Update from Calumet College of St. Joseph
Like many Catholics throughout the world, we greeted the election of Pope Leo XIV with great joy and hope. The selection of the name Leo is significant for us here at CCSJ. As we know, Pope Leo the XIII began, with the 1891 publication of Rerum Novarum, the modern social teaching of the Church. Social justice has been at the center of what we do here at CCSJ, and early indications seem to point to Pope Leo’s interest in social justice and peace.
Our academic year concluded on May 10 with our 63rd annual commencement exercises. We had a beautiful day for the academic procession. It is quite a sight to see all the colorful academic regalia marching in procession. John Morikis, a native of northwest Indiana and recently retired CEO of Sherwin Williams, was our commencement speaker and received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. John was a graduate of St. Joseph’s College. He had three points that he conveyed to our graduates. He challenged graduates to do what you say you will do, run to the center of the action, and don’t do what is expected — do more.
There were two associate, 90 bachelor’s and 25 master’s degree candidates who completed their requirements in May and were awarded degrees. Among these were six international students who received their degrees.
The day following graduation, nine of our students (and several staff) in the St Gaspar’s Honors Learning Community took off for their international trip this year. They visited Vienna, Salzburg, Prague, and Budapest. This annual trip is for the members of the Learning Community who maintain a 3.3 GPA, participate in a weekly seminar, and perform some hours of community service.
This summer we will once again be holding summer camps in June and July for area youth. This is our third year of hosting these youth camps, which have been quite popular. There are camps in sports, reading, earth studies, media, and theater. Registration for the camps closed on May 1. In total, there are over 240 youth registered for the various camps and several on wait lists. These camps are a great, fun learning opportunity for the youth and for our students who serve as camp counselors. These camps are made possible through the generous support of the Lilly Endowment, Inc.