On the HillFor Alumni & Friends of Saint Meinrad Autumn 2010 • Vol. 48:4

“Growth” is the new buzz word in the Seminaryand School of Theology. Not only can you hearit, but you can see it—in the busy hallways, thepacked chapel, the crowded classrooms, therenovated spaces and the temporary spaces.

The fall semester began with an impressive 136seminarians, the highest enrollment since 1985,and the continuation of a trend the seminary hasseen over the past several years. Fall enrollmentincludes 48 new seminarians this year. A largeinflux is coming from college seminaries, aswell as from a wide range of other backgroundsand college experiences.

Prior experiences range from medical doctorsand engineers to millwrights, newspaper editorsand maintenance workers. There’s even aformer member of the Swiss Guard.

The seminarians represent 30 dioceses andarchdioceses and five religious houses.

“College seminary enrollment is on the rise,”says enrollment director Fr. Brendan Moss,OSB, who has seen several of the collegeseminaries he visits at peak enrollment as well.

He sees other reasons for the increase as well.“Saint Meinrad’s reputation is being wellreceived by our client dioceses,” he says.“We’ve had a number of dioceses who havechosen to make us their home base offormation. It’s a tremendous commitment fromthe dioceses and a commitment we certainlytake very seriously.

“I do think there’s also been a rise in interest inpriesthood as a life vocation and young men aremore open to discern whether God is callingthem to be a priest,” he adds.

The Seminary continues to see cultural diversityas well. This year, seminarians come from 14countries, including a large contingent from

Good News:Seminary enrollment reaches 25-year high

Saint Meinrad seminarians helped new students settle in and get oriented before classes began in late August.Jeffrey Estacio, far left, helps Kelly Edwards with unloading, while Adam Carrico welcomes Brandon Wolf.

Continued on page 2

Vietnam. Three of the Vietnamese natives arestudying for the Diocese of Mobile, while theother two are studying for dioceses in Vietnam.Additionally, two Vietnamese priests arestudying for Master of Theological Studiesdegrees and observing formation at SaintMeinrad to assist with opening a new seminaryin Vietnam.

With growth comes challenge. “The good newsis that we have a record enrollment,” says Fr.Brendan. “The challenge is that we’re workingto complete renovations in several areas of theschool (see story page 8). “We’ve had to be

creative and imaginative with our current spacesto deal with that.”

Some of the more noticeable changes includearranging for classrooms in the library, settingup a conference room in the Gallery andreorienting the seminary chapel to add 25 ormore seats. Fr. Brendan notes that fitting all ofthe seminarians and faculty into the previousorientation was impossible. “I think our studentswill adapt to these changes very quickly andvery well,” he adds.

Like the seminary program, Saint Meinrad’sLay Degree Program has seen steady growth.

The program started the year with 91 part-timeand six fulltime students enrolled in 414 credithours—the highest number of students in thehistory of the current program, according toKyle Kramer, director of the Lay DegreeProgram.

This continues a steady pattern of growth overthe last eight years, including serving a widergeographic area. “We have students fromAtlanta, Birmingham, the Bahamas, Missouri,Minnesota and Wisconsin,” says Kramer.“We’re also processing an increasing numberof applications from African students,particularly Nigeria and Uganda.”

The School is also offering a greater number ofalternative format courses, both online andweekend-based. “We’re committed to offeringmore convenient formats for students, butequally committed to offering a quality on-campus experience,” adds Kramer.

“Saint Meinrad’s reputationin ministry formation is

stronger than ever.”Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB

President-Rector

“The need for qualified, well-formed,theologically educated lay men and women isonly going to increase, both in terms ofmeeting the ministry needs of parishes,campuses, hospitals and others, but also interms of providing well-grounded, faith-filledpeople to be active in the public sphere.”

“Saint Meinrad’s reputation in ministryformation is stronger than ever,” saysPresident-Rector Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB. “Inaddition to the increases in the Seminary andSchool of Theology, new dioceses are beingadded to the Permanent Deacon Program andnew initiatives are coming for the Institute forPriests and Presbyterates. It’s a very excitingtime and we’re doing what we have alwaysdone—grown and adapted to serve the needs ofthe Church.”

ENROLLMENT Continued from page 1Two monks professsolemn vows............................................3

Five monks celebratejubilees............................................4

Deacon magazinepurchased............................................5

New managersappointed............................................6

Appeal will fund St. BedeHall work............................................8

Alumni Reunionphotos..........................................10

Alumni Eternal..........................................12

Alumni News..........................................14

Snail’s Pace businesslaunches..........................................16

On the Hill is published four times ayear by Saint Meinrad Archabbey andSeminary and School of Theology. Thenewsletter is also available online at:www.saintmeinrad.edu/onthehill

Editor: Mary Jeanne SchumacherCopywriters: Jo Rita Bishop

Fr. Simeon Daly, OSBJohn Farless

Send changes of address and comments to:The EditorThe Development OfficeSaint Meinrad Archabbey andSeminary & School of Theology200 Hill DriveSt. Meinrad, IN 47577(812) 357-6501 • Fax (812) 357-6759news@saintmeinrad.eduwww.saintmeinrad.edu© 2010, Saint Meinrad Archabbey

Ryan McCoy, right, Diocese of Biloxi, gives direc-tions to new seminarian Matt Solyntjes, Diocese ofSioux City, during orientation on August 27.

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LAY DEGREE PROGRAM

If you’re thinking that this issue of On theHill looks different, you’re right. A fewmonths ago, we decided to make theswitch to printing all of our newsletterphotos in color.

As you may know, Saint Meinrad’s AbbeyPress, which prints this newsletter, is just ashort walk down the hill from where thenewsletter is produced. Their equipmentand talented staff have been printing thispublication since its inception.

Because of the quantity of newsletters weprint, Abbey Press uses its six-colorHeidelberg press on this job. We’vedecided to take full advantage of that pressto incorporate more color into thenewsletter.

At the same time, we updated thenewsletter’s design. The previous designwas introduced seven years ago and—although we loved it—we wanted a newlook that would make use of color.

The new look also ties in nicely with anew design that we’ve been graduallyintroducing in our printed pieces for SaintMeinrad Seminary and School ofTheology. The color bar on the right ofthe front cover features a photo ofsomething familiar at Saint Meinrad, suchas a glimpse of the stained glass windowabove the Archabbey Church doors.

At the bottom of the front page is a photoof another recognizable landmark: in thisissue, it’s the Archabbey Church. Boththe image in the color bar and the smallphoto are likely to change, from time totime.

If you’ve been to the Hill, you’ll probablyrecognize the red and “sandstone” colorswe’re using as the main hues on campus.

We hope you enjoy the new look. Feelfree to send your comments to the addresson Page 2. Or, e-mail me atmschumacher@saintmeinrad.edu.

Mary Jeanne Schumacher, Editor

A new colorfullook for ‘On theHill’ newsletter

Br. John Glasenapp, OSB, left, and Br. Matthew Mattingly, OSB, kneel during their professionof solemn vows on August 15.

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Br. John Glasenapp, OSB, and Br.Matthew Mattingly, OSB, professedsolemn vows as Benedictine monks ofSaint Meinrad Archabbey, in a ceremonyon August 15 in the Archabbey Church.

Br. John, 32, is a native of Cleveland, OH,and a graduate of St. Edward High Schoolin Lakewood, OH. He earned bachelor ofarts and bachelor of music degrees fromDePaul University in 2001 and beganworking for the Chicago SymphonyOrchestra in archives and development. Healso attended the University of Chicago.

In June 2005, he entered the postulancy atMonastery of the Holy Cross in Chicagoand became a novice in September of thatyear. He took his first vows on February2, 2007. After transferring to SaintMeinrad Archabbey in 2008, he earned aMaster of Arts in Catholic PhilosophicalStudies from Saint Meinrad Seminary andSchool of Theology in May.

Br. Matthew, 35, attended Memorial HighSchool in Evansville, IN. He earned abachelor’s degree in marketingmanagement from Indiana University in1997. He was a member of St. Benedict’sParish in Evansville.

He then spent 10 years in the homeimprovement industry, working mostrecently for Do it Best Corp. in Fort Wayne,IN, as a retail development manager. He

Monks profess solemn vowsearned a Master of Arts in Catholic Thoughtand Life from Saint Meinrad Seminary andSchool of Theology in May.

In professing solemn vows of obedience,fidelity to the monastic way of life andstability in the community at SaintMeinrad, they become full and permanentmembers of the Benedictine community.

Events on the Hill

November 19-21Guest House Retreat: “Spiritand Passion: An Exploration ofthe Powerful Music of AntonBruckner” by Fr. Noël Mueller,OSB.

December 17-19Guest House Retreat: “Joy tothe World: Christ in Carols” byBr. Zachary Wilberding, OSB.

February 17Black History Lecture, speakerto be announced.

For more information, contactMary Jeanne Schumacher at (812) 357-6501 or visit our website www.saintmeinrad.edu.

The Benedictine community of SaintMeinrad Archabbey celebrated thejubilees of monastic profession of fivemonks on July 25. Celebrating their 70thjubilees were Fr. Eric Lies, OSB, and Fr.Donald Walpole, OSB.

Br. Terence Griffin, OSB, Br. RabanBivins, OSB, and Fr. Colman Grabert,OSB, celebrated their 50th jubilees.

Fr. Eric is a native of Aurora, IL. Heprofessed his vows on August 6, 1940,and was ordained a priest on February 2,1945. He received his theologicaleducation at Saint Meinrad Seminary. Healso holds a master’s degree in Englishfrom The Catholic University of America.

Following ordination, Fr. Eric taughtEnglish, geometry, religion, speech andhomiletics at Saint Meinrad Seminary for13 years. Also during that time, from1950-58, he served as associate editor/artdirector for Grail magazine at AbbeyPress. From 1958-68, he was generalmanager of Abbey Press.

For more than 25 years, Fr. Eric servedin Saint Meinrad’s Development Office,as associate director of development for12 years, as director of public relations

for nine years and as graphic designerfor five years. For many years, he alsogave retreats and created calligraphyartwork. He currently resides in themonastery infirmary.

Fr. Donald is an Indianapolis, IN, nativeand he professed his Benedictine vowson August 6, 1940. He was ordained tothe priesthood on September 21, 1943.

After his theology education at SaintMeinrad Seminary, Fr. Donald earnedbachelor’s and master’s degrees in finearts from the Chicago Art Institute.

From 1952 to 1998, Fr. Donald wasassociate professor of art at SaintMeinrad College. He also createdartwork for parishes, religiouscommunities and the Saint Meinradcampus. His works include mosaics,murals, ceramics and wall hangings.

Br. Terence, a native of Pittsburgh, PA,professed his vows on May 7, 1960.Before joining the monastery, hegraduated at North Catholic High Schoolin Pittsburgh and studied accounting atRobert Morris Business School.

He served in Saint Meinrad’s BusinessOffice from 1960 to 1977. For the nextseven years, Br. Terence was assigned tohandle payroll and insurance at AbbeyPress. He also worked for the SaintMeinrad Health Service.

Currently, he works as an assistant to the director at Abbey Caskets and isassistant custodian for the chapel atMonte Cassino Shrine. He is also anassistant monastery guestmaster.

Br. Raban professed his vows as aBenedictine monk on May 7, 1960. Anative of Owensboro, KY, he came toSaint Meinrad to attend school at St.Placid Hall in 1957.

In the early 1960s, he worked in variousassignments at Saint Meinrad, includingthe shoe shop, as a volunteer fireman andas house prefect for the monastery. In 1965, he was sent to Saint Meinrad’smission in Peru, where he served until 1979.

He then worked in Saint Meinrad’sPhysical Facilities Department, where hehas been a locksmith since 1984. In 1996,he was appointed as the subprior (third inleadership) for the monastery. The firstSaint Meinrad brother to be appointed to the position, he served as subprior until 2007.

Currently, he assists in the monasteryinfirmary, works as a locksmith, and isthe Archabbey almoner and director ofcommunity outreach.

Fr. Colman, a native of Evansville, IN,professed his monastic vows on August15, 1960. After attending Saint MeinradHigh School, College and School ofTheology, he was ordained a priest onSeptember 5, 1965.

He earned a licentiate in sacred theologyfrom Collegio di Sant’ Anselmo in 1969. Hebegan teaching at Saint Meinrad School ofTheology in 1967, where he was an assistantprofessor in systematic theology until 1994.

Fr. Colman was for many years one of theArchabbey’s principal organists. He alsoserved recently as secretary to the archabbotand as the monastery’s house prefect.

Five monks celebrate jubilee of profession

Jubilarians of monastic profession are, from left, Br. Terence Griffin, OSB; Fr. Eric Lies, OSB;Br. Raban Bivins, OSB; and Fr. Donald Walpole, OSB. Not present for the photo was Fr.Colman Grabert, OSB.

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Abbey Pressbuys magazineAbbey Press, a printing and publishing firmowned by the Benedictine monks of SaintMeinrad Archabbey, will become thepublisher of Deacon Digest magazine,beginning with the January-February issue.

Since 1984, Deacon Digest has beenpublished by Alt Publishing Company, ofDePere, WI. The magazine published byJames and Audrey Alt has been a source ofinspiration and instruction for thoseinvolved in Catholic permanent diaconateministry in the United States, Canada andseveral foreign countries.

With a bi-monthly circulation of over7,000, it is the only national/ internationalperiodical devoted to diaconate ministry.Currently, there are more than 17,000Catholic permanent deacons and 2,000permanent deacon candidates in theUnited States.

“This is such a wonderful fit for us atAbbey Press,” says publisher Linus Mundy.“Our Saint Meinrad Seminary and Schoolof Theology is one of the nation’s premiercenters for diaconate formation. AbbeyPress has been the printer of DeaconDigest for over 20 years already.Additionally, Jim Alt has agreed to workwith us throughout our first year, at least.”

Deacon Digest authors have included suchnotable writers as Green Bay AuxiliaryBishop Robert Morneau, Deacon WilliamDitewig and Deacon Greg Kandra. Themagazine offers articles on such themes asthe deacon’s spiritual life, the propheticwitness of the deacon, and articles of interestto the wife and family of the deacon.

Br. Charles dies

Br. Charles DeSutter, OSB, 80, a monk ofSaint Meinrad Archabbey, died August29, 2010, in the monastery infirmary.

He was a jubilarian of profession and aparticipant in the Rush Religious Studyon Aging and Alzheimer’s.

Br. Charles was born in Ghent, MN, onJune 24, 1930, to Charles B. and Bertha(Van Hee) DeSutter. He received the nameHarold Charles. After his graduation fromMinnesota Public High School, he servedin the Army for several years.

He was invested as a novice at SaintMeinrad on February 9, 1954, andprofessed his simple vows on February10, 1955. He professed his perpetualvows in 1959. His first assignmentsincluded growing and preparing food forthe monastery. In 1959, he was sent tohelp at the new St. Charles Priory (nowPrince of Peace Abbey), Saint Meinrad’sdaughter house in Oceanside, CA.

When he returned two years later, hetended a vegetable garden and served as acook in the Guest House kitchen. He alsoserved as the manager of the Abbey PaintCrew, a clerical worker at the GuestHouse, an assistant in the library andinfirmary, and a sacristan.

For 10 years, he managed The ScholarShop (the Seminary’s bookstore), and hespent 15 years as gardener and caretakerof various grounds around the monastery.In recent years, he made religious icons.

The funeral Mass was held on September1 in the Archabbey Church, followed byburial in the Archabbey Cemetery.

free sign-up and onlinemanagement and marketing tools.

Snail’s Pace products will alsobe available this fall at the Archabbey GiftShop. And, beginning in 2011, there areplans to offer products at select retailstores throughout the country.

With Snail’s Pace, Saint Meinrad isrenewing its roots in the printing industry,which dates to 1867, and enhancing itscommitment to environmental stewardshipand the local economy. Products are madefrom paper certified by the ForestStewardship Council and soy-based inksand are produced on site or in nearbylocations, with no overseas sourcing.

“Over the past 35 years, Abbey Press hasplayed an important role in helping toprovide the support needed for ourongoing operations on the Hill,” saysArchabbot Justin DuVall, OSB. “In a quietway, often unnoticed by the public, AbbeyPress has been a major contributor to thestrong financial situation of today.”

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Three managers were appointed thissummer at Saint Meinrad. John Wilson,of St. Meinrad, IN, has been appointedgeneral manager of Abbey Press, Fr.Adrian Burke, OSB, succeeded Wilson asthe treasurer/business manager for SaintMeinrad Archabbey and Seminary andSchool of Theology, and Jennifer Keller,of Evanston, IN, has been appointeddirector of Abbey Caskets.

JOHN WILSON

For the past year, Wilson has overseen theday-to-day operations of Abbey Press, inaddition to his duties as treasurer/businessmanager of Saint Meinrad Archabbey,which operates Abbey Press. Previousgeneral manager Gerald Wilhite resignedin 2009.

Wilson has worked for Saint Meinrad for32 years. He will manage Abbey Press,including its newest business venture,Snail’s Pace.

In 1978, Wilson began his career at SaintMeinrad as assistant treasurer of theArchabbey. He then served as treasurerand business manager from 1989 until2010. Wilson was instrumental in thestartup of two Saint Meinrad ventures:Abbey Caskets and, more recently, Snail’sPace, a line of eco-friendly and sociallyresponsible paper products. Snail’s Pacewill be sold through retail and direct-to-consumer channels, as well as through afundraiser program for Catholic schoolsand churches.

Wilson has BS degrees in accounting andeducation from the University of

Evansville. He lives on a small farm in St.Meinrad with his wife Sandy; they havethree grown children.

FR. ADRIAN BURKE, OSB

As treasurer/business manager, Fr. Adrianhas general responsibility for stewardshipof the financial and business affairs of theArchabbey, and for its human andphysical resources. He served as assistantbusiness manager since 2009.

A monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Fr.Adrian earned a BS degree in marketingfrom Indiana University in 1986. Aftergraduation, he worked for Block’sDepartment Stores in Indianapolis as amanagement trainee. He later worked forthree years at Montgomery Ward in storemanagement, where he was promoted togroup-merchandising manager in theelectronics and appliances division.

He came to Saint Meinrad in 1990 as aseminarian for the Archdiocese ofIndianapolis. He entered the monastery asa novice in 1992 and professed his vowsas a Benedictine monk in 1993. Heprofessed his solemn vows in 1996.

Fr. Adrian earned a Master of Divinitydegree from Saint Meinrad School ofTheology in 1997 and was ordained to thepriesthood on June 8, 1997.

From 1997 to 2000, Fr. Adrian wasassociate pastor of three rural parishes insouthern Indiana: St. Meinrad, St.Boniface in Fulda, and St. Martin inSiberia. He later completed graduatestudies in spirituality at the Pontifical

Three new managers named at Saint Meinrad

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University of St. Thomas Aquinas inRome, earning a License in SacredTheology in 2003.

From 2004-2009, he served as pastor of theabove three parishes. He continues to serveas a commuting chaplain for MonasteryImmaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN,and gives retreats at the Archabbey GuestHouse and Retreat Center.

JENNIFER KELLER

Keller was promoted to the position ofdirector of Abbey Caskets, succeedingPatrick Clark of St. Croix, IN, who iscurrently the director of physical facilitiesfor Saint Meinrad Archabbey.

Keller was hired as a marketing and salesassociate for Abbey Caskets in August2004. Since January 2005, she has servedas the operations manager. As operationsmanager, she managed inventories,handled quality assurance, and wasresponsible for payables and receivables.

For the past three years, she has directedthe development of new marketingmaterials for Abbey Caskets. In addition,she implemented a pre-need trust contractprogram for those who wish to makeadvance funeral arrangements.

Keller graduated in 2003 from theUniversity of Southern Indiana with abachelor’s degree in advertising.

Abbey Caskets, established in 1999,offers handcrafted caskets and cremationurns directly to the public.

“I truly want to help Saint Meinrad. Ionly wish there were some way I couldmake a gift that really made adifference.” That sentiment may sum upthe feeling of many friends of SaintMeinrad Archabbey.

The fact is, there is a way—indeed,several ways—to make gifts ofsurprising significance to our future.Planned giving is the key to making agift that may seem beyond reach. Here’sa brief explanation of some of thesespecial planned giving techniques.

A bequest is the most traditional way toprovide significant help for SaintMeinrad. With a gift through your willor living trust, you retain full use of thegift property during your life. Somecommon forms of charitable bequestsinclude:

• A general bequest specifies that wewill receive a designated sum (e.g.,$10,000).

• A percentage bequest states that SaintMeinrad will receive a certainpredetermined percentage of your estate(e.g., a percentage bequest of 10%assures that inflation will not reduce thevalue of the bequest you intend for ourbenefit).

• A residuary bequest directs that wereceive either everything remaining inyour estate or a designated percentage ofyour estate after all bequests andnecessary costs are satisfied.

A special category of gifts known as“deferred” gifts, “planned” gifts or “lifeincome” gifts can provide you with animmediate income tax deduction. Theymay also afford other benefits such as lifeincome, future continued use of the giftproperty, avoidance of capital gains taxand other advantages. An overview ofthese types of gifts includes:

A charitable remainder trust is anarrangement in which you irrevocably

place money or property with a trustee,with instructions to pay someone(probably yourself) income, generallyfor life.

The income can be a set percentage of thetrust’s value (which may change fromyear to year) or a fixed payment equal toat least 5% of the value of the assetsinitially placed in the trust. When theincome beneficiary dies, the propertyremaining—the “remainder”—can pass toSaint Meinrad. You’ll be entitled to anincome tax charitable deduction.

A charitable gift annuity allows you tomake a gift for the future benefit ofSaint Meinrad and retain fixed lifetimeannuity payments for yourself and otherbeneficiaries. Your gift can be arrangedto provide you with tax-free payments(either immediately or at a future dateyou select), and capital gains taxes canbe minimized if you use appreciatedassets to fund your gift annuity.

Furthermore, you will be entitled to anincome tax charitable deduction in theyear you make the gift. (Note: Due tovarying state regulations, Saint Meinradcannot offer charitable gift annuities toresidents of all states.)

A life insurance policy that is no longerneeded for its original purpose can beused for charitable purposes. You canmake Saint Meinrad the owner andbeneficiary of the policy and be entitledto a charitable deduction.

Additional deductions are available forany premiums you pay in future years.The full value of the policy, with noreduction for estate taxes, will come toSaint Meinrad to benefit our work.

If you have questions about these or anyother planned giving opportunities,please contact Barbara Balka, director of planned giving, at (800) 682-0988 or bbalka@saintmenrad.edu for more information.

Several ways to create agift of significance

In July, Saint Meinrad’s DevelopmentOffice welcomed Bryan Gonzalez, the newdirector of development for the Monasteryof St. Benedict in Norcia, Italy. Gonzalezwill be interning in the DevelopmentOffice for the next 12 months.

He will be learning the basics ofdevelopment work—fund raising, alumnirelations and communications—in orderto build a development program atNorcia.

Along with joining the development team,Gonzalez will be working on his Norciadevelopment responsibilities and earninga degree from The Fund Raising Schoolin Indianapolis.

The Monastery of St. Benedict is locatedin Norcia, the birthplace of St. Benedict.Fr. Cassian Folsom, OSB, a monk ofSaint Meinrad, is the monastery’s prior.

Gonzalez, his wife Kilty and their sonJoseph Benedict are residing in St.Meinrad. Bryan received his master’sdegree in theology from the InternationalTheological Institute in Vienna. He is anative of Fishers, IN.

Archabbeywelcomes Norciadirector ofdevelopment

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Saint Meinrad has announced a $4million fund-raising appeal, “For the Lifeof the Church,” to renovate St. Bede Hallfor programs of the Seminary and Schoolof Theology.

“Renovating St. Bede Hall will providean opportunity for the Seminary andSchool of Theology programs to expandand flourish,” says President-Rector Fr.Denis Robinson, OSB. “The programs arealready successful. The new space willcreate a functional, comfortable learningenvironment that will enable more peopleto take advantage of them.”

In addition to enrollment increases in thepriesthood and lay degree programs(reported on Page 1), the Institute for Priestsand Presbyterates as well as the PermanentDeacon Formation and “One Bread, OneCup” programs are also thriving.

Although these programs are central tothe School’s mission, another program—the Office of Group Accommodations(OGA)—has also expanded its work ofhosting outside groups who visit thecampus or hold programs and retreatshere. During the last fiscal year, the OGAhosted 111 groups, totaling 3,683 people.These groups provide a valuable source ofincome for the School.

Not surprisingly, programs within theSeminary and School of Theology arenow seeking to use the same rooms at thesame time. Space has become a premium,as schedules overlap and programs vie fora limited number of guest rooms,classrooms and meeting places.

Renovating St. Bede Hall will makeoptimal use of a building that has beenserving the School since 1952. At that time,the building was a beehive of activity, withclassrooms for natural sciences, music, artand theater for students in the minorseminary and, later, Saint Meinrad College.

The building is also home to St. BedeTheater, which today is the site of annualplays, musical programs and graduation.When the College closed in 1998, someof the student housing on the upper floorswas converted for use by youth retreats

and the “One Bread, One Cup”conferences. However, much of the spacehas been waiting for a new use.

Plans call for a new roof and energy-efficient windows to be installed, alongwith a new heating and air conditioningsystem. A flexible floor plan will allowthe building’s 49,000+ square feet ofspace to be reconfigured if futureprograms move in a new direction.

NEW USE FOR OLD SPACE

On the first floor, which includes the 500-seat theater, the current layout will remainmostly unchanged. The rooms along thecorridor leading to the theater willbecome offices and a reception area forthe Office of Group Accommodations.

In the theater, a platform will be added infront of the stage for less formalpresentations. An air conditioning systemwill allow the theater to be used year-round for many more school andnon-school events.

The second floor of St. Bede Hall willhouse a chapel that seats 50-60 people; thechapel will be available for use by groupsor as a practice chapel for students. Officespace for the Institute for Priests andPresbyterates and other programs wouldalso be located on this floor.

The IPP Life Skills Center, amultipurpose lounge, two conferencerooms and 15 guest rooms, with privatebaths, would be located on the third floor.The Life Skills Center and conference

rooms will provide needed space for IPPprograms, both current and new.

Another 22 guest rooms would beincluded on the fourth floor, along with alounge area. The fifth floor, accessible byelevator after the renovation, would housea large flexible meeting room that couldbe divided into two smaller rooms.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Estimates for the renovation of St. BedeHall call for an investment of about $5.8million. Saint Meinrad believes thatalumni and friends will support the projectand provide at least $4 million of the total.The remainder will be a long-terminvestment of Saint Meinrad Archabbey.

“We anticipate there will be broadsupport for this appeal,” says MikeZiemianski, Saint Meinrad’s vicepresident for development. “All gifts, nomatter the size, will make a difference inour ability to continue to offer theseprograms to more people.”

Fr. Denis notes, “The St. Bede Hallrenovation is a hallmark of the Seminaryand School of Theology’s vision for thefuture. The Saint Meinrad campus mustcontinue to evolve into a vibrant,welcoming environment with programsthat serve the people of God in parishes,dioceses and communities.”

Construction is expected to begin by theend of the year. For information aboutmaking a gift or to track the building’sprogress, visit the website atwww.saintmeinrad.edu/bede

Saint Meinrad appeals to fund St. Bede Hall renovation

Renovations to St. Bede Hall, on right, will provide needed space for programs of the Seminaryand School of Theology.

Prayfor

Vocations

MeetStudent:

Aaron Wessman

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Third Year of SeminaryGlenmary Home MissionersHometown: Cokato, MN

Q. What attracted you to the priesthood?I have always been seeking to understandmore deeply myself in relationship toloving others and God, and being lovedby others and God. For me, I found thatthe best way to fully pursue this quest,and to get a glimpse of those things Iseek, was to become a priest.

I found that priesthood would provide mewith the greatest chance to deepen myrelationship with God through Christ andallow me the opportunity to love broadly,by loving the Body of Christ. As I havepursued this call, I have always felt that Iwas fully alive and growing toward myfullest potential.

Q. Who influenced you to begin study forthe priesthood?

When I was studying mathematics at St.John’s University, I cleaned the theologydepartment to help pay for tuition. Whiledoing so, I met a Glenmary priest, Fr.Jerry Dorn, who was on sabbatical at thattime. This was a significant moment inmy faith journey: I was volunteering inseveral churches, taking part in Biblestudies, and beginning to ask manyimportant questions about life, love, faith,forgiveness and God.

I was able to cultivate a wonderfulrelationship with Fr. Jerry that allowedme to grow even more in my own self-understanding, especially in relationshipto the important questions I was asking.My relationship with Fr. Jerry was sosignificant that I started to think thatperhaps I was possibly attracted to hislifestyle as a priest, and that maybe Godwas calling me to that lifestyle.

Q. What were you doing before youcame to the seminary?

Before I entered the seminary, I had justfinished up my undergraduate work inmathematics and secondary education.Feeling a call to ministry and not yet sureI could fulfill that call in the priesthood, Ispent a year working as a youth ministerin my hometown. Several months into myexperience as a youth minister, I realizedthat my heart had still not found its home,so to speak, and that God was continuingto ask me to take a deeper look at thepriesthood.

Q. Favorite saint and why?St. Francis Xavier for his missionary zeal,St. Paul for his ability to go to where Godwas calling him without counting thecost, St. Ignatius for his invaluablespirituality, and St. Maximilian Kolbe forhis commitment to loving intensely evenin the midst of suffering and greatsacrifice.

Q. Favorite Scripture verse and why?Two scripture verses are significant to meright now. The first is John 10:10. Here,Jesus is telling all people that He hascome to give life abundantly. The secondis John 6:68. Here, Peter answers Jesus’question of whether he and the discipleswill also leave because of the difficulty ofChrist’s teaching and the faith required toaccept it. Peter mightily responds, “Lord,to whom shall we go? You have the wordsof eternal life.”

I believe deeply in my heart and havewitnessed, not only in my life but in thelives of others, that there is a longing inthe heart of all of humanity forcompletion, wholeness, love—abundantlife. For me, this abundant life—thefullness of love—is found in Christ Jesus,and especially in the Eucharist. Life then,

for me, is about drawing closer to Christand to His people in love, and alwayskeeping my eyes set on heaven for theday when Jesus will truly be all in all.

Q. Hobbies?I love to read, write poetry, spend time innature, spend time with my friends,travel, watch movies, be with my family,participate in athletics, listen to and playmusic, and experience different cultures,food and people.

Q. What aspect of seminary has been themost rewarding?

The friendships that I have madethroughout my time in the seminary havebeen the most rewarding thing to me. Ithas also been so rewarding to be in anenvironment where people are committedto help me grow as a human being anddeepen my relationship with Christ.

Q. What aspect of seminary life has beenthe most challenging?

Finding balance amid the great tensionsof life, faith and love has been terriblychallenging. Also, learning to be peacefuland live with the grey matter andambiguity of life, the complexity of faithand of humanity, the unfathomablemysteries of God, and both the strengthsand weaknesses that make up who I amhas been very challenging.

Q. Best advice?Always let my journey of faith be shapedlike the cross: vertically connected to Godthrough Jesus Christ and in the Spirit, butalso horizontally connected to humanitythrough the fullness of my humanity.

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Alumni Reunion 2010: A Retrospective

Most Rev. Joseph Siegel (far right), auxiliary bishop of Joliet and alumnus of the College class of1984, presided at the Reunion Mass. From left are Archabbot Justin DuVall, OSB, Fr. DenisRobinson, OSB, Fr. Gabriel Hodges, OSB, and Deacon George Stonikinis (partially hidden).

Alumni enjoy looking at photos of theirclasses, which line the walls in St. GregoryHall.

From left, Fr. Tony Ernst joined Saint Meinrad alumni Fr. “Doc” Ackerman O’61, Fr. JimBlessinger O’64 and Fr. Ken Graehler O’63 in the golf scramble at Christmas Lake Golf Course.

Fr. J. Ronald Knott O’70, of the Archdiocese ofLouisville, receives the Distinguished AlumnusAward from Saint Meinrad President-RectorFr. Denis Robinson, OSB.

Alumni join in the singing during the Reunion Mass. About 225 alumni and guests attended theAugust 2-4 Alumni Reunion.

Fr. Oby Zunmas, T’00 talks with Cathy BannonT’97 and Pat Sexton SS’93 before dinner.

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Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB, gives a presentation on “Theology for the 21st Century” during theReunion.

Despite hot weather, alumni enjoyed touringthe grounds at Saint Meinrad.

Following the Reunion Mass, alumni gather on the Archabbey Church steps for a photo.

Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB, welcomes alumni to the Hill during the anniversary class banquet. Atleft is master of ceremonies Deacon Steve Durkee O’75.

A day of recollection on “Making Scripture theSoul of Theology” was given by SaintMeinrad’s Fr. Eugene Hensell, OSB.

Fred Chandler O’72, of Indianapolis, IN,offers remarks after being named one of tworecipients of the Distinguished AlumnusAward.

If you’d like to receive brief updates onwhat’s happening at Saint Meinrad, youcan sign up for a free e-newsletter. Everyfew weeks, you will receive a newsletterin your e-mail’s inbox.

To sign up, go to the link on the frontpage of the website:www.saintmeinrad.edu. Or, send an e-mail to news@saintmeinrad.edu

AlumniEternal

Mr. Phillip J. Adams, O’63 (’51-57), diedJune 5 in Euclid, OH.

Mr. Carl “Jerry” Andres O’68 (’56-57), ofIndianapolis, IN, died June 16.

Br. Borgia Brigandi, CFX, SS’79 (’76-79),died December 10, 2005, in Beverly, MA.

Mr. John R. Broomall O’58 (’48-50), ofCincinnati, OH, died June 7.

Mr. Robert A. Burggrabe O’72 (’60), ofEvansville, IN, died January 6, 2009.

Msgr. Clifton Corcoran O’54 (’47-54) diedJuly 14. At 93, he was the oldest priest inthe Diocese of Amarillo, TX.

Mr. Grant Dale Critney SPH (’41-43) diedJuly 23 in Auburn, IN.

Fr. Charles A. DeNardi O’36 (’26-36), aretired priest of the Diocese ofOwensboro, KY, died May 25.

Fr. Basil Dilger, OSB, O’61 (’49-55), amonk of Blue Cloud Abbey, Marvin, SD,died August 7 in Guatemala.

Mr. Paul A. Dooley O Aug. ’45 (’34-42), ofPlainfield, IN, died June 4.

Mr. John J. Galvin O’39 (’28-33), of SanFrancisco, CA, died on April 16.

Mr. Charles “Chuck” Gedert O’60 (’48-54),of Tarpon Springs, FL, died July 22,2009.

Msgr. Don Grass O’62 (’56-58), a retiredpriest of the Diocese of Gary, IN, diedJuly 2.

Fr. William C. Hartlage O’41 (’35-41), aretired priest of the Archdiocese ofLouisville, KY, died May 12.

Mr. Emil L. Hopf O’65 (’53-56), of Dubois,IN, died June 24.

Mr. Larry Hurt O’82 (’78-79), ofIndianapolis, IN, died July 1.

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Mr. Fred L. “Fritz” Kuhn O’55 (’51-53), ofLouisville, KY, died April 30.

Fr. John B. Lenahan O’49 (’45-49), aretired priest of the Archdiocese ofLouisville, KY, died June 23.

Fr. John Lefler O’57 (’45-53), a retiredpriest of the Diocese of Evansville, IN,died July 17.

Fr. Earl Loeffler O’51 (44-47), a retiredpriest of the Diocese of Toledo, OH, diedAugust 9.

Mr. Herman G. Loner SPH (’34-36), ofLogansport, IN, died May 31.

Mr. Joseph Love O’38 (’27-32), of RioArriba, NM, died August 10, 1999.

Fr. Richard J. Mueller O’44 (’32-40), aretired priest of the Archdiocese ofIndianapolis, IN, died May 1.

Fr. Jeffrey Nordhaus, O’72 (’64-72), of theDiocese of Toledo, OH, died August 8.

Mr. Bart O’Connor O’61 (’49-57), ofEvansville, IN, died August 13.

Fr. David Palmatier, OSB, O’59 (’47-53)died August 13 at Marmion Abbey,Aurora, IL.

Fr. Ralph J. Reichert O’49 (’42-45), a priestof the Diocese of Toledo, died July 12.

Mr. Phil K. Ryors O’58 (’46-47), ofBloomington, IN, died October 10, 2008.

Mr. Phillip “Larry” Smith, O’64 (’58-64),died July 19 at Broomfield, CO.

Mr. Paul Soergel O’51 (’40-52), ofLouisville, KY, died May 27.

Fr. Bede Stocker, OSB O’42 (’30-43), amonk of Marmion Abbey, Aurora, IL,died July 13.

Fr. Henry C. Stuecker O’38 (’27-38, ’73), aretired priest of the Archdiocese ofLouisville, KY, died April 29.

Fr. Lawrence Voelker O’66 (’54-62), apriest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis,IN, died June 13.

Sr. Angela Wethington, SCN, SS’82 (’79-82)died August 11 in Nazareth, KY.

Sr. Jean Wolf, OSF, SS (’81), of the Sistersof St. Francis in Oldenburg, IN, diedApril 30.

Abbey Press has published Sacerdos inAeternum, a book of prayers andblessings for priests, which was edited bySaint Meinrad’s Rev. Denis Robinson,OSB, president-rector of the Seminary andSchool of Theology.

A collection of 450 prayers, the bookincludes a variety of prayers and blessingsfor every occasion in a priest’s life. Manyof the prayers are new, while some aredrawn from the Catholic tradition.

Sacerdos in Aeternum is an elegant giftbook that can help bring order to the dailylife of a priest by giving him theopportunity to deepen his life throughprayer and the glorification of God. TheLatin title is from Psalm 110, “You are apriest forever….”

Sacerdos in Aeternum sells for $29.95. Toorder the book, contact Abbey PressPublications, 1 Hill Dr., St. Meinrad, IN47577, (800) 325-2511. Or order online:www.priestbooks.com.

New book forpriests offered

Sign up for thee-newsletter

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Editor’s note: This is the first in a seriesabout the results of the November 2009survey of Saint Meinrad alumni.

For the first time in about 10 years, SaintMeinrad alumni were asked for opinionsabout their Saint Meinrad experience andthe programs offered by the SaintMeinrad Alumni Association.

“The Alumni Board was very pleasedwith the survey’s response,” says AlumniDirector Joe Cook, T’94. More than 1,100alumni completed the online survey,about a 20% return rate.

“As we look at survey responses across anumber of categories—demographic,geographic and generational—we see thatthe percentages of survey respondentsmatch pretty closely to the percentages ofour alumni association,” says Cook. “Wefeel very good that the responses receivedrepresent, with a high degree of accuracy,our alumni constituency as a whole.”

SAINT MEINRAD EXPERIENCE

In general, those surveyed reported astrongly positive assessment of SaintMeinrad, both when they were studentsand now. Overall, the response was 4.4+on a five-point scale (5 = very positive).

Of those who live in states closer to SaintMeinrad, a larger percentage (25.5%) hadexperienced multiple programs at theinstitution, in comparison to those mostdistant (18.0%).

Larger percentages of the “locals”(Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio,Michigan) also indicated first attendingSaint Meinrad in decades earlier thanmore distant alumni, with nearly two-thirds (60.3%) having done so between1950 and 1979.

The assessment of programs attended isquite positive; however, those who livenearer to the institution generally identifymore strongly as alumni, encouragevocations, and express greater hope forthe future of the Church.

The Saint Meinrad experience variesaccording to what decades alumniattended, as programs have ended andnew ones have begun in the interveningyears. For example, substantial segmentsof those born between 1920 and 1950attended high school on the Hill, but nonehave done so in the past 42 years.

As a further example, while 5 out of 10alumni born in the 1970s reported havingattended Saint Meinrad College, none havedone so among those born since 1980.Among current alumni, born since 1970,attendance in the School of Theology orlay degree program constitutes theexperience of almost 6 out of 10.

The effect of decade attended is alsoapparent in the number of programsexperienced. Since 1920, the proportionof alumni who experienced only oneeducational program at Saint Meinrad hasincreased from 47.1% to 100% in themost recent decade. While it wascommon in earlier decades to attend twoor more programs, that experience is rareamong those born since 1960.

The effect has been to compress theamount of time alumni have spent on theHill. Alumni evaluation of theirexperience, their degree of identificationwith it, willingness to encouragevocations, and their degree of hope for thefuture of the Church have remained

relatively consistent across the decadesand, if anything, have exhibited modestgains among those born since 1970.

EVALUATION OF PROGRAMS

When responses are broken down byalumni status, among those with anopinion, the majority was quite positive inits assessment of each of the programs,with nearly 6 out of 10 indicating theywould recommend them highly.

The strongest assessments were associatedwith the program of priestly formation.The strength of their evaluation wasattributed most to teachers theyencountered, their memories and the senseof place engendered by their experience.

When the alumni responses are brokendown by geographic region, region doesnot appear to affect the average ratings ofmost of these programs. The proportionof alumni who would recommend them“highly” favors those who live closer tothe institution.

Regardless of birth decade, alumni appearto be quite positive in theirrecommendations of its programs. Onlysmall fluctuations are noticeable amongthose born in the 1960s, who, althoughpositive in their assessments, are less sothan alumni from other decade groups.

As to factors influencing their evaluations,the “sense of place,” “memories,” and“teachers” have consistently characterizedthose deemed most important by alumniacross the decades.

Alumni survey indicates mostevaluate school programs highly

Occupations of Saint Meinrad Alumni

AlumniNews

Fr. John Appiah C’94 (’90-94), of theDiocese of Knoxville, TN, is serving asassociate pastor of St. John NeumannChurch in Farragut, TN, and as chaplainof Knoxville Catholic High School.

Fr. Nickolas Becker, OSB, T’02 (’98-02)made his solemn vows as a Benedictinemonk at St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville,MN, on July 11.

Very Rev. David Boettner C’90 (’87-90) hasbeen named a vicar general for theDiocese of Knoxville, TN.

Fr. Ben Brown O’73 (’67-74), of theArchdiocese of Louisville, KY, retiredfrom the U.S. Navy in November 2009after nearly 20 years of service. He is nowa chaplain and professor at St. CatharineCollege near Springfield, KY, and thesacramental moderator of nearby HolyRosary Parish.

Fr. Arthur Carrillo, CP, O’70 (’66-68), ofChicago, is director of the Office ofMission Effectiveness and director of thePassionist Missions of Holy CrossProvince.

Joe Chrisman T’09 (’05-08) and his wifeKatie T’07 (’04-07) are employed by theDiocese of Pueblo, CO. He is the directorof worship and she is the director ofcommunications.

Rudolph Cleare O’83 (’78-83), of Orlando,FL, was interviewed for a story in TheEpoch Times about the Negro SpiritualScholarship Foundation, which hefounded in 1997 to help preserve Negrospirituals as part of American classicalmusic and provide tuition assistance fortalented young people.

Professor Jon Dilts O’71 (’63-67), ofBloomington, IN, retired in May from theIndiana University School of Journalism,where he served as an administrator andprofessor for 28 years.

Sr. Ruth Ellen Doane, SP, T’95 (’91-95), ofIndianapolis, IN, is featured in Dan

Ebener’s Servant Models of Leadershipfor Your Parish, for her work inBloomfield, IA.

Maggie Geene T’08 (’04-07), ofBloomington, IN, and Kim Huffman T’03(’97-02), of Indianapolis, IN, completed aspiritual direction internship at BeechGrove, IN, in April.

Fr. Jeffrey Godecker O’69 (’57-69) and Fr.Rick Nagel T’07 (’02-07), priests of theArchdiocese of Indianapolis, IN, ledseparate groups of young adults onmission trips to Honduras and Haiti in May.

Wally Glover T’06 (’00-05), of Columbus,IN, reached the summit of Mount Elbrusin Russia on June 25, in an effort toincrease awareness of childhood obesitytreatment and prevention programs atPeyton Manning Children’s Hospital atSt. Vincent and St. Vincent Jennings inNorth Vernon, IN.

Dr. Bernard Haisch O’75 (’67-68), ofRedwood Shores, CA, an astrophysicist,has published a second book on scienceand spirituality, The Purpose-GuidedUniverse: Believing in Einstein, Darwinand God.

Fr. Lewis Hejna O’81 (’78-81) directed theannual fall musical for his parish inSpringfield, MO: “Robin Hood: TheCourtship of Allan A’Dale.”

Fr. Clemens Hut O’36 (’25-36), a retiredpriest of the Diocese of Evansville, IN,who also served many years in Arizona,has been honored as the Aging Servicesof Arizona 2010 Volunteer of the Year.The 99-year-old priest volunteers atFriendship Village in Tempe, AZ, wherehe lives.

Mr. Bradden Kluesner C’01 (’97-98) hasbeen appointed to the newly createdheadmaster position at Lumen ChristiCatholic School in Indianapolis, IN.

Fr. John Lankeit T’06 (’01-06) has beenappointed the rector of Ss. Simon andJude Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ.

Fr. Aidan Logan, OCSO, C’81 (’79-80), ofCamp LeJeune, NC, who has servednearly 20 years in the U.S. NavalChaplain Corps, was featured in a story,

“Serving the Flock,” that appears in the2010 edition of The Official CatholicDirectory.

Mr. Gary Marvin O’70 (’58-70), ofLouisville, KY, was honored for five yearsof volunteer service with CatholicCharities’ Migration and RefugeeServices, at an appreciation dinner inApril.

Br. Zygmunt Mazanowski, TOR, T’04 (’02-03) professed his solemn vows with theFranciscan Friars in Loretto, PA, on July16. He was ordained to the diaconate onSeptember 25.

Fr. John Brahill, OSB, O’81 (’76-81) waselected the fifth abbot of MarmionAbbey in Aurora, IL, by his fellowmonks on June 25. He will also serveas president of Marmion Academy.

He had served as prior of the abbey’smission Priory of San Jose inQuetzaltenango, Guatemala, for 17years. Since his return to the monasteryin 2009, he had been the novice andjunior master and the associate directorof development.

Before his work in Guatemala, he wasthe academic dean and an instructor intheology at Marmion Academy.

Abbot John professed his vows as aBenedictine monk in 1978 and wasordained to the priesthood in 1982,following his theological studies atSaint Meinrad School of Theology andSant’ Anselmo University in Rome. Healso has a master’s degree ineducational administration from DePaulUniversity.

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Deacon John McMullen T’91 (’85-90, ’05-09) and his wife Mary Grace ofEvansville, IN, held book signings inAugust at local bookstores. Both havepublished novels.

Fr. Michael L. Papesh O’76 (’70-72, ’75)has been appointed vicar foradministration for the Diocese of Pueblo, CO.

Dr. Steve Pendziszewski O’78 (’74-78), ofAugusta, MI, is a member of the graduatefaculty at Spring Arbor University,Jackson, MI, while continuing his workas clinical psychologist at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek. Heteaches in the Counseling and FamilyStudies programs.

Fr. Alan Phillip, CP, O’67 (’65-67), of thePassionist community in Sierra Madre,CA, has recently published a book, OurHearts at Sunday Mass, 10 Steps to aJoyful Life. Information is available atwww.alanphillipcp.com.

Mrs. Lucille Pierpont T’98 (’94-98) retiredin May as director of religious educationfrom Sacred Heart Church in Vincennes,IN, where she had held the position since1999.

Fr. Paul Richart O’61 (’49-61), a priest ofthe Archdiocese of Indianapolis, IN, wasfeatured in the archdiocesan newspaper,The Criterion. He served as a militarychaplain in the Air Force for 29 years. Hecurrently is pastor of St. Paul Parish inSellersburg.

Mr. Rex Rund C’83 (’79-81), musicminister at Our Lady of Mt. CarmelParish in Carmel, IN, taught a class inHaitian Creole at his parish earlier thisyear. Twice yearly, a group ofparishioners go on a mission trip to assistthe parish’s “twin parish” in Haiti.

Fr. Daryl Rybicki O’79 (’75-79), a priest ofthe Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend,IN, was in charge of all liturgicalelements of the National Conference onMedjugorje, held at the University ofNotre Dame this past May.

Mrs. Mary Schaffner T’10 (’06-09) is thepastoral associate and director of religiouseducation at St. Anthony and Holy Trinityparishes in Indianapolis, IN.

Mr. Steven Shoulta T’07 (’03-07), ofPaducah, KY, completed a Master ofScience degree in organizationalcommunication from Murray StateUniversity in May. He is a business andcompliance analyst for ComputerServices Inc. in Paducah.

Mr. Gayle Uebelhor O’65 (’53-61), ofEvansville, IN, is serving as interimdirector of Catholic Charities for theDiocese of Evansville.

Mr. Joe Whitehead T’84 (’77-84), ofNaples, FL, is running for a seat on theCollier School Board. He recently retiredas police detective from the Naples Police Department.

Fr. James Wilmoth O’65 (’61-65), of theArchdiocese of Indianapolis, IN, washonored in April with the DistinguishedPastor Award from the National CatholicEducational Association. The pastor of St.Roch Parish in Indianapolis, he is one of10 priests in the United States to receivethe award.

Mr. Stan Zerkowski, SFO, C’84 (’82-83), ofOrmond Beach, FL, graduated in Mayfrom the Villanova University School ofBusiness’s Center for the Study ofChurch Management with a master’sdegree in church management. Inrecognition of outstanding achievement,he was awarded the Bartley Medallion bythe faculty of the School of Business.

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The final calculations have been tabulatedfor the 2009-10 Alumni Annual GivingProgram. “It is very encouraging thatalumni giving is up from last year by bothdollar and participation rate,” says DuaneSchaefer, director of development.

Gifts from Saint Meinrad alumni for theprogram year amounted to $514,518. Thetop five classes by participation rate were:

O’60 60.00%O’49 57.14%O’52 51.28%O’46 50.00%O’54 46.15%

Gifts to the Alumni Annual GivingProgram enable Saint Meinrad to keep itstuition competitive with other seminaries.Last year, student tuition, room and boardcovered approximately 50 percent of theoperational budget for the Seminary.Schaefer says that annual gifts fromgenerous alumni and friends help makeup the difference.

“Every gift, no matter the amount, isimportant and helps Saint Meinradcontinue its work for the Church,”comments Schaefer.

This year’s premium is a narrative DVDon the artwork of the Archabbey ChapterRoom walls, ceiling and windows.Alumni can qualify for the DVD bymaking a gift of $200 or more or bymaking a first-time gift of $100 or more.

Please consider a gift to your alma mater—asign of your commitment to the institution—and pray for its continued success.

Alumni givingincreases

Edwin and Martin Rambusch, executives withRambusch Decorating Co., Jersey City, NJ,gave the annual Dolle Lecture on Church Artand Architecture on September 21.

After a year of planning and preparation,Abbey Press has launched Snail’s Pace™,its newest business venture. The newenvironmentally friendly paper productline is now available atwww.snailspacepaper.com.

The Snail’s Pace website offers greetingand note cards, recipe cards, journals, giftwrap and gift bags along with many otherstationery items. Included among thedesigns are re-creations of flowers fromSwitzerland’s Alpine region, inspired byimagery found in the ArchabbeyLibrary’s Rare Book Room, as well asillustrations and nature photography.Enclosed in this issue of On the Hill is afree sample card, offering a firsthand look at the beauty and quality of Snail’sPace products.

With the launch of the new website,products are available for direct purchase.Additionally, products are sold onlinethrough the venture’s fundraisingprogram, “All for the Church™,” which is

aimed primarily at Catholic groups, butprovides other organizations a profita blefundraising opportunity.

“All for the Church” is unique in offeringCatholic schools, parishes and otherinstitutions the chance to sell

environmentally and socially responsible,U.S.-made products, with 100 percent ofthe proceeds supporting the CatholicChurch. Benefits include online orderingand direct-to-home delivery, along with

200 Hill DriveSt. Meinrad, IN 47577

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Snail’s Pace products now available on new website

Non-ProfitOrganization

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Permit #3St. Meinrad, IN

Continued on page 5

Above is a photo of the front page of the new Snail’s Pace website.