Building Momentum at Saint Joseph’s
A major milestone has been reached for Saint Joseph’s Building & Trades program. The first student-built home in Waugh Estates has officially sold, marking an exciting moment for our students and the future of the program. What began as a training project is now a home built by students and owned by a family in the community, demonstrating the value and impact of this program.
Momentum has continued into the second home at Waugh Estates, where students have made impressive progress. Construction began in October with the foundation, followed by framing, wall and roof sheathing, and window installation. Students have worked through cold temperatures and windy days, gaining firsthand experience in the realities of construction work and the perseverance it requires.
In addition to enrolled Building & Trades students, the project has welcomed visiting high school students from area schools, including Faith Christian School of Lafayette. These students have had the opportunity to assist on the build, explore the tools and techniques of the trade, and gain early exposure to construction as a potential career path.
As the second home continues to take shape, the Building & Trades program is doing exactly what it was designed to do. It is preparing students for careers by putting tools in their hands, challenging them to work as a team, and allowing them to leave campus with tangible proof of what they can accomplish.
Looking ahead, Saint Joseph’s is continuing to invest in the growth of the Building & Trades program. Plans are underway to expand trade offerings, with HVAC emerging as a strong first contender. Staff members traveled to Wisconsin in December to visit and review three established HVAC programs, gaining insight into curriculum, equipment needs, and facility requirements as we explore what it would take to launch an HVAC program on campus. Any new trades programs, including HVAC, would be housed in the Rec Center, which is being transformed into a dedicated Trades Hub to support program expansion.
That transformation is already underway. Last year, the Board approved the installation of a new HVAC system in the Rec Center. This project has made significant progress and is now nearly complete. At the same time, the College has been working with an engineering company to develop design plans for the facility, helping determine the best layout for current and future program areas.
Expanding Opportunities
Saint Joseph’s is pleased to announce a new partnership with Indiana Tech, creating opportunities for our certificate program graduates as well as staff and instructors. Through this partnership, all graduates of our health science certificate programs can receive 30 percent tuition discounts to pursue an Associate of Science in Health Science or a Bachelor of Science in General Studies. Indiana Tech will also recognize 18 to 54 credits from completed certificate courses, allowing our students to apply this work toward their degree and avoid repeating coursework.
In addition, we have partnered with StraighterLine, an online provider offering more than 100 college-level courses recommended for transferrable credit. These courses are accepted by Indiana Tech and dozens of other four-year institutions for ACE transfer credit, giving students flexibility in continuing their education.
These partnerships give Saint Joseph’s students a clear path from certificate programs to college degrees, combining affordability, flexibility, and credit recognition to support continued learning and career advancement.
Save the Date
Join us at Lake Banet for a weekend of entertainment, great food, and meaningful time with fellow Pumas. The weekend will include Mass, a golf outing, and time to reconnect with friends who made your time on campus unforgettable.
More details and a full schedule will be shared soon. For now, mark your calendar and start making plans to be back on campus.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Program Updates and Community Impact
CDL Academy: Enrollment remains strong, and partnerships with local cities and businesses continue to provide students with opportunities and connections in the trucking industry. The program receives praise and positive feedback from the community, reflecting the value of our hands-on, career-focused training.
Certificate Programs: Eighteen students began our latest health science certificate cohort on January 22. Many are enrolled in the Pre-Nursing program, where students work toward four nationally recognized certifications through overlapping coursework. The program begins with an EKG Technician and Clinical Medical Assistant training. The 5-week EKG course concluded in early March with all students passing their national certification exam. They will now transition into Phlebotomy while continuing their Medical Assisting coursework, followed by a Basic Life Support certification.
CPR Training: Registrations have been steadily increasing between both individual and business training, helping more community members gain essential lifesaving skills.
Partner Programs & Campus Use: Our partnership with IMEA’s Linemen Training Institute continues on our campus, bringing specialized electric utility training opportunities to the region. Indiana Agriculture and Technology School also continues to utilize our land and greenhouse for educational programs.
SJC Puma Legacy Athletic Luncheon
The SJC Puma Legacy, Corp. will host a luncheon recognizing over a dozen Pumas for their athletic achievement and spirit. The Athletics Hall of Fame and Wall of Honor induction will take place at the Fair Oaks Farmhouse near Rensselaer on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 12-2:30 pm CT.
Tickets are $50 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Click here to view the event and purchase tickets
Visit SJCPumaLegacy.org for more info
Questions? Contact Bill Hogan '74 at 206-513-6550 or bill.hoganone@gmail.com
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