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{{Short description|Catholic liberal arts college in Rensselaer, Indiana, U.S.}}
{{For|other schools of the same name|Saint Joseph's College (disambiguation)}}
{{For|other schools of the same name|Saint Joseph's College (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox university
{{Infobox university
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| motto = ''Religio Moralitas Scientia''
| motto = ''Religio Moralitas Scientia''
| mottoeng = Reverence, Morality, Knowledge
| mottoeng = Reverence, Morality, Knowledge
| type = Private Catholic liberal arts [[baccalaureate college]]
| type = [[Private college]]
| accreditation = Formerly [[Higher Learning Commission|HLC]], currently none.
| affiliation = [[Roman Catholic Church]] ([[Missionaries of the Precious Blood]])
| affiliation = [[Roman Catholic Church]] ([[Missionaries of the Precious Blood]])
| established = 1889
| established = 1889
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}}
}}


'''Saint Joseph's College''' ('''SJC'''; colloquially, '''Saint Joe''') is a [[private school|private]], [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] [[liberal arts college]] in [[Rensselaer, Indiana]]. It suspended academic operations in 2017 with approximately 1,100 students enrolled. Beginning fall 2021, the college began offering some courses and certifications at the Rensselaer campus in the fields of [[business management]], [[cybersecurity]], and [[health science]].
'''Saint Joseph's College''' ('''SJC'''; colloquially, '''Saint Joe''') is an [[Higher education accreditation in the United States|unaccredited]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newsbug.info/rensselaer_republican/opinion/whats-happening-at-saint-josephs-college/article_49986470-9fd4-5b95-9272-463b2116d06a.html |title=What's happening at Saint Joseph's College? |first=William |last=Carroll |publisher=[[Rensselaer Republican]] |date=August 19, 2021 |accessdate=May 30, 2022}}</ref> [[Private college|private]] [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] college in [[Collegeville, Indiana]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/DC20BLK/st18_in/place/p1814464_collegeville/DC20BLK_P1814464.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - CENSUS BLOCK MAP: Collegeville CDP, IN|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|access-date=2023-11-05}}</ref> with a [[Rensselaer, Indiana|Rensselaer]] postal address. It was founded in 1889 and suspended academic operations in 2017 with approximately 1,100 students enrolled. In 2021, the college began offering some courses and certifications at the Rensselaer campus in the fields of [[business management]], [[cybersecurity]], and [[health science]].


==History==
==History==
[[File:Photo of flowers, fountain, and the Chapel Building of Saint Joseph's College Summer 2011.jpg|thumbnail|left|The Chapel is one of the oldest buildings on campus, and is where regular religious events are held.]]
[[File:Photo of flowers, fountain, and the Chapel Building of Saint Joseph's College Summer 2011.jpg|thumbnail|left|The Chapel is one of the oldest buildings on campus, and is where regular religious events are held.]]
The College was founded in 1889 by Father Joseph A. Stephan, a missionary from Germany as a secondary school to educate [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]]. In 1962, President Eisenhower dedicated the Halleck Center (named after Republican representative [[Charles A. Halleck|Charles Halleck]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsbug.info/rensselaer_republican/sjc-to-celebrate-halleck-center-s-th/article_bc7b0862-fabb-11e1-a468-001a4bcf887a.html |title=SJC to celebrate Halleck Center's 50th|work=Rensselaer Republican |publisher=Newsbug.info |date=2012-09-09 |access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref>
The college was founded in 1889 by Father Joseph A. Stephan, a missionary from Germany as a secondary school to assimilate [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]]. In 1962, President Eisenhower dedicated the Halleck Center (named after Republican representative [[Charles A. Halleck|Charles Halleck]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsbug.info/rensselaer_republican/sjc-to-celebrate-halleck-center-s-th/article_bc7b0862-fabb-11e1-a468-001a4bcf887a.html |title=SJC to celebrate Halleck Center's 50th|work=Rensselaer Republican |publisher=Newsbug.info |date=2012-09-09 |access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref>


From 1944 to 1974, the [[Chicago Bears]] held their training camp at Saint Joseph's College.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/Happy-Birthday-George-Halas/042c2e9c-a874-487b-abf5-624b5c732dd3|title=Happy Birthday George Halas|work=[[Chicago Bears]]|date=January 31, 2014|access-date=February 2, 2014}}</ref> The 1971 film ''[[Brian's Song]]''&mdash;about [[Brian Piccolo]], a Chicago Bears [[running back]] who died from [[carcinoma]] in the 1970s&mdash;was filmed on campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068315/locations|title=Brian's Song (1971 TV Movie) Filming Locations|publisher=IMDb.com|access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> A charity game for Joy Piccolo, with the Bears versus college all-stars, was played on July 23, 1971. During training camp one year, [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] [[Defensive team|linebacker]] [[Dick Butkus]] was reportedly seen out on a [[tractor]] in the cornfield adjacent to the campus. The College football [[all-star game]] was played at the College's football stadium, Alumni Stadium, for many years.
From 1944 to 1974, the [[Chicago Bears]] held their training camp at Saint Joseph's College.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/Happy-Birthday-George-Halas/042c2e9c-a874-487b-abf5-624b5c732dd3|title=Happy Birthday George Halas|work=[[Chicago Bears]]|date=January 31, 2014|access-date=February 2, 2014}}</ref> The 1971 film ''[[Brian's Song]]''&mdash;about [[Brian Piccolo]], a Chicago Bears [[running back]] who died from [[carcinoma]] in the 1970s&mdash;was filmed on campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068315/locations|title=Brian's Song (1971 TV Movie) Filming Locations|publisher=IMDb.com|access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> A charity game for Joy Piccolo, with the Bears versus college all-stars, was played on July 23, 1971. During training camp one year, [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] [[Defensive team|linebacker]] [[Dick Butkus]] was reportedly seen out on a [[tractor]] in the cornfield adjacent to the campus. The college football [[all-star game]] was played at the college's football stadium, Alumni Stadium, for many years.


The main academic building burned to the ground on February 3, 1973.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1973/02/05/page/5/article/newsmakers |title=February 5, 1973 - Newsmakers &#124; Chicago Tribune Archive |publisher=Archives.chicagotribune.com |date=1973-02-05 |access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> At the time, many thought the fire would close the school, but the school recovered.
The main academic building burned to the ground on February 3, 1973.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1973/02/05/page/5/article/newsmakers |title=February 5, 1973 - Newsmakers &#124; Chicago Tribune Archive |publisher=Archives.chicagotribune.com |date=1973-02-05 |access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> At the time, many thought the fire would close the school, but it recovered.


After much discussion, on February 3, 2017 the school announced its closure at the end of the 2016-2017 academic year,<ref name="WNDU-02-09-2017">{{cite web|url=http://www.wndu.com/content/news/St-Josephs-College-to-close-its-doors-amid-financial-crisis--413348113.html|author=Chronis, Kasey|title=Saint Joseph's College to close its doors amid financial crisis|work=16 WNDU|date=2017-02-09|access-date=2017-02-10}}</ref> as the school needed $100 million to continue operating:<ref name="WNDU-02-09-2017"/> $27 million in debt, $35 million in infrastructure improvements, and $38 million to "re-engineer" the college.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/story/34470991/pastoor-re-engineered-st-joe-could-be-model-for-others|title=Pastoor: 'Re-Engineered' St. Joe Could be Model |author=McGowan, Dan|publisher=Indiana Business Insider|date=2017-02-10|access-date=2017-02-10}}</ref> Outgoing president Robert Pastoor noted hopes of reopening, although his resignation was to take effect in May 2017.<ref name="WLFI-02-09-2017">{{cite web|url=http://wlfi.com/2017/02/09/saint-josephs-college-president-will-call-it-quits-in-may/ |title=Saint Joseph’s College president will call it quits in May |author1=Kruczek, Alexandra |author2=Moberger, Alexis |publisher=18wlfi.com |date=2017-02-09 |access-date=2017-02-10}}</ref>
After much discussion, on February 3, 2017, college administrators announced that the college would close at the end of the 2016–17 academic year,<ref name="WNDU-02-09-2017">{{cite web|url=http://www.wndu.com/content/news/St-Josephs-College-to-close-its-doors-amid-financial-crisis--413348113.html|author=Chronis, Kasey|title=Saint Joseph's College to close its doors amid financial crisis|work=16 WNDU|date=2017-02-09|access-date=2017-02-10}}</ref> as the college needed $100 million to continue operating:<ref name="WNDU-02-09-2017"/> $27 million in debt, $35 million in infrastructure improvements, and $38 million to "re-engineer" the college.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/story/34470991/pastoor-re-engineered-st-joe-could-be-model-for-others|title=Pastoor: 'Re-Engineered' St. Joe Could be Model |author=McGowan, Dan|publisher=Indiana Business Insider|date=2017-02-10|access-date=2017-02-10}}</ref> Outgoing president Robert Pastoor noted hopes of reopening, although his resignation was to take effect in May 2017.<ref name="WLFI-02-09-2017">{{cite web|url=http://wlfi.com/2017/02/09/saint-josephs-college-president-will-call-it-quits-in-may/ |title=Saint Joseph's College president will call it quits in May |author1=Kruczek, Alexandra |author2=Moberger, Alexis |publisher=18wlfi.com |date=2017-02-09 |access-date=2017-02-10}}</ref> Three months later, administrators also announced that they were resigning the college's accreditation with the [[Higher Learning Commission]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/story/35059667/saint-joe-to-resign-accreditation|title=Saint Joe's to Drop Accreditation|last=Brown|first=Alex|website=www.insideindianabusiness.com|language=en|access-date=2019-10-24}}</ref>


⚫
In October 2018, it was announced that St. Joseph's would reopen as a [[junior college]] in July 2019 through a partnership with [[Marian University (Indiana)|Marian University]]. The college would first begin operations in Indianapolis, where Marian University is located, under the name Saint Joseph's College of Marian University-Indianapolis and could later restart operations at its Rensselaer campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2018/10/11/marian-saint-joseph%E2%80%99s-open-2-year-college |title=Marian, Saint Joseph's to Open 2-Year College |publisher=Inside Higher Education |date=2018-10-11 |access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref> One year later, resignations of a number of key members of the administrative team and board raised questions about the future viability of the closed Rensselaer Campus, further dimming the hopes of former alumni and the local community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jconline.com/story/news/2019/10/09/rebirth-shuttered-st-joes-college-clouded-series-resignations/3919598002/|title=Rebirth of shuttered St. Joseph's College clouded by silence over resignations|last=Bangert|first=Dave|website=Journal & Courier|language=en|access-date=2019-10-11}}</ref> However, in February 2020 the college announced a plan to resume some classes and academic operations in partnership with other colleges and universities beginning in the fall of 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.saintjoe.edu/ |title=The 128 Core Partners Comprehensive Plan |publisher=Saint Joseph's College |date=February 2020 |access-date=February 25, 2020}}</ref>
In May 2017, the school also announced that it was resigning its accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/story/35059667/saint-joe-to-resign-accreditation|title=Saint Joe's to Drop Accreditation|last=Brown|first=Alex|website=www.insideindianabusiness.com|language=en|access-date=2019-10-24}}</ref>

In October 2018, it was announced that St. Joseph's would reopen as a [[junior college]] in July 2019 through a partnership with fellow Roman Catholic [[Marian University (Indiana)|Marian University]]. The college would first begin operations in Indianapolis, where Marian University is located, under the name Saint Joseph's College of Marian University-Indianapolis and could later restart operations at its Rensselaer campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2018/10/11/marian-saint-joseph%E2%80%99s-open-2-year-college |title=Marian, Saint Joseph’s to Open 2-Year College |publisher=Inside Higher Education |date=2018-10-11 |access-date=2019-07-07}}</ref>

⚫
In October 2019 the announcement of the resignations of a number of key members of the administrative team and board has raised a number of questions about the future viability of the closed Rensselaer Campus, further dimming the hopes of former alumni and the local community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jconline.com/story/news/2019/10/09/rebirth-shuttered-st-joes-college-clouded-series-resignations/3919598002/|title=Rebirth of shuttered St. Joseph’s College clouded by silence over resignations|last=Bangert|first=Dave|website=Journal & Courier|language=en|access-date=2019-10-11}}</ref> However, in February 2020 the college announced a plan to resume some classes and academic operations in partnership with other colleges and universities beginning in the fall of 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.saintjoe.edu/ |title=The 128 Core Partners Comprehensive Plan |publisher=Saint Joseph's College |date=February 2020 |access-date=February 25, 2020}}</ref>

As the College set out on its ambitious task of reinventing itself in 2017, the Board promised to secure the debt and to come back as a liberal arts institution. How the College would come back would be outlined in a “128 Partners Comprehensive Three-Year Plan.” The Plan was developed and delivered to the 128 Partners (individuals who donated in a special fundraising campaign) in January 2020. The Plan states: “When the Board of Trustees voluntarily suspended its accreditation, the goal was to return the College to financial stability, continue its Mission, and provide state of the art programming on the Rensselaer campus.” What is happening on the Rensselaer campus is the realization of that promise of the College continuing its mission and providing state-of-the-art programming.

A lot has been learned since 2017 and a lot has happened in the world of higher education. For example, the road back to accreditation is not as easy as turning a switch and resuming operations. It is a long and difficult process--as it should be. Saint Joseph's College is dedicated to returning accredited programs to the Rensselaer campus.

While the focus continues to be on returning accredited programs to the campus, this cannot and should not be done without understanding and adapting to what has happened in higher education in the last eighteen months. The COVID pandemic is dramatically changing how higher education is offered and even whether some institutions can sustain themselves. Colleges have lost enrollment while the demographic for traditional students shrinks. In addition, there is a subtle focus from offering degrees per se to offering career-oriented programming.  

Liberal arts institutions are at the crossroads of what was and what will and can be. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for smaller institutions to survive and thrive on their own. As a result, there is a growing momentum among higher educational institutions to seek partnerships with like-minded and mission-linked institutions. By embracing and welcoming other institutions to its campus, Saint Joseph’s College can provide accredited programs right now. For the immediate term, it will be under these partner institutions' umbrella. In the future, it may establish a framework for our own accredited status.

Saint Joseph's College is pleased to welcome three institutions to campus to offer college-level programming this fall: The University of St. Thomas, Calumet College of Saint Joseph, and Ivy Tech Community College. The University of Saint Thomas will be offering a two-year degree program in cybersecurity. Calumet College of Saint Joseph will be offering an introduction to business program for traditional students and a fast-track degree completion program for adults who have completed the associate degree. Ivy Tech Community College will begin offering general education classes including “Introduction to Interpersonal Communications,” “English Composition,” “Introduction to Teaching,” and “Quantitative Reasoning.”

Building on the success of the last year and the promise of career-oriented education in the “128 Plan,” the College will continue offering its health care certification programs including American Red Cross(CPR), Billing and Coding, EKG, Certified Nursing Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant, and Phlebotomy. Students who have completed these programs have been very successful in attaining jobs in health care. Additional career certification programs are under development.

Opening this fall in the Core Educational building and to support these new academic programs, Saint Joseph's College is creating the Academic, Business, and Mentoring Center. A key component in a traditional liberal arts education is a community of learners interacting with those of similar interests. Through the ravages of COVID, much “community” has been lost in the classroom with the onset of virtual learning. The College’s goal is to keep community in the classroom in this growing online world. To this end, the Center will be available for students taking online and traditional classes, guided by tutors, and will interact with business mentors who will introduce them to the world of work—including possible internships with local businesses. The Center will provide computers as well as facilitators to help students navigate the classwork, interact with fellow students, and network with potential employers.

Looking to the future and responding to community needs, additional institutions will be invited to offer their programs on the Rensselaer campus. Saint Joseph College intends to offer state-of-the-art programs at affordable prices. To this end, the University of Saint Thomas and Calumet College of Saint Joseph's will offer their first courses for free. The ongoing tuition for these programs will be affordable. Scholarships will also be available moving forward.

What is happening at Saint Joseph's College and Rensselaer is truly remarkable. Throughout its 130-year history, it had to adapt. A theme developed in 2017 was that the College would be like the Phoenix rising from the ashes. What's going to happen this fall is a testament to the Phoenix beginning to rise. Saint Joseph's College looks forward to community support and partnership as we make this a state-of-the-art institution for the 21st century. As an alum said on a recent visit to the College, “we realize that our SJC is gone but it is encouraging that a re-envisioned 21st Century college will slowly emerge beginning with a few college-level classes this fall.”


== Campus ==
== Campus ==
⚫
[[File:Saint Joseph's College Core Building.jpg|thumbnail|left|The Core building, one of the academic buildings on campus.]]
The campus has several distinctive features. The Romanesque-style [[Chapel]] and the [[Reflecting pool|reflecting pond]] in front of the Chapel are the most recognized features of campus. Drexel Hall was one of the first buildings on campus, and is distinctive for its unique [[Atrium (architecture)|atrium]]. Drexel has been renovated and restored to its historical appearance. The campus also includes a private recreational lake which is an old stone quarry.
The campus has several distinctive features. The Romanesque-style [[Chapel]] and the [[Reflecting pool|reflecting pond]] in front of the Chapel are the most recognized features of campus. Drexel Hall was one of the first buildings on campus, and is distinctive for its unique [[Atrium (architecture)|atrium]]. Drexel has been renovated and restored to its historical appearance. The campus also includes a private recreational lake which is an old stone quarry.


⚫
== Academics ==
== Organization and administration ==
The school was [[School accreditation|accredited]] by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ncate.org/tabid/177/Default.aspx?ch=106&state=in |title=Accredited Institutions by State |publisher=Ncate.org |access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> the National League for Nursing (NLN), the Board of Commissioners of the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iacbe.org/pdf/directory-accredited-programs.pdf |format=PDF |title=International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education : Directory of Accredited Programs by Institution |publisher=Iacbe.org |access-date=2015-07-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629005726/http://www.iacbe.org/pdf/directory-accredited-programs.pdf |archive-date=2015-06-29 }}</ref> the [[Higher Learning Commission]] (HLC),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncahlc.org/component/directory/?Action=ShowBasic&Itemid=&instid=1210&lang=en |title=Higher Learning Commission |publisher=Ncahlc.org |access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> and the State of Indiana Professional Standards Board for the Training of Elementary Teachers.
Prior to its closure and reopening, the college was [[School accreditation|accredited]] by the [[Higher Learning Commission]] (HLC).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncahlc.org/component/directory/?Action=ShowBasic&Itemid=&instid=1210&lang=en |title=Higher Learning Commission |publisher=Ncahlc.org |access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> Specific programs were accredited or approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ncate.org/tabid/177/Default.aspx?ch=106&state=in |title=Accredited Institutions by State |publisher=Ncate.org |access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> the National League for Nursing (NLN), the Board of Commissioners of the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iacbe.org/pdf/directory-accredited-programs.pdf |title=International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education : Directory of Accredited Programs by Institution |publisher=Iacbe.org |access-date=2015-07-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629005726/http://www.iacbe.org/pdf/directory-accredited-programs.pdf |archive-date=2015-06-29 }}</ref> and the State of Indiana Professional Standards Board for the Training of Elementary Teachers.


⚫
Saint Joseph's College was known for its Core Program under which students learned the basics of history, political science, natural science, literature and philosophy in integrated "core classes". This departs from the cafeteria-style approach to general education used by most colleges and universities in which students take discrete lower division classes in these subjects. However, credits for “core classes” were non-transferable to other colleges and universities.
⚫
[[File:Saint Joseph's College Core Building.jpg|thumbnail|left|The Core building, one of the academic buildings on campus.]]

⚫
== Academics ==
⚫
Saint Joseph's College was known for its Core Program under which students learned the basics of history, political science, natural science, literature and philosophy in integrated "core classes". This departs from the cafeteria-style approach to general education used by most colleges and universities in which students take discrete lower division classes in these subjects. However, credits for “core classes” were non-transferable to other colleges and universities.


Saint Joseph's College had a [[student-teacher ratio|student-faculty ratio]] of 14:1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/st-josephs-college-indiana-1833 |title=St. Joseph's College (Indiana) &#124; Best College &#124; US News |publisher=Colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com |access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> 69% of full-time faculty at Saint Joseph's had their [[doctorates]] or [[terminal degree]]. SJC offers 75 major, minor, and pre-professional programs, along with the nationally acclaimed Core Curriculum, which provides a solid [[liberal arts]] education and a distinct career advantage.
Saint Joseph's College had a [[student-teacher ratio|student-faculty ratio]] of 14:1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/st-josephs-college-indiana-1833 |title=St. Joseph's College (Indiana) &#124; Best College &#124; US News |publisher=Colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com |access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref> 69% of full-time faculty at Saint Joseph's had their [[doctorates]] or [[terminal degree]]. SJC offers 75 major, minor, and pre-professional programs, along with the nationally acclaimed Core Curriculum, which provides a solid [[liberal arts]] education and a distinct career advantage.

Historically, 97% of graduating seniors were employed or in graduate school within a year of graduation.


== Student life ==
== Student life ==
Like most other Indiana colleges, SJC held an annual "Little 500" race. Unlike the bed or bicycle races held elsewhere, Saint Joseph's College staged a [[Kart racing|go-kart]] race in the same manner as [[Purdue University]]'s Grand Prix, albeit on a much smaller scale. The event was popular and brought alumni back to the school every year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecatholicmoment.org/archive/2012/04-29/little-500-race.html |title=50 years later, 'Little 500' keeps buzzing along (April 29, 2012) |publisher=Thecatholicmoment.org |access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref>
Like most other Indiana colleges, SJC held an annual "Little 500" race. Unlike the bed or bicycle races held elsewhere, Saint Joseph's College staged a [[Kart racing|go-kart]] race in the same manner as [[Purdue Grand Prix|Purdue University’s Grand Prix]], albeit on a much smaller scale. The event was popular and brought alumni back to the school every year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecatholicmoment.org/archive/2012/04-29/little-500-race.html |title=50 years later, 'Little 500' keeps buzzing along (April 29, 2012) |publisher=Thecatholicmoment.org |access-date=2015-07-10}}</ref>


===Athletics===
== Athletics ==
Saint Joseph's College competed in [[NCAA Division II]] athletics and was a member of the [[Great Lakes Valley Conference]] (GLVC). The school mascot was the Puma. It is the only post-secondary institution in the United States with the Puma as its mascot, although several have mountain lions, which is a different name for the same species.
Saint Joseph's College competed in [[NCAA Division II]] athletics and was a member of the [[Great Lakes Valley Conference]] (GLVC). The school mascot was the Puma. It is the only post-secondary institution in the United States with the Puma as its mascot, although several have mountain lions, which is a different name for the same species.


In 1956, the Saint Joseph's football team won a share of the [[NAIA Football National Championship]], playing [[1956 Montana State Bobcats football team|Montana State]] to a 0–0 tie in the [[Aluminum Bowl]] at [[War Memorial Stadium (Arkansas)|War Memorial Stadium]] in [[Little Rock, Arkansas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=5489 |title=Aluminum Bowl |publisher=Encyclopedia of Arkansas |access-date=July 10, 2015}}</ref> The Pumas won six [[Indiana Collegiate Conference]] titles; 1955 co-champions, 1956, 1957, 1971, 1976 co-champions and 1977 co-champions. The football team had been dominant in their conference near its final years, winning the [[Great Lakes Football Conference]] championship in 2006, 2009 and 2010.
In 1956, the Saint Joseph's football team won a share of the [[NAIA Football National Championship]], playing [[1956 Montana State Bobcats football team|Montana State]] to a 0–0 tie in the [[Aluminum Bowl]] at [[War Memorial Stadium (Arkansas)|War Memorial Stadium]] in [[Little Rock, Arkansas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=5489 |title=Aluminum Bowl |publisher=Encyclopedia of Arkansas |access-date=July 10, 2015}}</ref> The Pumas won six [[Indiana Collegiate Conference]] titles; 1955 co-champions, 1956, 1957, 1971, 1976 co-champions and 1977 co-champions. The football team had been dominant in their conference near its final years, winning the [[Great Lakes Football Conference]] championship in 2006, 2009 and 2010.


The school's [[baseball]] team was runner-up to the [[NCAA Division II Baseball Championship]] in 1996,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncaa.com/history/baseball/d2 |title=Baseball DII |publisher=NCAA.com |access-date=July 10, 2015}}</ref> lead by pitcher Rick O'Dette, who would later be drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 1997 MLB Draft (15th Round). The same year, the women's [[soccer]] team was the runner-up in the [[NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship]]. The school's women's [[tennis]] team has captured six GLVC conference titles since 1985 and completed three undefeated seasons.
The school's [[baseball]] team was runner-up to the [[NCAA Division II Baseball Championship]] in 1996,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncaa.com/history/baseball/d2 |title=Baseball DII |publisher=NCAA.com |access-date=July 10, 2015}}</ref> led by pitcher Rick O'Dette, who would later be drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 1997 MLB Draft (15th Round). The same year, the women's [[soccer]] team was the runner-up in the [[NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship]]. The school's women's [[tennis]] team has captured six GLVC conference titles since 1985 and completed three undefeated seasons.


In 2010, the men's basketball team led by head coach Richard Davis put together a string of three wins in the [[2010 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament|NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament]] to reach the Elite Eight for the second time in school history.
In 2010, the men's basketball team led by head coach Richard Davis put together a string of three wins in the [[2010 NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament|NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament]] to reach the Elite Eight for the second time in school history.


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
<!-- In general, alumni should be notable enough to have their own Wiki article before they are listed here -->
<!-- In general, alumni should be notable enough to have their own Wiki article before they are listed here -->
*[[Major League Baseball]] Hall of Fame player [[Gil Hodges]] played college basketball and baseball at Saint Joseph's College, and later went on to play for the [[Los Angeles Dodgers|Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers]] and the [[New York Mets]]. The Mets traded him to the Washington Senators, he retired and became the Senators manager. Following 5 seasons in Washington (1963–67), he returned to New York and led the Mets to their first World Series title in 1969. The baseball field is named in his honor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/hodgegi01.shtml|title=Gil Hodges Managerial Record - Baseball-Reference.com|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=2 October 2018}}</ref>
*[[Major League Baseball]] Hall of Fame player [[Gil Hodges]] played college basketball and baseball at Saint Joseph's College, and later went on to play for the [[Los Angeles Dodgers|Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers]] and the [[New York Mets]]. The Mets traded him to the Washington Senators, he retired and became the Senators manager. Following 5 seasons in Washington (1963–67), he returned to New York and led the Mets to their first World Series title in 1969. The baseball field is named in his honor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/hodgegi01.shtml|title=Gil Hodges Managerial Record - Baseball-Reference.com|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=2 October 2018}}</ref>
*[[Philip F. Deaver]], writer and poet, graduated from St. Joseph's College in 1968. He went on to win O. Henry and Flannery O'Connor awards for short fiction, and to publish poetry and fiction in dozens of literary journals.
*[[Philip F. Deaver]], writer and poet, graduated from St. Joseph's College in 1968. He went on to win O. Henry and Flannery O'Connor awards for short fiction, and to publish poetry and fiction in dozens of literary journals.
* Former Canadian [[Member of Parliament]] and [[Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada]] [[Gilbert Parent]].
* Former Canadian [[Member of Parliament]] and [[Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada]] [[Gilbert Parent]].
* Former Chicago Alderman [[Edward Vrdolyak]]
* Former Chicago Alderman [[Edward Vrdolyak]]
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[[Category:Buildings and structures in Jasper County, Indiana]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Jasper County, Indiana]]
[[Category:Education in Jasper County, Indiana]]
[[Category:Education in Jasper County, Indiana]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1889]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1889]]
[[Category:Catholic universities and colleges in Indiana]]
[[Category:Catholic universities and colleges in Indiana]]
[[Category:Liberal arts colleges in Indiana]]


[[Category:1889 establishments in Indiana]]
[[Category:1889 establishments in Indiana]]

Latest revision as of 16:23, 12 August 2024

For other schools of the same name, see Saint Joseph's College (disambiguation).
Saint Joseph's College
MottoReligio Moralitas Scientia
Motto in English
Reverence, Morality, Knowledge
TypePrivate college
Active1889–2017, 2021-present
AffiliationRoman Catholic Church (Missionaries of the Precious Blood)
Location
Rensselaer
,
Indiana
,
United States

40°55′12″N 87°09′22″W / 40.92°N 87.156°W / 40.92; -87.156
CampusRural, 180 acres (72.8 ha)
ColorsPurple and Cardinal
   
NicknamePumas
Websitewww.saintjoe.edu

Saint Joseph's College (SJC; colloquially, Saint Joe) is an unaccredited[1] private Catholic college in Collegeville, Indiana,[2] with a Rensselaer postal address. It was founded in 1889 and suspended academic operations in 2017 with approximately 1,100 students enrolled. In 2021, the college began offering some courses and certifications at the Rensselaer campus in the fields of business management, cybersecurity, and health science.

History

[edit]
The Chapel is one of the oldest buildings on campus, and is where regular religious events are held.

The college was founded in 1889 by Father Joseph A. Stephan, a missionary from Germany as a secondary school to assimilate Native Americans. In 1962, President Eisenhower dedicated the Halleck Center (named after Republican representative Charles Halleck).[3]

From 1944 to 1974, the Chicago Bears held their training camp at Saint Joseph's College.[4] The 1971 film Brian's Song—about Brian Piccolo, a Chicago Bears running back who died from carcinoma in the 1970s—was filmed on campus.[5] A charity game for Joy Piccolo, with the Bears versus college all-stars, was played on July 23, 1971. During training camp one year, Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus was reportedly seen out on a tractor in the cornfield adjacent to the campus. The college football all-star game was played at the college's football stadium, Alumni Stadium, for many years.

The main academic building burned to the ground on February 3, 1973.[6] At the time, many thought the fire would close the school, but it recovered.

After much discussion, on February 3, 2017, college administrators announced that the college would close at the end of the 2016–17 academic year,[7] as the college needed $100 million to continue operating:[7] $27 million in debt, $35 million in infrastructure improvements, and $38 million to "re-engineer" the college.[8] Outgoing president Robert Pastoor noted hopes of reopening, although his resignation was to take effect in May 2017.[9] Three months later, administrators also announced that they were resigning the college's accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission.[10]

In October 2018, it was announced that St. Joseph's would reopen as a junior college in July 2019 through a partnership with Marian University. The college would first begin operations in Indianapolis, where Marian University is located, under the name Saint Joseph's College of Marian University-Indianapolis and could later restart operations at its Rensselaer campus.[11] One year later, resignations of a number of key members of the administrative team and board raised questions about the future viability of the closed Rensselaer Campus, further dimming the hopes of former alumni and the local community.[12] However, in February 2020 the college announced a plan to resume some classes and academic operations in partnership with other colleges and universities beginning in the fall of 2021.[13]

Campus

[edit]
The Core building, one of the academic buildings on campus.

The campus has several distinctive features. The Romanesque-style Chapel and the reflecting pond in front of the Chapel are the most recognized features of campus. Drexel Hall was one of the first buildings on campus, and is distinctive for its unique atrium. Drexel has been renovated and restored to its historical appearance. The campus also includes a private recreational lake which is an old stone quarry.

Academics

[edit]

Prior to its closure and reopening, the college was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).[14] Specific programs were accredited or approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE),[15] the National League for Nursing (NLN), the Board of Commissioners of the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE),[16] and the State of Indiana Professional Standards Board for the Training of Elementary Teachers.

Saint Joseph's College was known for its Core Program under which students learned the basics of history, political science, natural science, literature and philosophy in integrated "core classes". This departs from the cafeteria-style approach to general education used by most colleges and universities in which students take discrete lower division classes in these subjects. However, credits for “core classes” were non-transferable to other colleges and universities.

Saint Joseph's College had a student-faculty ratio of 14:1.[17] 69% of full-time faculty at Saint Joseph's had their doctorates or terminal degree. SJC offers 75 major, minor, and pre-professional programs, along with the nationally acclaimed Core Curriculum, which provides a solid liberal arts education and a distinct career advantage.

Student life

[edit]

Like most other Indiana colleges, SJC held an annual "Little 500" race. Unlike the bed or bicycle races held elsewhere, Saint Joseph's College staged a go-kart race in the same manner as Purdue University’s Grand Prix, albeit on a much smaller scale. The event was popular and brought alumni back to the school every year.[18]

Athletics

[edit]

Saint Joseph's College competed in NCAA Division II athletics and was a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). The school mascot was the Puma. It is the only post-secondary institution in the United States with the Puma as its mascot, although several have mountain lions, which is a different name for the same species.

In 1956, the Saint Joseph's football team won a share of the NAIA Football National Championship, playing Montana State to a 0–0 tie in the Aluminum Bowl at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas.[19] The Pumas won six Indiana Collegiate Conference titles; 1955 co-champions, 1956, 1957, 1971, 1976 co-champions and 1977 co-champions. The football team had been dominant in their conference near its final years, winning the Great Lakes Football Conference championship in 2006, 2009 and 2010.

The school's baseball team was runner-up to the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship in 1996,[20] led by pitcher Rick O'Dette, who would later be drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 1997 MLB Draft (15th Round). The same year, the women's soccer team was the runner-up in the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship. The school's women's tennis team has captured six GLVC conference titles since 1985 and completed three undefeated seasons.

In 2010, the men's basketball team led by head coach Richard Davis put together a string of three wins in the NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament to reach the Elite Eight for the second time in school history.

Notable people

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Carroll, William (August 19, 2021). "What's happening at Saint Joseph's College?". Rensselaer Republican. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
  2. ^ "2020 CENSUS - CENSUS BLOCK MAP: Collegeville CDP, IN" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  3. ^ "SJC to celebrate Halleck Center's 50th". Rensselaer Republican. Newsbug.info. 2012-09-09. Retrieved 2015-07-10.
  4. ^ "Happy Birthday George Halas". Chicago Bears. January 31, 2014. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  5. ^ "Brian's Song (1971 TV Movie) Filming Locations". IMDb.com. Retrieved 2015-07-10.
  6. ^ "February 5, 1973 - Newsmakers | Chicago Tribune Archive". Archives.chicagotribune.com. 1973-02-05. Retrieved 2015-07-10.
  7. ^ a b Chronis, Kasey (2017-02-09). "Saint Joseph's College to close its doors amid financial crisis". 16 WNDU. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
  8. ^ McGowan, Dan (2017-02-10). "Pastoor: 'Re-Engineered' St. Joe Could be Model". Indiana Business Insider. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
  9. ^ Kruczek, Alexandra; Moberger, Alexis (2017-02-09). "Saint Joseph's College president will call it quits in May". 18wlfi.com. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
  10. ^ Brown, Alex. "Saint Joe's to Drop Accreditation". www.insideindianabusiness.com. Retrieved 2019-10-24.
  11. ^ "Marian, Saint Joseph's to Open 2-Year College". Inside Higher Education. 2018-10-11. Retrieved 2019-07-07.
  12. ^ Bangert, Dave. "Rebirth of shuttered St. Joseph's College clouded by silence over resignations". Journal & Courier. Retrieved 2019-10-11.
  13. ^ "The 128 Core Partners Comprehensive Plan". Saint Joseph's College. February 2020. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  14. ^ "Higher Learning Commission". Ncahlc.org. Retrieved 2015-07-10.
  15. ^ "Accredited Institutions by State". Ncate.org. Retrieved 2015-07-10.
  16. ^ "International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education : Directory of Accredited Programs by Institution" (PDF). Iacbe.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-06-29. Retrieved 2015-07-10.
  17. ^ "St. Joseph's College (Indiana) | Best College | US News". Colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com. Retrieved 2015-07-10.
  18. ^ "50 years later, 'Little 500' keeps buzzing along (April 29, 2012)". Thecatholicmoment.org. Retrieved 2015-07-10.
  19. ^ "Aluminum Bowl". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  20. ^ "Baseball DII". NCAA.com. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  21. ^ "Gil Hodges Managerial Record - Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
  22. ^ J. Patrick Lewis interviewed by Sylvia Vardell. "J. Patrick Lewis". The Poetry Foundation. Retrieved 2015-07-10.
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