De-La-Salle Institute history

Classes and graduation ceremonies were held elsewhere until the building was complete, opening for students on 7 September 1891.

Through the work of Brother Heraclian, the first graduating class, 13 members strong in 1903, all received positions with the leading business firms of Minneapolis before graduating.

On 11 April 1925, the school was severely damaged by an early morning fire causing US$35,000 in damage (unadjusted 1925 dollars). Two of the four floors were lost.

1926 saw plans for the addition of a new gymnasium behind the school at a cost of US$100,000 (unadjusted). These plans were later adjusted with a larger gym built on Michigan Avenue for US$175,000 (unadjusted).

The 1953–54 school year saw the school purchase the remainder of the block on which the school is situated.

A new addition opened in September 1959 (today still known at the “A Building”). With three classroom buildings in use, all students were together at one location.

The US$850,000 (unadjusted) addition was dedicated in May, 1962.

By 1975, enrollment at the now co-educational DeLaSalle had dipped to 475 students, a decline of nearly 1200 students in 12 years.

In June, 1984, with no more space for expansion, and the need for new facilities, the original four story school building was demolished.

In athletics and fine arts competition, the school has won 12 state team and 15 state individual championships since 2000.

In 2002, the school opened the Lourdes Hall Campus, a collaboration with the Sisters of St Joseph of the Third Order of St Francis.

By 2007-08, DeLaSalle had 665 students; had balanced the operating budget for each of ten years; and raised over $20 million through annual and capital giving.

De even opened its first-ever on-campus athletic field in 2009, thanks to a $3 million major gift from alumnus Skip Maas `58, the largest single gift in school history.

Even when Brother Michael suddenly became ill and died in January, 2012, the stable administrative team continued moving the fortunes of the school forward.