Building & Trades Day at Saint Joe
On Friday, September 27th, Saint Joseph's hosted a Building and Trades Day that welcomed 385 students from Van Rensselaer Elementary and Rensselaer Central Middle School. The event provided eager 4th, 5th, and 8th grade students with a hands-on introduction to the diverse and essential trades that help sustain communities.
Info booths on the Saint Joseph’s CDL Academy and Building and Trades programs captured students' attention, highlighting how these fields provide essential skills and lead to in-demand careers in transportation and construction. Additionally, the College’s Health Science and Veterinary Certificate program classrooms sparked interest, as they provided an opportunity for students to envision themselves learning, practicing skills, and gaining hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Students explored various trades by engaging directly with professionals from the City of Rensselaer Streets and Sanitation Department, Water Department, and Volunteer Fire Department. The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water also played a key role educating students about the critical infrastructure that ensures access to clean water. In the parking lot, fire trucks, dump trucks, and other heavy machinery were set up and performed live demonstrations to show students how each operates.
Whether it was watching a fire hose demonstration, exploring the workings of a water system, or hearing about various programs offered at Saint Joseph’s, students walked away with new knowledge and excitement of the many career paths that could be pursued right in their local community.
The event was both busy and rewarding, offering students a glimpse into possible future careers while emphasizing the value of hands-on learning. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with local schools to help educate and inspire students about the endless opportunities waiting for them in the trades and beyond.
Honoring a Legacy: Board of Trustees Dedicates Courts to Lifelong Champions of Saint Joseph’s College
The Saint Joseph’s College Board of Trustees recently celebrated two of its most longstanding and devoted members, James Madden and Michael Vallone, with a special dedication recognizing their lifelong contributions. At a recent board meeting, each was presented with a commemorative plaque for their commitment, service, and leadership. In their honor, the newly established Waugh Estates will feature Madden Court and Vallone Court, a lasting tribute that will serve as the foundation for a neighborhood developed through the Saint Joseph’s Building and Trades Program.
For decades, Madden and Vallone have given their time, resources, and steadfast guidance to Saint Joseph’s College, standing as trusted advisors and champions of its mission—even in times of challenge. Their impact on the College’s growth and community presence is undeniable, shaping a future rooted in opportunity for all who step onto the campus.
These courts will serve as permanent reminders of their devotion, marking a profound moment of gratitude for two individuals whose legacy is now etched into the fabric of Saint Joe’s. As the Waugh Estates neighborhood grows, Madden Court and Vallone Court will symbolize the College’s enduring appreciation for their unwavering support.
IATS Greenhouse Grand Reopening
On October 23, 2024, Indiana Agriculture and Technology School (IATS) marked an exciting milestone with the Grand Reopening of its Hydroponics Greenhouse at Saint Joseph’s College. For weeks, students were hard at work rehabilitating the structure that sat dormant for the past 7 years, transforming it into a fully operational greenhouse combining innovation with hands-on learning. A large crowd of community members gathered to see the impressive results and support the students’ efforts.
Students took the lead sharing their journey with the audience, speaking proudly about the skills they gained while overcoming challenges in bringing the greenhouse to life again. Their enthusiasm was evident, creating a buzz of excitement about what lies ahead. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by IATS Director Keith Marsh and Rensselaer Mayor Jeff Phillips, added a special touch, officially opening the greenhouse and setting the stage for future projects to continue shaping the campus.
Graduate Spotlight - Sydni Wilson
Twenty-one-year-old Sydni Wilson from Hobart, Indiana, enrolled in the Certified Veterinary Assistant Program at Saint Joseph’s College after working as a doggy daycare handler. She gained hands-on experience at several animal clinics prior to enrolling to build her skills, which proved invaluable during her class time in the veterinary assistant program.
During her time at Saint Joseph's College, what stood out most was her instructor, Sara Legler, who brought a perfect balance of enjoyment and dedication to learning. Sara made classes engaging while keeping the primary focus on learning, always ensuring students were prepared for quizzes by providing extra notes and study materials. Her enthusiasm and commitment to student success helped Sydni and her classmates tackle challenging chapters with ease, even turning medical terminology into a fun game to make the material feel less daunting. Reflecting on Sydni’s journey, Sara Legler shared, “I am proud that my first ever CVA class has helped this young lady to pursue her dreams of working with animals and improving their care.”
Now, Sydni is working at St. John Animal Clinic, where she’s been for almost a month and a half. "I love every second of it," she says, grateful for her coworkers who "are amazing and always willing to teach me more and help out when I need it." Each day brings new challenges, which she finds motivating and fun. She has learned a range of skills, including "cytologies, urinalysis, running blood work, and getting a history on patients." Her goal is to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), and she plans to continue her education this March at Fox College in Tinley Park, Illinois.
To those interested in pursuing a similar career, Sydni advises, "Don’t give up. There have been plenty of days when I doubted myself or thought I wasn’t capable of achieving my dreams, but each day gets better. You just have to keep pushing yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable." She believes that success in the Veterinary Assistant Program at Saint Joseph's College requires "passion and dedication to your dreams," with hard work eventually leading to success.
Welcome to SJC!
This fall Saint Joseph’s College added a new instructor and nurse to the Certification Program – Elizabeth Ebert, RN. She began her healthcare career in high school completing her CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and continued her education becoming an RN in 2000. Elizabeth has had many roles in her nursing career: CICU nurse, adjunct faculty nursing instructor, school nurse at Cedar Lake, and currently volunteers at Journey Church in Lowell providing services to the congregation and youth including counseling, blood pressure screenings and teaching first aid. Elizabeth’s role at Saint Joseph’s College is two-fold - she is teaching seven students in the EKG program and is also our CNA Coordinator. Elizabeth supports enrollment in the CNA program working with students one-on-one to make sure they pass their entrance exam and assists them with the additional paperwork required. Once the students have completed their course work, Elizabeth will be there to support them as they complete their 80 hours of clinicals. Of all the certification programs at Saint Joe, the CNA requires more attention and time - we’re lucky to have such a warm, friendly coach and instructor to help our students be successful!
Homecoming 2024
SJC celebrated our annual Homecoming weekend sponsored by the SJC Alumni Association, Inc. (SJCAAI) with events on Friday and Saturday, September 13-14. More than 150 alumni and friends of Saint Joe participated in events over that weekend including a golf outing on Friday, followed by Mass in the Chapel and the traditional beer and brat tent on Saturday.
It was wonderful to have the campus alive with activity on a beautiful early fall day. Saturday’s events featured honor class celebrations with the Classes of 1974 and 1984 having especially large reunion groups in attendance. From pitchers of beer to new SJC gear, it is always a great way to reconnect with friends and your favorite campus.
Please save the date for mid-September 2025 and join us for Homecoming! Especially you 1975, 1985, 1995 and 2005 grads, keep an eye out for more details soon!
SJC Redefines Academic Offerings
Saint Joseph's is emerging as a model for the 21st-century rural college, developing innovative programs that meet community needs while maintaining affordability. The College is setting a new standard for success in higher education, especially in rural areas, and is committed to pushing the envelope in response to the evolving demands of the workforce.
To read the full article, please visit www.saintjoe.edu/post/sjc-redefines-academic-offerings
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 marketing@saintjoe.edu
Jobs Available - We’re always seeking additional instructors to teach our certificate programs at SJC! Please email programs@saintjoe.edu to discuss opportunities!
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