John Carroll University - Carillon Yearbook (University Heights, OH)

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The new campus in construction . . . in 1931 The Story of the Blue and Gold This is the simple story of John Carroll Uni- versity. Space being inadequate, this will be but a rough outline Whose detail has been filled with heroic deeds, past and present. We leave to others the task of bringing into view those hidden details. This, then, is not only a tribute to those Who have come before us, but it stands as an invitation to those who Wish to become one of us and stand out in the ranks of the future as true Carroll men. The First Building . . . in 1887 140

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X 3 -E i 3 Z E i Ulmiversit Y

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Part I The first permanent settlement of the Jesuits within the present Diocese of Cleveland came in the year 1880. At the invitation of the second Bishop of Cleveland, the Most Reverend Richard Gilmour, D.D., the German Fathers of the Buffalo Mission came to Cleveland and took over the work of St. Mary's Parish. In the spring of 1886, the Superior of the mission, Fr. Behrens, S.J., sent Fr. John Neu- stich, S.J. and a few other priests and brothers to Cleveland for the purpose of opening a school. Their diligent work was finally rewarded when, on Sep- tember 6, 1886, St. Ignatius College, the forerunner of John Carroll, opened its doors to seventy-six ambi- tious young men. The first building constructed was of wood frame and stood at the corner of Jersey and Carroll Streets on the West side. This small building, however, soon proved to be inadequate, and so, in 1888, the good fathers opened the first wing of the new college. The first catalogue and roster of students is in- deed of special interest. On the latter can be found the names of such men as Mr. Thomas S. Grasselli, a noted Cleveland industrialist and one of Carroll's greatest benefactors. Although recognized from the start, the college was incorporated under the laws of Ohio in 1890 and granted the power to confer certificates and degrees. The year 1891 marks the formation of two of our present day organizations-the Sodality of Our Lady and the Booster Club. In 1892 Fr. LeHalle, S.J., became the president of the college, and it was during his term that our now famous meteorological and seismological observatory was founded. Fr. Odenback, S.J., a noted pioneer in the field of seismology, is given the formal credit for the initiation of the observatory. A pushball contest . . . 1917 0 15 The old St. Ignatius College It is noteworthy that during the first ten years of the existence of the college, approximately sev- enty-two percent of the graduates went over to St. Mary's Seminary on the Lakeside. This is a mar- velous contribution of fine priests-over four hun- dred in number-whose honor and glory will never be taken from old St. Ignatius. The Glee Club and Band was organized under the Rev. Godfrey Schelte, S.J., who was later to become the next president of the college. In 1906 the first alumni association was formed by Fr. Zahm, who at that time was the rector of the college. Rev. George Pickel, S.J., took over his duties in 1907 and opened Loyola High School on Cedar Avenue and East 106th Street. In August, 1915, Rev. William Sommerhauser, S.J., became the president, and it was during his years that the first college paper, Lumina, was started. Fr. Thomas Smith succeeded to the rector- ship, and through his efforts to expand the college, the Jesuits were able to purchase the present site of John Carroll. As part of this plan of development, a new name was given to old St. Ignatius. On May 17, 1923, the title of Cleveland College was officially conferred on the school. This name was shortlived, however, for in September of the same year, the in- stitution was renamed as John Carroll University. Because of the crowded conditions of the school and the impossibility of further expansion, the Jesu- its realized the urgency of moving the university out to the Heights. The time was perfect, the stage was set, and the Fathers prepared to fulfill their long awaited dream.