Established in East Chicago in 1951 by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, Calumet College of St. Joseph (CCSJ) has changed lives. As CCSJ reaches its 70th anniversary, they take a look back on their rich history, their students and alumni, as well as share hopes for the future.
In 1973, the college received a building donation from Amoco, allowing them to move their campus from East Chicago to Whiting. Their “six-story vertical campus” still serves as their campus today.
When it opened its doors in 1951, CCSJ became the first school to offer a bachelor's degree in the Calumet Region. It also offers master's degrees and accelerated programs to remove time barriers for adult students.
“We started out as a college for students whose family maybe couldn't afford to send them to school. This was a great opportunity for those students to get a college education and go much further than their parents ever did. And I think this was the essence of it initially and we've always been that school who cares for those who maybe aren't served as well in other places,” Director of Public Relations and Communications Linda Gajewski said. “We give opportunities.”
Keeping in touch with their Patron St. Joseph, CCSJ established their mission early on; to serve the Calumet Region by offering quality education in the Catholic tradition. Like their Patron St. Joseph, the faculty, staff, and students focus on selflessness, hard work and devotion to family and their community.
“This truly is an institution where top to bottom we’re all aligned in the mission,” Gajewski said. “Everybody’s working towards the same thing. I think that’s the most special part of CCSJ and it’s what all the students respond to.”
According to Johnny Craig, Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing and Athletics, CCSJ has been able to serve its community and students for the last 70 years thanks to the past and present faculty and staff.
“Aside from the sheer grit and leadership of some of our past presidents and current president, I would say collectively it is the faculty and staff's genuine commitment to the mission that has helped Calumet College be where it is today,” Craig said.
Calumet College also places high value on the dignity of every person. Calumet College students not only gain knowledge and skill, but they also learn respect, towards themselves and others. Their alumni move on to become positive influencers in their communities. They make a difference in the fields of education, business, law enforcement and more. They serve their communities as artists, social workers and leaders of banking and industry.
Two of the most popular programs at CCSJ are the public safety program and the education program. Through the public safety program, CCSJ has worked with over 3,000 police officers. According to Craig, the success of these programs can serve as a steppingstone for the college to further expand in the future.
“You can’t go into an area school without finding someone who went to CCSJ to get their teaching certificate or undergraduate degree. So, we really want to continue to be known for those programs while also sticking to our mission,” Craig said. “We also want to expand our footprint through the use of technology and online resources.”
Students also learn to serve during their time at Calumet College. The curriculum features a social justice emphasis that fosters ethical behavior and civic engagement.
The extent of CCSJ’s mission and outreach has been shown through their year of service.
“The Pope named this year as a year of service in honor of St. Joseph and because he chose to honor our Patron Saint Larry Cubalchini, our campus ministry intern, came up with this year of service,” Gajewski said.
The year of service asked CCSJ community members to send in any service hours they complete. During this year students have dedicated their time to Meals on Wheels, food pantries, local festivals, umpiring youth leagues and more.
“There’s a lot of ways that people are getting out there and giving back. They’re filling the gaps,” Craig said.
Students learn to grow both in and outside the classroom at CCSJ. In 1999, an athletic program was established. Various clubs and organizations are also offered such as the Black Student Union and Campus Ministry, helping to build the campus community.
“A lot of these students are in class together every day, but then they’re practicing together every day. Sports and clubs give students the opportunity to get together,” Craig said.
The community does not end after graduation. CCSJ’s alumni community continues to carry the CCSJ mission while also connecting with each other.
“I think that there’s a culture on campus that no matter where you come from, that mission bond’s them together,” Gajewski said.
Calumet College continues to grow, carrying on the tradition of serving a diverse student population and changing lives through education.
To learn more about CCSJ’s history and mission, or to enroll, visit https://www.ccsj.edu/.