Road At McAuley Named For Oak Lawn Bigane Family

CHICAGO (MOUNT GREENWOOD) — A road on the campus of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School was named in tribute to the Bigane family of Oak Lawn, long-time supporters of the girls’ Catholic high school.

Members of the McAuley community gathered to bless the new “Bigane Way.” The Bigane daughters and alumnae of the girls’ Catholic high school generously provided the lead gift for the redesign and repaving of the back road of the McAuley campus. The road was widened to allow for more parking and new sewers were added to improve drainage.

The project is part of the school’s Future Ready capital campaign. The donation honored the late Edward and Jane Bigane, who sent their five daughters to McAuley. Anne Bigane Wilson ‘76 has served a campaign chair. Her four sisters are Katie ‘78, Sheila ‘79, Meg ‘82 and Julie ‘84.

During the brief outdoor dedication, Fr. Larry Donovan from Christ the King parish led the blessing and McAuley President Mary Acker Klingenberger ‘75 shared brief remarks. Members of the McAuley a cappella choir also sang.

A street sign has been installed designating the new name. Prior to the renovation, the road had no formal name but

Alumna Anne Bigane Wilson '76 has served as campaign chair. Her four sisters also are alumnae: Katie ‘78, Sheila ‘79, Meg ‘82 and Julie ‘84. Their donation also honored their parents, the late Edward and Jane Bigane.

A street sign has been installed designating the new name. Prior to the renovation, the road had no formal name but was often referred to as the “McAuley Little 500” by current students and alumnae.

Bigane Paving was the lead contractor and worked in partnership with the architecture firm, Wight & Co., on the project design and execution. The work was completed from June through August 2020.