Saint Joe Fundraising Event to Support Renovation
Saint Joseph’s College is looking to raise money to support the renovation of one of the residence halls on the Rensselaer campus. The school, which suspended campus activities last year due to financial troubles, says it has full intentions of returning to the campus "in the foreseeable future."
Saint Joseph’s will host the inaugural Purple Tie Dinner in June featuring former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka. The event looks to raise funds for Schwietermann Hall, which the school says will be the first residence hall used when the campus reopens.
The residence hall currently features one floor for offices and three for residents with the ability to accommodate up to about 260 occupants. The building was name for Father Richard Schweitzer in 1963 and primarily served as housing for the C.PP.S. Priests, brothers and seminarians.
The college says the renovations, among others, will include changes to the bathroom accommodations and plumbing.
Last May, Saint Joseph’s selected Barry Fischer to serve as rector, who shortly thereafter established the Saint Joseph’s Phoenix Project, a team tasked with re-engineering the college so it could reopen. The school made several changes in order to achieve that goal, including naming Bill Hogan vice president for advancement to focus on fundraising and promotion. The Saint Joe Board of Trustees also underwent a complete overhaul with all-new members.
In a Facebook post this week, the school said, "The SJC renewal has been a tough challenge, but we are moving forward with full vigor and expect to accomplish this goal."