75th anniversary
Stritch's 75th anniversary celebration began on Jan. 13, 2012 with the inauguration of Dr. James Loftus as Stritch's eighth president. The inauguration was the first of many events to highlight the University's rich history. See below for a partial listing. More information on events, exhibits, performances, volunteer activities, and other details will be posted often.
- May 19: President's Champagne Reception
Graduating students and their families are invited to attend a special reception with the president in Bonaventure Hall to celebrate their graduation and to formally welcome graduates into Stritch’s Alumni Association.
- May 20: Spring Commencement Ceremonies
Plan to join us for both the undergraduate and graduate graduation ceremonies, to be held for the first time at the Frontier Airlines Center.
- June 3: Second Annual Wolfpack Open Golf Tournament
Join alumni, friends, players, coaches, and others at Ironwood Golf Course in Sussex, Wis., to help support Wolves Athletics. For more information, contact Michael Zolecki at (414) 410-4519 or mjzolecki@stritch.edu.
- June 12: Saint Clare Center for Catholic Life Mission Evening
Celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Saint Clare Center, learn about its mission and stunning growth, and honor former Stritch President Sister Mary Lea Schneider, OSF, Ph.D., and Dr. Daniel Scholz, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the first two recipients of the Distinguished Vision and Leadership in Lay Ministry Award.
- June 23: President’s Winemakers’ Dinner /Jubilarian Reunion
This event brings together members of the Tau and Heritage Societies with the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi and others for a Mass, reception and winemaker’s dinner to celebrate Stritch’s rich history, including a special induction of the classes of 1961 and 1962 into Stritch’s Jubilarian Society.
- September: Mass of the Holy Spirit and Picnic
This beautiful outdoor Mass marks the officially beginning of the academic year.
- Oct. 3-10: Franciscan Mission Week
Highlighted by Transitus, the evening prayer service commemorating the death of Francis, this week includes a number of activities, including the annual Blessing of the Animals and a Mass on Oct. 4 in honor of St. Francis's Feast day.
- Oct. 5: Stritch Fish Fry
Join the Stritch community, alumni, friends and neighbors in the Sister Camille Kliebhan Conference Center for an all-you-can-eat fish fry, a family fun zone, performances by student musicians, and a bake sale benefitting student organizations.
- Oct. 9: Fifth Annual Stritch Showcase Dinner
This annual fundraiser invites the Stritch community as well as the broader community to take a closer look at the University and support its mission. This event has raised more than $100,000 each year.
- Oct. 26-28 and Nov. 2-4: "Irena's Vow" Theater Performance
This performance, in collaboration with the Renaissance Theaterworks, promises to be a powerful display of talent and history based on true accounts of survivors of the Holocaust.
- Dec. 15: Winter Commencement
Plan to be with us for the graduation ceremony held at the U.S. Cellular Arena, which will conclude Stritch’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
Lecture series
Click on the link at the left side of this page for more information on various lecture series event planned throughout 2012.
Performing and visual arts
Throughout the year, the talent and creativity of Stritch performers, artists and musicians will be featured. Check out art and photography exhibits in the Northwestern Mutual Art Gallery, theater and musical performances in the Nancy Kendall Theater, and much more. Guests can also visit the student-run Gallery Store, located in the Joan Steele Stein Center for Communication Studies/Fine Arts.
Archive exhibits
From January through December, four special exhibits featuring treasures from the University Archives will showcase 75 years of Stritch history. Materials from the founding of St. Clare College through the present will be on display, including documents, artifacts, publications, mementos, photographs and more. All exhibits will be in Bonaventure Hall.
Merchandise
Purchase your 75th anniversary merchandise at the bookstore on campus or online.
Past Events
Jan. 13: The Inauguration of James Loftus, Ph.D.
The inauguration will include a Mass presided over by the Most Reverend Jerome Listecki, Archbishop of Milwaukee, as well as an installation ceremony and reception. The theme of the inauguration is "service, faith, excellence," which reflects the University's legacy.
March 16-April 5: Alumni Art Exhibition
This exhibit, featuring alumni artists Tom Stella, Mary Smith, and Jim Smessaert, begins with an opening reception on March 16 from 5-8 p.m., with live music by the Jeannine Rivers Group. On display will be a variety of two- and three-dimensional artworks.
March 30: Alumni night at the Milwaukee Ballet
Take in the Ballet's spring series at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. and join Stritch alumni for a special reception with hors d'oeuvres and drinks prior to the performance. Donate $75 or more to the Annual Fund (Feb. 15 - March 15) and be entered to win (2) premium seats to this special event.
March 30: Stritch Fish Fry
Join us during the Lenten season in celebration of one of the four Franciscan values our institution was founded upon in 1937: creating a caring community. In an effort to build upon the relationship we share with our friends and neighbors, students and their families, faculty and staff, alumni, and the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, Stritch is holding its second annual fish fry.
April 25: Annual Alumni Awards
This annual recognition program celebrates the achievement and impact of our alumni. Nominated by peers, faculty or staff, these award winners share their stories of inspiration and their gratitude for the role Stritch played in their lives. E-mail alumni@stritch.edu for information on how to purchase tickets.