Ask the Abbot Archive


October 2009 Question:
How many Norbertines are there at St. Norbert Abbey? — Frank McQuilkin ’53

Answer:
Dear Frank,

Thank you kindly for this inquiry about my fellow Norbertines at the abbey. There are currently 70 Norbertine fathers and brothers living either at St. Norbert Abbey or one of its four dependent houses. Those houses are: St. Joseph Priory in De Pere; the Holy Spirit House of Studies in Chicago; Santa Maria de la Vid Priory in Albuquerque, N.M.; and the Priory of St. Moses the Black in Raymond, Miss.

Worldwide, the Norbertine order numbers approximately 1,000 men and 300 women. A complete listing of current Norbertine houses by country can be found on the Prémontré web site.

September 2009 Question:
I’m not an alum (yet), but I have a question. What does the “F.K.” stand for in the F.K. Bemis International Center? — Kaylee Beck ’13

Answer:
Dear Kaylee,

Thank you most kindly for your question. Know that I enjoy hearing from our fine students just as much as from our alumni. I am so very pleased that you wrote.

The F. K. Bemis International Center is certainly well known and used not only by many on campus, but also by the greater community. It is from a member of that greater community that the center draws its name.

Francis von Kaas “Pete” Bemis hailed from the lakeside city of Sheboygan, Wis. He obtained a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1935 and set up a private law practice before joining his father, Albert Bemis, at the Bemis Manufacturing Co. in Sheboygan Falls, just west of his hometown.

There, he worked for some 50 years, succeeding his father as company president in 1947. He eventually became board chairman, a role he filled diligently until his retirement in 1985.

Pete also served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 as a procurement officer in Washington, D.C., attaining the rank of Major. He passed away in 1987 at the age of 77.

I do hope that, knowing the story of the center’s name, you will enjoy it all the more. It is most assuredly one of many campus treasures.

August 2009 Question:
Now August is here it will be preseason for football. Just what is the history of the relationship between the Packers and St. Norbert College? Is it true they hold their training camp on campus? Are the Green Knight cheerleaders also Packer cheerleaders? Is one of our priests also the priest to the Packers team? Any other interesting tidbits to share? — Deirdre Gehant, parent and Packer fan

Answer:
Deirdre,

Thank you kindly for your question! The legacy of this relationship is most interesting to many.

In the spring of 1957, the president of the Packers, Russ Bogda, and then head coach Lisle Blackbourn first approached St. Norbert College about headquartering the team’s training camp on campus. At that time, the Packers practiced at UW-Stevens Point. In 1958, Coach Scooter McClean and his staff brought the players to Frank J. Sensenbrenner Residence Hall as their living quarters on campus, to various classrooms for training sessions, and to the dining facilities at the hall on the river bank that is now known as Burke Hall.

Over the years, various halls have been used by the team, but the string of successive summers at St. Norbert College has never been broken. Contractual agreements were completed with St. Norbert College by Dominic Olejniczak. Olejniczak was the successor to Russ Bogda, who had retired due to illness. In 1959, newly appointed head coach Vincent Lombardi confirmed the summer camp location and formed a friendship with Father Dennis Burke, O.Praem., ’26. Succeeding coaches and Packer presidents over the years have found the facilities much to their liking.

The Packers reside in Victor McCormick Hall during training camp. The organization provides its own air conditioners and beds, which the college stores for them when they are not in use. Our very own Father Jim Baraniak, O.Praem., ’88, pastor of the college parish, is beginning his 11th year of association with the Green Bay Packers. He serves them at home and on the road, as the team’s Roman Catholic chaplain. The college cheerleaders cheer for all home Packer Games under the direction of Cheryl Reed (Athletics). They have been cheering for the Green Bay Packers since 1997.

As you can see, the legacy is of long standing. Every year, I look forward to seeing the players and coaches back on campus!

July 2009 Question:
Dear Abbot Pennings, When I was a student, there was a white squirrel on campus. Is it still around? — Christine Donovan ’07

Answer:
Dear Christine,

Our little friendly creature, the albino squirrel, is certainly still around campus. In fact, I hear that the grounds may, in fact, be blessed with two of these lively white-furred mammals. Just the other day, one of the curious creatures was seen frolicking under a tree near Sensenbrenner Hall in the Roemer Mall. And I have heard that another was spotted across Third Street, near the office of admission.

You may recall that a couple of years back, an albino squirrel suffered the impact of a car collision near campus. The students were quite saddened at the loss of this well-known animal resident. But, sure enough, another befriended our beautiful campus shortly thereafter. All walking through campus find pleasure in seeing yet another friendly face, albeit a furry white one.

June 2009 Question:
Dear Abbot Pennings, There was a song we sang at graduation … I believe it was called the “Alma Mater.” Could you share with me the history behind it? — Kristen Buettner ’09

Answer:
Dear Kristen,

Oh yes – that lovely tune that we sing in celebration as we send forth our fine St. Norbert College graduates! It was just a few weeks ago that, on a very fine May day, we celebrated Commencement once again and joined in song with your classmates, our dear Class of 2009.

You are correct, this piece is indeed titled “St. Norbert College’s Alma Mater.” The song is actually quite a new composition. During the 1990s, the division of fine arts at the college conducted a competition to write lyrics for the college’s “Alma Mater.” The competition was open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. It was Professor Heather Schmidt, an instructor of music, who won the contest. In 1998, the song was first sung at Commencement.  

I will share the lyrics below. Every year in May I myself join graduates, their families and friends, and the administration of the college in this joyful song!

Hail to thee, St. Norbert College,
Held in God’s protecting hand;
Memories of the past will guide us,
Give us strength to take our stand.

Hail, St. Norbert, how we love thee,
As we face the future strong;
Faith and hope, love and courage,
’Tis of these we raise our song.

As the river changed with the seasons,
So our lives may alter too;
Loyalty to your high purpose,
Keeps us steady, keeps us true.

As the spark’s been lit within us,
We go first to share the flame;
Spreading light to all around us,
Through the promise of your name.

May 2009 Question:
Dear Abbot Pennings, Now that you have relocated to your place of honor inside the new library, I’m worried I won’t be able to take a photo with you before I leave St. Norbert. It has been a tradition of so many graduates who have come before me – how can you keep it going? — Caitlin Zach ’09

Answer:
Dear Caitlin, Construction is still going on all around me here, but plans have been made for you and your classmates to continue this wonderful tradition. It is something I look forward to every year. On Friday, May 8, between 3 and 4:30 p.m. the building will be open to seniors only. Access will still be limited because of the construction, but you will be escorted in for a sneak preview of my new home and a chance to pose with me for photos.

After the new library opens this summer, everyone will be able to find me as easily as they used to and I look forward down the years to appearing in many more commemorative photographs.

Congratulations on your graduation, and please stay in touch with us all here on campus by joining the St. Norbert College Alumni group on this new thing called Facebook I have been hearing so much about!

April 2009 Question:
Dear Abbot, I keep hearing that the old library will be renovated – but into what? I am curious to know, having spent many an evening inside its walls. — Beth Clabots ’83
 
Answer:
Beth, thank you for asking a most interesting question about a topic that will have a big impact on campus life.

Our forward-thinking master planning committee has already identified the Todd Wehr building as a future student service center. The phrase was new to me, but I understand it will be in the nature of a “one-stop shop” for students; a place where they can take care of all their administrative needs and more. What a wonderful convenience!

The library will move out of Todd Wehr into its marvelous new home across Third St. this summer. No time will be lost with the renovation of Todd Wehr. In fact, work is expected to be completed in spring of 2010.

The committee has been kind enough to furnish me with current plans for the new student service center, which will house the following occupants:

•    Registrar
•    Bursar
•    Financial Aid
•    Residential Education and Housing
•    Bookstore
•    Discoveries International
•    Payroll
•    Finance
•    Program of Faith, Learning and Vocation
•    Center for Community Service and Learning
•    Campus Ministry
•    College Parish
•    Office of Norbertine Life, Norbertine Volunteer Community
•    Academic Support Services
•    Career Services
•    Advising

In addition, I see there is provision for classroom space, a heritage conference room, a multicultural lounge, a reflection room, a health and wellness desk and more amenities. How wonderful that we can put a venerable building to such good use, all the while enjoying the benefits of our new facilities!

March 2009 Question:
Abbot, I've always heard what a wonderful, generous man my great uncle, Father Luke Dionne, was. But he died suddenly when I was very young – I believe that would have been in the 1960s. Now, since nearly everyone who knew him is deceased, I wonder if the college archives have any more information on his legacy?

By the way, it is interesting that the Dionne family coat of arms includes the fleur-de-lis, also associated with the Norbertines, and that the family motto is ‘In Service to God.’ Just curious, perhaps this went into Luke’s decision to become a Norbertine priest? — Kim Szatkowski ’81

Answer:
Dear Kim, Thank you kindly for writing me. How I enjoy hearing from our former students.

The Rev. Luke B. Dionne, O.Praem., graduated from St. Norbert College in 1935.

Fr. Dionne had vast experience in education prior to his return to St. Norbert College in the early 1960s. After graduation, he became a member of the faculty of Southeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia. In 1943, he was assigned to Central Catholic High School, known at one time as Premontre and now as Notre Dame Academy. In 1948, he became the school’s vice principal.

It was in 1956 when Father Dionne joined the faculty of St. Norbert College. After a year, he returned to Philadelphia as vice principal of Bishop Neumann High School and subprior of the Norbertine community in Philadelphia. He returned to St. Norbert in 1961 where he served as both dean of men and chairman of the committee on student aid.

His friends and confreres were all bereft when he passed away after suffering a coronary attack in March of 1966.

It would be interesting to know more about Father Dionne, and about the heraldic connection between his family and the Norbertines. I wonder if any of our dear readers have more information that they could share with our community?

February 2009 Question:
Abbot, last time I saw you, you were not looking yourself at all. Would you like to tell us about what’s been happening to you recently? — Nick Patton ’03

Answer:
Nick, I was glad to see yours amongst the kind faces that attended me during the momentous events of Jan. 6. That was the day when I – or at least my likeness in marble – was removed from the plinth I have occupied outside the Abbot Pennings Hall of fine arts for more than 40 years.
My statue was handled most gently and respectfully but nevertheless it was an experience bound to prove a trifle unsettling for one of my years. It was reassuring to recognize an old friend like yourself present on that day in particular. (Patton, who works as a graphic designer at St. Norbert, photographed the day’s events for the record. – Ed)

The monument will remain in storage until the new library project is complete. When that time comes, it will be placed inside the Mulva Library, providing a safer spot for me for the ages.

This likeness was a gift from dear friends of the college in 1964. The 2,800-pound marble statue was carved in Italy. My crest and my motto, “Let us love one another,” can be found on the base.

December 2008 Question:
Who was Francis Boyle? How did Boyle Hall come to be named after him? — Libby Hauser ’08

Answer:
Your question reminds me of one of the most exciting times in the history of St. Norbert College, the construction of Boyle Hall.

Francis Boyle was a student of mine from Fond du Lac. It was the year 1912 when he enrolled at our fine institution. His father, Henry Boyle, an open-handed philanthropist and prominent businessman, recognized the need for a new building for our excellent students. At the time, Main Hall housed all college activity.

Father Francis Van Dyke dug the first shovel of earth for the new hall in 1915. In September 1916 the cornerstone was laid, with a blessing from Bishop Paul Rhode. It was Francis Boyle himself who laid the stone. The building was completed in the summer of 1917, and Francis’ father Henry was present for the celebrations, although in feeble health.

The new hall, this generous gift of Henry Boyle, was the first building on our beautiful campus to be constructed with donated dollars. It was named after Henry’s son, Francis, in gratitude for his education at St. Norbert College. Today, the building still houses several classrooms and faculty offices.

November 2008 Question:
How ‘old’ is Old St. Joe’s? — Maribeth Frinzi ’05
 
Answer:
What a great question, Maribeth. There is much history to note regarding Old St. Joe’s.

It was in 1676 that Father Charles Albanel built the first structure for worship at the current site of the church.

Two hundred years later, French Canadian settlers working in the area lumber mills decided to establish a parish in De Pere. A new church building was dedicated on Christmas Day in 1870, but that edifice burnt down in 1889.

A new church was built in 1890, utilizing a design based on an upside-down boat hull. (Since there were no church builders in the area, the building work was undertaken by local boat-builders.)

This 1890 church serves as the foundation for the current structure. The church has been remodeled twice, with the most recent renovation and addition dedicated on the Feast of St. Joseph in March of 1999.

The name of the church is Old St. Joseph Church, but the official name of the parish is St. Norbert College Parish. For more information, visit the Old St. Joseph church web site.

October 2008 Question:
I’ve noticed that the school was referred to as St. Norbert’s College at one time, When was the ‘’s’ removed? — Chris Kirwen ’08
 
Answer:
Chris, you are correct. Up until 1928, the school was referred to as St. Norbert’s College. You will notice that the lettering on the stonework above the entrance to Main Hall at one time did indeed read St. Norbert’s. That last “s” was removed simply for a grammatical reason. It was felt that the name, St. Norbert’s College, indicated that St. Norbert himself owned the institution. Since this was not a true representation, the ‘s’ was removed.

September 2008 Question:
I know you keep up to date with events on campus. Are any of the social groups getting together during Reunion Weekend this fall? In particular, the women from No Nonsense? It would be great to catch up with them. — Grace Meyer, ’84
 
Answer:
Grace, it is great to hear from you. I hope that my response to your questions finds you doing well.

I’m happy to share with you that I have heard from some individuals from Untouchables, BMMP and BUD who are planning on gathering for the Homecoming tailgate on Saturday, Oct. 18. It would bring me great joy if you would consider gathering your friends from No Nonsense for some reminiscing there as well.

How it pleases me know that our fine St. Norbert alumni will be taking time to reconnect! It is my hope that other groups will consider reuniting under the tailgate tent that Saturday as well.

August 2008 Question:
I’m curious to know how long the Green Bay Packers have been using St. Norbert College for training camp. — Ragan Prucha Jorgensen ’97
 
Answer:
Thank you for your question, Ragan. This long-standing tradition at St. Norbert College began in the summer of 1958. The team set up living quarters in Sensenbrenner Hall and held training sessions in campus classrooms. At that time, the Packers dined in Burke Hall. The tradition became even more solidified when head coach Vince Lombardi befriended Father Dennis Burke in 1959.

Through the years, the team has been housed in many different facilities on campus. Today, they reside in Victor McCormick Hall, or VMC, as many of our students refer to it.
 
We are glad to welcome the team to our campus every year during the summer months and I’m so pleased that the college’s relationship with the Packers has lasted 51 years and is still going strong. In fact, this link with our local team is the longest such connection in the NFL.

July 2008 Question:
I have heard that an elephant participated in a particular St. Norbert Homecoming parade. Did this really happen, and if so, when? — Kate Geenen ’89

Answer:
Thanks for your question, Kate. I had to do some investigating to find an answer to your most interesting inquiry!

In reviewing old yearbooks and recalling Homecoming memories, I happened to come across a picture from the St. Norbert College Homecoming celebrations of 1963. To my amazement I discovered that not only one but two elephants did indeed participate in the parade that year. What a sight that must have been! I’m sure many of my readers recall seeing these splendid creatures strolling along the streets of De Pere.

Many fine memories are created during Homecoming. How enjoyable it is to reminisce with one another! I hope that you and other alumni will take time to come back home for Reunion/Homecoming (Oct. 17-19) this year. And how I’d love for alumni to come back and pay me a visit. I’m still sitting proudly outside the Abbot Pennings Hall of Fine Arts, admiring this most beautiful campus.

June 2008 Question:
As a recent graduate, I understand that I am now an official member of the St. Norbert College Alumni Association. I'm curious to know how long the alumni association has been in existence. —Billy Falk ’08

Answer:
I do appreciate your question, Billy. I am so pleased to know that you have now joined the fine alumni of St. Norbert College!

The alumni association has roots that can be traced all the way back to the early 1900s. In fact, it was officially organized during the rededication of Boyle Hall in August of 1917.

A group of alumni organized a reunion around the event and a business meeting followed the festivities. The first alumni association officers were elected and the group planned to have an annual meeting and banquet during Commencement week. The St. Norbert Alumni Association has undoubtedly grown much since 1917—not only in number, but in scope as well.

I hope that you will stay connected with the college in your years to come. The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations plans many events during the year that provide opportunities for you and other alumni to stay in touch with one another and with St. Norbert College!

May 2008 Question:
I’m graduating this May and I’m sad that I won’t be on campus to see the building of the new Mulva Library. Are there plans to keep alumni informed of the progress? — Sarah Kaminski ’08

Answer:
Congratulations on your graduation from St. Norbert College! It is at this time every year when I experience immense joy as we send forth the senior class into the next phase of their life journey.

The construction of the Miriam B. and James J. Mulva Library is certainly progressing—what an exciting time for us all! Although you are not able to be physically on campus to see the project unfold, you still have an opportunity to witness the progress by virtual means. I am pleased that a webcam has been placed overlooking the construction site, so that you and all alumni are able to witness developments firsthand. Even the most forward-thinking of our little group gathered on campus more than a century ago would not have been able to envision such a marvel.

How technology moves apace, to be sure! It is possible for anyone in our community, be they near or far, to follow what is happening day by day. All those interested have to do is to visit the Mulva Library web site.

Sarah, this month, your class will become St. Norbert College alumni, joining a group of thousands making their mark on the world. I wish you well in your next endeavor. You will always be a part of the St. Norbert College community—and please do come back and visit. Remember—it is always a good time to come home!

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 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 Collom, 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.)