‘Grit and Gratitude’
Calumet College of St. Joseph kicks off its 75th anniversary celebration
At the beginning of spring semester, students, staff, faculty, and members of the board of trustees gathered in the Katsahnias Student Commons to kick off the 75th anniversary of Calumet College of St. Joseph (CCSJ). The gathering marked the beginning of a yearlong celebration honoring the history of the college and the excitement for its future.
To commemorate this milestone year, the college unveiled a timeline prominently displayed in the commons for all to see. This new feature highlights key moments and accomplishments from the college’s founding in 1951 to present day.
Fr. Tim McFarland, C.PP.S., a member of the college’s founding order, the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, began by offering a blessing giving thanks to all who have generously given of themselves for the betterment of CCSJ and asked for God’s continued guidance for the college family and its students.
Vice President of Institutional Advancement and CCSJ alum, Brian Lowry ’96, gave an impassioned speech about how the tagline for the 75th year was chosen. He noted “Grit and Gratitude” may sound strange for what is traditionally considered the “diamond anniversary,” but that when he thinks about the hard work, determination, and perseverance at the heart of every CCSJ student and employee (past and present), the phrase starts to make sense. Mr. Lowry said, “Grit speaks to us so much more than the prestige of a ‘diamond’ does. That grit, that determination, that roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic, that back-to-the-wall, dig in and get it done, ride or die attitude … that’s who we are. And it’s who we’ve always been.”
Mr. Lowry, along with President Amy McCormack, then unveiled the commemorative 75th anniversary logo. The logo will be featured throughout the year as we continue to celebrate 75 years of history and look ahead to the next 75.
Dr. McCormack gave her own heartfelt remarks about her time at the college. Sharing some of the exciting events and campus improvements that will be happening this year, she gave a message of hope as the college looks to its future. “I’m really excited about where we are as an institution — the team, the people, the community that is here — our culture is strong and mission-driven,” she said. “Our ‘grit’ continues to move us forward. We have ‘gratitude’ for the opportunity to be here to serve our students and for the communities that support our mission including our sponsoring order, the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.”
There are exciting events to look forward to at CCSJ, including the completion of the 7th floor project and plans for fundraisers and events to be held in the new multi-use space, such as the Scholarship Soiree and a 4th of July event where guests will be able to view several local fireworks shows from the newly renovated HASSE/McCormack Terrace. We’re looking forward to the ribbon-cutting of the new athletic field and Fitness and Flora Park that will expand our south campus for both college and community use and to celebrating our official 75th Founders Day in September. CCSJ will hold a 75th Birthday Bash, which is sure to be a lively celebration for the college family, alumni, donors, and the surrounding community. Go to ccsj.edu to learn more about everything CCSJ has to offer.