Ask the Abbot Archive

April 2008 Question:
I’ve heard that there was an auditorium housed in Main Hall. What have been all the uses for Main Hall over the years? — John Connelly ’89

Answer:
I sincerely appreciate your question as it gives me reason to reflect on the rich history exemplified by Main Hall.

I can clearly remember the day we laid the cornerstone—March 19, 1902. Unlike the vast campus that exists today, Main Hall (or as we sometimes referred to it back in the day, “Old Main”) was truly St. Norbert College in its entirety.

During that time it housed our classrooms, the library, the dormitory, and our dining and recreational rooms. It did indeed house an auditorium—on the third floor to be exact. It was so wonderful to be able to offer our students such a purposeful facility.

Main Hall has seen much transition in its functions over the years. At one time it housed administrative offices, the bookstore, ROTC headquarters, the personnel office, the registrar’s office, the college mailroom and some classrooms, all under one roof!

Today it primarily houses administrative offices, including the president’s office, and the office of the academic dean and the vice presidents for student life, mission and heritage, business and finance, and college advancement. Health services and the counseling center are located in the lower level as well.

I am so pleased that our “Old Main” has been well maintained over the years. The cornerstone bears the letters D.O.M., an abbreviation for Deo optimo maximo, “To God the Best and the Greatest”—a phrase very appropriate for a building that at one time contained everything that was St. Norbert College.

Note: Main Hall was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 by the U. S. Secretary of the Interior on the basis of its age, architectural significance and its importance to the history of the community and higher education.

March 2008 Question:
Are there time capsules in any campus buildings, and if so, do you know what’s in them? — Kara Wymelenberg Eulgen ’91

Answer:
During my 63 years as president of St. Norbert, I witnessed more changes than it is possible to conceive—so many beginnings and endings. And so, often, I have been asked about a time capsule. My regretful answer, that there is no time capsule on campus, must come as a surprise to many. I only wish I had thought of such a thing in those early years.

If I could revisit that time, I would put these items in a capsule (perhaps buried near Main Hall): early letters between myself and the esteemed Abbot of Berne, in which we discussed my intention to establish a school in Wisconsin; the favorite cap of my first student, Francis Van Dyke; the Latin primers of the four boys who made up the 1898-99 student body; those first 12 books donated by the 12 literature students that formed our first library; and finally, a white robe—the robe that identified all the great teachers, priests and friends of St. Norbert College in those days.

Answer:

November 2007 Question:
Is it really true that a Miss America attended St. Norbert College?  — Alison Schmidt ’05

Answer:

Thank you for your question. This is indeed a fact! Terry Anne Meeuwsen ’71, who attended St. Norbert in the early 1970s, was crowned Miss America. She was the 45th woman to receive this honor. Terry first became Miss Appleton in 1972 and, shortly after, went on to win the Miss Wisconsin pageant. She then competed on the national level and was crowned Miss America 1973. After her year-long reign, Terry went on to study acting and singing.

You may have heard of Terry in other contexts as well. Since 1993, she has been a co-host on the Christian Broadcasting Network’s “700 Club.” She has also written various books, including “Near to the Heart of God,” a devotional book for women, and “Just Between Friends,” celebrating special friendships in our lives.

October 2007 Question:
Father Anselm Keefe obtained a large cannon for the lawn in front of Main Hall in the 1920s. A smaller cannon was placed there in the 1960s. We held a huge pro-Vietnam War rally there in 1966, prominently featured in the 1967 yearbook. What became of both cannons? — Tom Vavrek ’70

Answer:

Thanks for your question, Tom. I do recall the cannons being placed in front of Main Hall as you have mentioned. After looking into their whereabouts, I came across a story about where they ended up.

The large cannon that was there in the 1920s was donated as scrap metal during World War II. Chances are, it was melted down for use in building some other type of military equipment.

Further adventures also befell the second cannon to which you refer. The rumor is that some students thought it would be fun to place it in the Fox River. After learning of what had happened, Micky Kain, the head of facilities at the time, had the cannon removed from the water. It was then taken to the Door County home of  Dr. Ralph Lenz, the college physician. I have heard that it was still there in the early 1980s, but it is unknown what happened to it when Mrs. Lenz passed away in the 1990s.

There may be more to the stories than these details of which I am aware. Perhaps some of our readers who know more about either of the cannons would be willing to contact me and share their recollections. I’ll gladly share the information in issues to come!

September 2007 Question:
You referred to the St. Norbert school colors in last month’s letter. What is the origin of the Green and Gold—did we take them from the Packers? — Brian Bunkelman ’94

Answer:

Thanks for asking, Brian. I was hoping someone would follow up on the subject since this is one of the most misunderstood facts about Green Knight athletics.

St. Norbert’s school colors were originally Dartmouth green and white, with gold. In 1931, to differentiate between the high school and the College, the high school (later known as Abbot Pennings High School) was given the green and white, while the College adopted Dartmouth green and light old gold. It is important to note that the Green Bay Packers didn’t adopt the green and gold until Vince Lombardi ordered it in 1959!

August 2007 Question :
I have always wondered how St. Norbert came to adopt the Green Knight mascot. Do you know the history on this? — James Boyd '84

Answer:

Luckily for you, I have a terrific memory and vividly recall a discussion on just this subject between Father Anselm Keefe, dean of the college 1927-1952, and Father Dennis Burke. Here is what Father Keefe shared with Father Burke:

The change in nicknames for St. Norbert athletic teams came about gradually, mainly though the influence of the Rev. Louis A.V. De Cleene, O.Praem., a classmate of President Eisenhower at the Military Academy in West Point.

Father De Cleene enjoyed recollecting his days at West Point, where the football team was known as the “Black Knights.” He was able to persuade people at St. Norbert to adopt the Green Knight nickname for the school teams, which had been known as the Green Juggernaut, the Green and Gold Wave, the Green Wave and the Goldmen. Green was already one of the school colors, but that’s a story for another time!

Answer:

Absolutely! It is so good to know that our graduates enjoy connecting with our faculty not only while they are students, but as they continue on in their life as St. Norbert graduates.

The folks at the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations are always willing to connect alumni with their former professors. The first step is to fill out and submit a Dear Professor form. The staff will then pass on your message and contact information for the professors to get back in touch with you.

It is great to hear that you are in the teaching profession—following in the footsteps of our outstanding St. Norbert faculty!

June 2007 Question:
I heard a rumor that the armored Green Knight on display in Schuldes Sports Center ‘disappeared’ from campus at one point in time. Did this really happen? — Ed Bellock ’78

Answer:

What you have heard is certainly not a rumor!

Late one evening in October 1957, the armored Green Knight, otherwise known as the “traveling Knight,” went missing from Burke Hall in a mysterious kidnapping.

Father Dennis Burke ’26 (college president at the time) and Father Anselm Keefe learned of the Knight’s whereabouts very quickly. The Knight sent postcards from around the United States, Europe and Canada—claiming he was on a much-needed vacation.

After two months away from campus, the Green Knight came home. He reappeared on the steps of Main Hall in December 1957, looking in much better shape than when he left. Apparently his vacation had done him some good.

The Knight disappeared again in 1959, during Homecoming week. But rest easy. He returned for Commencement the following spring—looking as good as ever. College officials were sure, and eventually confirmed, that both instances were student pranks.

The College’s historical mascot, the Green Knight, has quite a history. The suit of armor, estimated at between 400 and 500 years old, was purchased by Father Keefe in 1950 at an antique store and was fully refurbished by Leonard Heinrich, of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It first stood in Main Hall, and was then housed at various places on campus until it was placed in Burke Hall. The ‘traveling’ Knight now rests safe and secure in Schuldes Sports Center in a glass case, greeting visitors as they come in to enjoy events.

I hope that readers continue to contact me with these excellent questions. Answering your questions keeps my mind sharp and reminds me how much pleasure I take in keeping in touch with our great St. Norbert graduates!

May 2007 Question :
What programs or fields of study are most commonly selected by current students? Are there newer academic programs now available to students at St. Norbert? — Ann Hillman ’04 

Answer:

The variety of academic programs offered at St. Norbert continues to draw many prospective students to the college. According to 2006 graduation data, the top five majors were:

1) Business administration
2) Communication, media and theatre
3) Elementary education
4) Biology
5) Psychology

The college continues to research the development of new programs for its students. A minor in women’s and gender studies is one of the more recent options added.

Another exciting new opportunity starts this year. Incoming students will have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Bellin College of Nursing in Green Bay while living on the St. Norbert campus and benefiting from the liberal arts foundation and student life experience offered by St. Norbert college.

Do know of a prospective student interested in any of these fields of study, or in other programs at St. Norbert College? If so, learn how you can refer a student. In appreciation of your efforts, their application fee will be waived if they apply under this initiative.

Answer:

I always enjoy getting to know students, and I am grateful that many have chosen to photograph me for their collection of keepsakes before they leave St. Norbert. However, as I grow older, the need for me to take good care of myself is becoming a top priority. In fact, because of my impending frailty, I will be moving to a new home in a prominent location within the new library when it is built. I hope that our students and alumni continue to visit me here on campus—reunion weekend is one of my favorite times of the year, as I enjoy seeing you all so very much! I invite you to take photographs with me in a respectful manner, keeping in mind my need to stay in the best shape I can. Hope to see you soon!

Do you have any photos taken with me that you’d like to share with others? I’d love to see them! You can e-mail them to alumni@snc.edu.  

Answer:

Actually, this is a question that is often asked of the staff at the alumni house on campus. To best protect your privacy, personal contact information is not released without permission.

The online directory has been a great tool for helping alums connect, while safeguarding their privacy. If you can’t find the person you are looking for online, please get in touch with the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations . They will help facilitate a connection between you and the person you are hoping to locate.

Answer:

If you've ever walked into Old St. Joseph Church on a Saturday afternoon or attended an alumni event, you'll know that there are quite a few St. Norbert couples.

We know of 474 alums who not only received a degree, but also found the love of their life at St. Norbert. And it's no wonder—the beautiful campus is the perfect place to fall in love.

A happy Valentine's Day to all of our alumni couples!

Answer:
One of my favorite stories about St. Norbert's radio station deals with its first call letters.

The first commercial radio station in northern Wisconsin, WHBY, was built on the St. Norbert campus by a student engineer and inventor, Cletus Collum, in the mid-1920s. He was supported by the Rev. Ignatius Van Dyke, O.Praem., Coach George Carey and a Norbertine seminarian, James Wagner '24.

Wagner, who had always enjoyed experimenting with crystal radio sets, applied for the permit for a campus radio station. The call letters, WHBY, were said to have stood for "Where Happy Boys Yodel."

The Norbertine connection continued after WHBY moved off campus to Green Bay and, later, Appleton, with Wagner and, later the Rev. Isadore Gosz, O.Praem., '41 serving as general manager. Call letters for the college radio station today are WSNC.

December 2006 Question:
The cafeteria served the most delicious broccoli cheese casserole. The chef, J.R., finally parted with the recipe and it's been a part of my family's celebrations ever since. What is the most popular meal for students at the cafeteria today? — Cathleen "Kitty" (Leonard) Finn ’82

Answer:

Favorite caf foods have certainly changed over the years—from chicken strips in the late 1990s, to the introduction of the chicken Caesar salad entrée in the early 2000s. According to Matthew Doyle, associate director of dining services, an option that was just introduced last spring, the turkey shawarma bar (think along the lines of a gyro), is one of the most well-attended meals. On average, the cafeteria serves about 750 for lunch, but for turkey shawarma day, that number increases to about 850.For those of you planning special holiday meals, you might want to try Kitty's favorite—the broccoli cheese casserole!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Yield: 10 servings

1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cups milk
5 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 ounces blue cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 packages (16 ounces each) chopped frozen broccoli
Crumbs from 25 buttery-style crackers, such as Ritz

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat; stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly; cook until thickened. Add cream cheese, blue cheese and salt; stir until cheeses are melted. Remove from heat.
2. Stir the broccoli into the cheese mixture; place into greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with cracker crumbs. Bake until browned and bubbly, 30 minutes.

Nutrition information per serving: 202 calories, 58% of calories from fat, 13 g. fat, 8 g. saturated fat, 40 mg. cholesterol, 15 g. carbohydrates, 7 g. protein, 334 mg. sodium, 3 g. fiber.

November 2007 Question:
When did the tradition of "uglies" and "queens" first begin on campus?

Answer:
Let it first be noted that "ugly" is actually a complimentary title here at St. Norbert College. Uglies and queens are men and women picked by social organizations to represent their groups at Homecoming and other social activities throughout the year.

The history of uglies and queens appears to have started back in the 1950s. The first written reference to an "ugly" was apparently in the 1955 yearbook. Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity on campus, held the first "Ugliest Man on Campus" contest in 1954.

The first "Ugly Man" was George DesMarais '56. (DesMarais was just inducted as a Golden Knight this past reunion). The contest was so popular that the group held a second contest in 1955.

The "queen" tradition, as it is celebrated today, has been a little harder to pinpoint. Even before women were admitted to St. Norbert in 1952, there were homecoming queens, prom queens and sweethearts.

October 2006 Question:
I heard that astronaut John Glenn attended St. Norbert College in the 1960s.

Answer:

Never an official student, Col. John Glenn was awarded an honorary degree from St. Norbert College in 1965. Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth in a spacecraft, addressed the 184 students of the class of 1965 at commencement ceremonies. His words of wisdom included forewarnings to graduates to expect to make mistakes and to know that the best ideas are not always accepted.

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration web site, Glenn attended Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering.

September 2006 Question:
I’ve heard so much about ghosts on campus, especially in the current bookstore (formally St. Boniface). Any truth to these rumors?

Answer:

Two light-hearted ghosts in white have been noticed by many people throughout the years including bookstore employees. Some folks have even heard organ music playing. Coincidently, in November of 1977, two beloved Norbertine priests died in the church rectory, the Rev. Freddie Becker, O.Praem., and the Rev. David Rondou, O.Praem.

Father Freddie died unexpectedly and within 24 hours, Father David, consumed with grief, also passed away. Perhaps the playfulness and goodness of these two priests continues to live on in the former St. Boniface church. (Please note that given the number of questions about campus ghosts, I’ll be writing about other spirits in future columns.)