CCSJ celebrates mission and hope this spring

On April 11, Calumet College of St. Joseph (CCSJ) held its 60th Trustees’ Annual Scholarship Gala, with Missionaries of the Precious Blood as the presenting sponsor. Three hundred and eighty benefactors attended the event in support of the college and its mission. The college raised over $168,000 through this event, $26,750 of which was pledged during a new “Hands for Hope” 10-minute paddle raise program, where guests donated on the spot, at various levels, directly to student scholarships. 

CCSJ President Dr. Amy McCormack welcomed guests with a focus on the hope that a college education provides. In her welcoming address, Dr. McCormack said, “This is the Year of Hope, as declared by Pope Francis, and that is what we do so well at Calumet College of St. Joseph. Hope for students and service to our communities are core to our vision to be a vital and valued resource to the region and beyond where students can be known, be successful, and belong.” This message of hope continued through the evening. 

A moving mission-driven video was presented that walked gala guests through the college campus, while hearing stories of struggle, hope, service, and triumph from honorees and current CCSJ students. After the video, awards were presented celebrating alumni, corporate citizenship, and the embodiment of the college’s mission. 

Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. received the St. Joseph the Worker Award; Mark Kalwinski, a ’76 and ’77 alumnus, received the Brother Gerard Von Hagel Alumni Award, and Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) received the Corporate Leadership Award. More on these honorees and their awards can be found on our website: www.ccsj.edu/gala. 

All proceeds from the Scholarship Gala directly benefit students, offsetting tuition costs for those in financial need and enabling Calumet College of St. Joseph to provide educational access for underserved populations. As a result, Calumet College of St. Joseph is proud to be the most diverse institution of higher education in the state of Indiana. 

Also in April, CCSJ hosted their Spring Semester Busy Student Retreat. During this week-long retreat, Campus Ministry guided students in taking a daily pause to recharge their spirit and find the Lord speaking to them through prayer and daily life. This event comes as beneficial support to students as they prepare for finals and for seniors preparing for life after graduating from CCSJ on May 10.