Thank You For Your Support
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Thank you to everyone who supported our Chapel Heating System and Basement Renovation Campaign. To date, we have raised $281,675.00 toward this important project.
Thanks to your generosity, preparations are already underway. Our Physical Plant team is preparing the Chapel and basement so the contractors will have the space ready to begin installing the new heating system. Your support is helping preserve and improve these important spaces for our community. We look forward to sharing additional updates as the project progresses.
Celebrating Our Certificate Program Grads
On May 16th, Saint Joseph's College recognized 108 graduates during its annual Pinning Ceremony held in the Shen Auditorium. The event brought together approximately 100 family members and friends to celebrate the accomplishments of students completing their certificate programs.
Faculty and staff members, including Program Coordinator David, instructors Tracy and Amber, and Fr. Bill Stang, joined in recognizing the hard work and dedication of the graduates. One of the highlights of the ceremony was Fr. Stang's message to graduates, celebrating their accomplishments and encouraging them as they take the next step in their careers and educational journeys. The atmosphere throughout the event was relaxed, joyful, and filled with laughter as students marked this important milestone.
Following the ceremony, families and graduates gathered for the College's second annual Family Day celebration. The event provided an opportunity for graduates and their loved ones to spend time together, take photos, and enjoy the campus community. Many families took photos, while others stayed to play mini-golf and visit with fellow graduates, instructors, and staff.
Family Day continues to be a welcome tradition, offering graduates and their supporters additional time to celebrate their achievements and create lasting memories together.
Continued Momentum
The second home of the Waugh Estates built by Saint Joseph’s Building & Trades students is nearing completion. Students have recently completed drywall installation, painting, cabinet installation, and are now finishing trim work as the project moves toward the final stages.
The program continues to grow with plans to begin construction on the third student-built home next month. Building & Trades continues to provide students with valuable hands-on experience while preparing them for careers in the construction industry.
The program is also creating opportunities for students to explore the trades before enrolling. Students from Faith Christian School of Lafayette have visited campus to assist with the home build, including one graduate who recently participated in the project and has since enrolled as a full-time Building & Trades student.
The CDL Academy is also seeing continued interest, with steady enrollment and increased awareness throughout the region. Many prospective students have shared that they first heard about the program through local radio advertisements, helping more individuals discover Saint Joseph’s hands-on CDL training opportunities. The CDL Academy also recently purchased a dump truck for Class B training, strengthening the programs instructional capabilities.
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Trade Center Dedication
Saint Joseph’s College has officially dedicated the former Recreation Center as the Dennis J. Black Trade Center, honoring his foundational leadership and lasting commitment in establishing the trades programming.
The dedication, approved by the Board of Trustees on May 14, 2026, recognizes Dennis’s role in helping shape a pathway for hands-on, career-focused education that continues to expand across campus.
As the building begins its next chapter, construction progress is already underway. Interior demolition and electrical work has started as the space is reconfigured to support expanded trades training and instructional areas.
In addition, the HVAC system is nearing completion with final installation work scheduled for this month, a key milestone that will allow the facility to operate as a standalone building independent from the powerhouse.
Once complete, the Dennis J. Black Trade Center will serve as a dedicated home for the Building & Trades program, supporting continued growth in skilled trades education.
Don't Forget to RSVP for Founder's Day
Founder’s Day weekend is almost here!
Join us for the Golf Outing on September 11th at 1 p.m. or come back to Lake Banet on September 12th for Mass, Founder’s Day festivities, food trucks, and time to reconnect with fellow Pumas. Guests are welcome to BYOB.
Don’t forget to order your Founder's Day merch online before the event weekend!
More event details are available at saintjoe.edu/founders-day
Want to help or become involved?
Give an Alumni Gift - To give a gift in recognition of a loved one, or to make a donation in support of Saint Joseph’s College, please visit www.saintjoe.edu/give for more information on the different ways to give.
Program Development - If you have a specialized skill set or expertise that could be useful in building our future curriculum, consider reaching out to us at saintjosephs@saintjoe.edu
Contact Us
Saint Joseph’s College
PO Box 300
Rensselaer, IN 47978
Email: saintjosephs@saintjoe.edu
Phone: 219-866-6000
saintjoe.edu