Faith in the Freshman

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Recently I had the opportunity to talk about Faith in the Freshman for the St. John’s College Alumni Reunion in Winfield, Kansas.  Even though our alma mater closed in 1986, Johnnies continue to return to the campus each year for these alumni gatherings.

I have been back to Winfield several times through the years, and each time brings back memories.  Tammy grew up in that town, and so her reflections include much more than just her college experience.  We drove around town, took a long walk, and stepped inside some of the places that were part of our lives once upon a time.

I did not anticipate how poignant it would be to retell the story of my freshman year in the setting where it all started.  Among those present were some classmates, including one former teammate.  Mark Schotte has been principal of Trinity Lutheran School for 19 years.  Our freshman year he was nabbed out of the concession stand to help us finish out our disasterously remarkable season.

Also present were several former faculty who have retired to Winfield or who returned for the reunion.  Among them was Dr. Roland Mueller, who is probably the foremost historian of the story of St. John’s College.  Thankfully, he read my manuscript and picked out a few errors that needed attention before publichation.  Included is a picture with Roland and his wife, Donna.  Also, a photo of Prof. Don Bromlow, and Prof. Lloyd and Alice Miller.

When St. John’s closed after 93 years, the history of the school did not conclude.  “Hail, Saint John’s College, Hail!”  our school song concludes, “Ne’er will thy spirit die, we’ll sing thy praise.  Hail! Saint John’s College, hail! through endless days.”