For Giving Tuesday, we’re taking a look back on an incredible year at Saint Joseph’s College—a year filled with exciting initiatives, new partnerships, and meaningful milestones which strengthened our College and community.
This year, Saint Joseph's College adopted a new official logo, symbolizing both our historic roots and forward-looking vision. This logo’s centerpiece—a modern interpretation of our iconic twin towers—connects our enduring legacy with a fresh outlook, embodying the strength, stability, and tradition that our alumni, staff, and community have cherished for generations. The logo also serves as a beacon for our evolving identity as a model Catholic liberal arts institution for the 21st century.
In July, we launched two exciting programs on campus: the CDL Academy and Building & Trades at Saint Joseph’s. The CDL Academy has already proven to be a success, with enrollment steadily increasing among city workers, community members, and aspiring young drivers. This initiative is paving the way for safe, responsible driving careers. Our Building and Trades Program reached an exciting milestone with the groundbreaking of a new house on campus. Through hands-on projects, this program will help to address the construction labor shortage and inspire the next generation to pursue fulfilling careers in the trades.
Further expanding educational opportunities, we launched a college-credit program with Bethel University offering courses in healthcare, composition, financial literacy, and psychology. These eight-week classes offered students a head start on their academic path or a chance to explore new subjects.
We welcomed 37 Indiana Agriculture and Technology School (IATS) students to our campus for weekly Active Participation Days where they engage in hands-on learning from urban gardening to building techniques. On October 23rd, IATS celebrated the Grand Reopening of its Hydroponics Greenhouse at Saint Joseph’s College, a project where students rehabilitated a structure unused for seven years into a thriving, innovative greenhouse. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by IATS Director Keith Marsh and Rensselaer Mayor Jeff Phillips, marked the official opening, highlighting the students’ dedication and the community’s support for their journey.
We also celebrated our inaugural Pinning Ceremony in May, honoring graduates of our certificate programs in front of family and friends. This moving event recognized the hard work and achievements of our graduates and included opening remarks from Board Chairman Mike Van Eekeren and an induction into the Saint Joseph’s College Alumni Association by President Lou Offer. It was a beautiful celebration of their journey and a welcome back to an honored tradition on campus.
Other events held on campus this year included a Building and Trades Day where 385 Rensselaer students explored various trades by engaging directly with professionals from the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water and the City of Rensselaer’s Streets and Sanitation Department, Water Department, and Volunteer Fire Department. The Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA) also held their multi-day event on campus welcoming 25 vendors and several hundred professionals who tested simulators, operated heavy machinery, and sat through education sessions.
Our Certificate Programs continue to be a strong draw, offering students valuable credentials that open doors to rewarding careers in healthcare and veterinary science. Our graduates are thriving, whether by securing jobs in their fields or using their certifications as a stepping stone to further education. This success is reflected in our graduate spotlights, where we highlight the achievements of students who have excelled after completing their programs, showcasing the real-world impact of their Saint Joe experience.
On this Giving Tuesday – a day of global generosity – your contributions will help us sustain and expand these impactful programs and events, keeping our campus a thriving hub of learning, growth, and opportunity. I invite you to become part of this journey through a tax-deductible donation to the College.
Alumni and friends interested in contributing to the College’s continuing growth, please send your tax-deductible donation to:
Saint Joseph’s College
PO Box 300
Rensselaer, IN 47978
Checks payable to Saint Joseph’s College
Interested individuals can also donate online at pumas.saintjoe.edu.
More information on the various ways to give can be found at www.saintjoe.edu/give.
As always, thank you for your support!
William Carroll
Executive Director
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