A Note from Fr. Barry Fischer, C.PP.S. - June 13th 2017

Fellow Pumas,

As the Homecoming celebration fast approaches, I would like to give you a few brief updates which could be of interest.

There is a generation of Pumas who will never forget the night that the old Administration Building burnt to the ground (February 5, 1973). It was a traumatic experience for all. Images of students and teachers running in and out of the burning building to save valuable files and documents and in some cases life-long work in an age before computers (if you can imagine that!) flash through our minds and are forever graven on our memories.

A few months ago, I was contacted by the pastor of St. Henry Church in Medaryville. His little Church, served for years by Precious Blood priests from the College, was closing. In their bell tower one of the bells was from the Ad Building of SJC and he wanted to know if we wanted it back. I didn´t hesitate a second before responding, “Of course!”. Thanks to the follow-up of alumnus, Patrick Schuttrow (´95 ), arrangements were made to transfer the bell back to the SJC campus. It is now safely stored in the carpenter shop.

This is very symbolic. Hopefully, when SJC rises from the ashes a few years down the road, that bell will sit proudly on our campus as we ring in the new Saint Joe´s.

This bell will be on display at the Fieldhouse during the Alumni Memorabilia Sale to be held over Homecoming weekend. Don´t be surprised. It needs polishing up, but when the time comes hopefully donations will be found to get it in shape in time for an eventual re-opening. Until that day, the bell will remain one of the many protected items we are keeping for the reopening of SJC (and are not a part of the ongoing auction) and will be safely stored away on campus after Homecoming.

Also related to Homecoming weekend, I would like to announce the times when the alumni memorabilia will be on sale in the Field House.

Friday, September 29, from 12 PM to 5 PM

Saturday, September 30, from 9 AM to 5 PM

Sunday, October 1, from 11 AM to 4 PM

I am pleased to announce that on Saturday, September 30, the Chapel will be open for you to visit and pray from 11:00 AM to 1 PM. Brother Tim Hemm will be on hand to greet you. You may also visit the Grotto during the same time frame. However, in order to comply with insurance obligations all other buildings will remain secured.

I will be in Drexel Hall on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM till 11:00 AM for anyone who wishes to drop in to say hello and to have a chat with me. Welcome! During that same time frame, Michael Kohlman will also be available in Drexel to return the Pavers to those who expressed a desire to have their paver back as well as discuss the Drexel Courtyard effort for those that have offered to assist.

On still another note, we have hired a new Office Manager here in Drexel. Her name is April Fendt and was employed in the HR office at SJC. We welcome her. Finally, the phone service is now up and running after several glitches were worked out after transferring lines over to Drexel from the main campus. The phone number is: 219-866-6000.

This is enough info for this time. Enjoy homecoming and reconnecting with old classmates, profs and friends.

Sincerely, your fellow Puma,
Fr Barry Fischer, C.PP.S. (´69)