to Open More Doors for Milwaukee Students
More than 700 guests came together to support students at Milwaukee’s top-rated K-12 school, honor longtime education champions Northwestern Mutual and Julie Tolan
Milwaukee (May 8, 2026) – St. Augustine Preparatory Academy (Aug Prep), a high-performing K4-12 Christian school, raised over $2.5 million at its annual scholarship gala on Thursday evening, bringing together more than 700 business and community leaders to invest in the continued growth and success of its students.
Funds raised during the event – including $1.5 million raised from attendees and sponsors, plus $1 million matched by an anonymous foundation – directly support current Aug Prep students. Each year, the school invests approximately $2,500 per student beyond public funding to provide critical resources such as the arts, athletics, social work services, and college and career preparation.
With a theme of “Opening Doors,” celebrating those who provide pathways to opportunity and hope, Aug Prep’s largest annual event highlighted the continued excellence and momentum of Milwaukee’s top K-12 school. Since it opened in 2017, Aug Prep has exceeded or significantly exceeded expectations on its state report card each year. Aug Prep is preparing to launch its second campus, Aug Prep North, for the 2026-27 school year.
“Our students’ success is only possible because of the extraordinary generosity of this community,” said Austin Ramirez, President and CEO of Husco and Chair of Aug Prep’s Board of Directors. “We are truly thankful to all of you. We live in a city filled with limitless potential within our young people. We are honored to be part of opening doors – and opportunities – for students across both our Aug Prep North and South campuses.”
Aug Prep also honored Northwestern Mutual with the Founders Award and Julie Tolan of Lauber Business Partners with the Friends Award at Thursday’s gala.
Northwestern Mutual received the Founders Award in recognition of its philanthropic leadership and strong commitment to education including their partnership with Aug Prep, where their support helps students thrive academically and professionally.
Tolan was honored with the Friends Award for her visionary leadership, deep commitment to Milwaukee, and enduring investment in organizations that strengthen lives and communities. A founding board member of Aug Prep, Tolan has been a trusted champion of the school since its earliest days, helping shape and advance its mission to open doors of opportunity for students and families.
“Julie and Northwestern Mutual embody what is possible when leaders invest deeply in young people and in Milwaukee,” said Abby Andrietsch, Chief Executive Officer of Aug Prep. “We do not do this work alone. As we prepare to open new doors at Aug Prep North, we are excited to partner with families, donors, and community leaders to expand access to a transformational education.”
Founded on four pillars – faith, family, academics and arts/athletics – an Aug Prep education focuses on equipping the mind, body and soul of each child with excellence. The school will serve more than 2,700 students across both campuses in the 2026-27 school year.
Aug Prep North will open with approximately 330 students in grades K4-6 and 9, expanding annually to serve approximately 1,500 students at full capacity. Construction is complete, and the school is in the final stretch of its $25 million Soaring to New Heights campaign – a separate fundraising effort from the gala.
To support Aug Prep North and help open doors for the next generation of students, visit augprep.org/soaring or contacting invest@augprep.org.
About Aug Prep
St. Augustine Preparatory Academy (“Aug Prep”) was founded in 2017 with a vision to develop its students to be leaders of tomorrow known by their strength of character, courage, intellect, impactful contributions and their faith. Through its four pillars – faith, family, academics and arts/athletics – an Aug Prep education focuses on equipping the mind, body and soul of each child with excellence. Aug Prep is proud to be the #1 rated K-12 school in Milwaukee. Every year since inception, Aug Prep exceeded or significantly exceeded expectations on the State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) report card, with student academic growth in the top 5% statewide. 100% of Aug Prep’s graduating class of 2026 has been accepted into 2-year or 4-year colleges or the military. Of the 140 graduates, 89% will be first-generation college students. The Class of 2026 has already earned more than $21.5 million in scholarships, with more awards reported daily. More information can be found at augprep.org or augprep.org/annualreports.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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