St Francis College - Franciscan Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY)

Page 22 text:

Brother Columba has been a member of the order of St. Francis for over forty years and has been attached to the college almost all of that time. He taught in the parish schools for a time before becoming a member of the faculty of St. Francis Preparatory. After teaching at the college for a number of years, he was appointed to the office of Dean where he ably and wisely conducted the administrative affairs of the college. In 1925 his work for the college was further recognized and rewarded by his appoint¬ ment to the Presidency of the institution which he had so faithfully served. With one hi ief exception Brother Columba has held this office from that time to the present. In spite of his duties as president he always manages to teach at least one class every term so that he can maintain a close contact with the students and be more familiar with their interests and needs. He firmly believes that an administration officer loses his proper perspective when he loses this essential personal contact with the students and in his own case he is convinced that he would be unable properly to decide on matters of college policy if he was denied this necessary contact with the men it would affect.

Page 21 text:

Faculty-Student conference: Mr. De¬ laney , President of the Faculty Club , discusses student problems with Ray Hermida , acting-President of the Stu¬ dent Council. Every student has a sim¬ ilar conference with his faculty advisor at regular intervals. J hsL faculty- The Faculty-Student bond at St. Francis is a traditionally close one. A spirit of familiarity and congeniality pervades the entire atmosphere welding the college group into a close-knit organization with a common goal. Cooperation is the keynote. There is now instituted at the college a carefully planned guidance program which operates with genuine efficiency and our students eagerly avail themselves of the opportunity of discussing their most intimate problems with the priests, Brothers and laymen who compose the faculty. These men, thoroughly experienced in their respective fields, wel¬ come the opportunity of advising the students and adjusting the problems which are presented. This relationship is not confined to things strictly academic for these com¬ prise only a fraction of the students problems. The personal and moral problems are the most pressing and the most difficult to the student because he is too close to them to get the proper perspective. This is overcome when he entrusts them to his faculty advisor and they are worked out at one of the regular conferences. The solution of these difficulties constitutes a great contribution by the Faculty to the Catholic education of the student. Academic education alone is not sufficient; so social activities are not minimized regarding their place in a balanced college life. They are, therefore, generously patron¬ ized by the Faculty members who realize fully the importance of the complete develop¬ ment of the student. Religious training is also a primary consideration in administra¬ tion through a spiritual director who is a Faculty member. In short, all the energy possible is directed towards the formation of that extremely important factor in the world today, the ideal Catholic college graduate.

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Rev. Brother Jerome, O.S.F. Dean Brother Jerome entered the Order twenty six years ago and has been of outstanding service to it ever since. He started teaching in the parish schools and then he was ap¬ pointed as principal of St. Francis Prep where he guided that organization for ten years. In 1936 the Prep lost him to the Col¬ lege where he was destined for greater service to his Order. Since that time, the college has expanded in size and increased in activities under his capable guidance. In particular, he is re¬ sponsible for greatly increased laboratory facilities and an additional building that provides for the needs of the Administia- tion and Faculty as well as student recrea¬ tion. Brother Jerome has done all in his power to advance the college on the athletic fields and a more ardent supporter is difficult to find. He has also been very co-operative and helpful to the students in these trying times when his advice and services are greatly in demand.