Dr. Juan Andrade

Husband. Father. Advocate. Leader. Born in Brownwood, Texas, Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. was blessed throughout his career; never having to apply for a job. Instead, he used his humble beginnings and education to prepare him for what would become his life’s work. Beginning his career as an educator, Dr. Andrade quickly found that his journey would be short of an easy one. Arrested only three days after teaching his students, he discovered that Texas law prohibited dual languages being taught in a classroom setting, except in foreign language courses. That was the beginning of the end of his formal teaching career. This ordeal exposed the wrong in the law, causing the state legislature to later amend the law allowing teachers to do what got him arrested. In that moment, he realized that by confronting injustice within the very systems meant to serve people would mark his pathway forward. This led to Dr. Andrade’s fight against injustice in courtrooms, government actions, and in communities across our nation.

In Wisconsin, he helped lead a farmworkers march and successfully demanded better housing conditions and more aggressive prosecution of housing violations. In Texas, he acted against an anti-poverty agency that wasn’t fighting against poverty, leading it into a new era of diversity, equity and inclusion – 40 years before its time. In Ohio, he worked to ensure that the Hispanic community had a permanent place in government, drafting a bill and working with legislators to create the Ohio Commission on Hispanic Affairs. Each fight, each victory, wasn’t just about policy – it was about people.

Dr. Andrade is the fourth of only six Latinos in history to be honored by both the president of the United States and the Government of Mexico. He received the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian award presented in the United States, for “the performance of exemplary deeds of service for the nation” and the National Ohtli Award, the highest honor presented by the government of Mexico, for distinguished service to the Mexican and Mexican American community in the United States.

Over the course of his academic journey, Dr. Andrade has earned five degrees including a BA from Howard Payne University, an M.Ed from Antioch College, an Ed.S and Ed.D from Northern Illinois University, and a post-doctorate MA from Loyola University Chicago. He has received six honorary doctorates, including one from Calumet College of St. Joseph in 2022.

Dr. Andrade has received numerous accolades, including being recognized five times as one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in America, received six Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the “Society of Life Models” by OMNI Youth Services, and honored for excellence and leadership by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, LULAC, MALDEF, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Association of Hispanics in Higher Education, NFL, Professional Bull Riders, Rainbow PUSH, American GI Forum, National Association of Farmworker Organizations, National Immigration Forum, the National Hispanic Leaders Network, and most national Hispanic publications.

Dr. Andrade’s remarkable career is a testament to his vision, dedication, and unyielding drive to improve the lives of others. His work continues to inspire future leaders from all backgrounds to create a more inclusive and equitable society. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of leaders. As the first federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution in the State of Indiana, the Trustees of Calumet College of St. Joseph are delighted to recognize Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr. with the 2025 St. Joseph the Worker Award.

Mark Kalwinski ’76 and ’77

Mark Kalwinski’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to community. Born to Polish immigrants who fled the hardships of World War II – his father, a former parachutist in the Polish Army, and his mother, a survivor of a forced labor camp – Mark was raised in Hammond, Indiana, where he learned early the value of perseverance and sacrifice. A proud first-generation student, he earned degrees from Calumet College of Saint Joseph in 1976 and 1977, discovering not only academic excellence but also a nurturing community that believed in his potential.

The transformative experience at CCSJ laid the foundation for a lifelong mission. With degrees in Sociology and Psychology from CCSJ and a Master’s in Social Work, which he earned from the University of Chicago in 1981, Mark set out to make a tangible difference. His career spans innovative social work initiatives – from leading a mobile intervention team that responded to psychiatric emergencies across diverse settings, to pioneering mental health services at the Lake County Jail. In his work with veterans through a treatment court, he witnessed firsthand how second chances can rebuild lives, proving that advocacy, compassion, and action are as essential as academic achievement.

Although he once shied away from the political arena, Mark felt compelled to serve when he recognized the unmet needs in his community. Believing that his neighbors deserved better representation, he ran for and was first elected to the Hammond City Council in 2003. Since then, he has tirelessly championed policies that uplift those facing adversity, channeling the lessons he learned at CCSJ into every facet of his public service.

Mark’s deep pride in his Polish heritage is evident in every aspect of his life. Beyond his work in public service, he has maintained a lifelong passion for hockey – a sport that connects him to his roots and community spirit. He even secured funding for a public ice rink, dedicating countless winter hours to perfecting and resurfacing it, ensuring that the rink remained a vibrant community hub for connection.

Throughout his journey, the steadfast support of his family – his wife Linda, and his children Lara, Gretchen, and Bill – has been a constant source of strength. Their sacrifices and unwavering encouragement have underscored the belief that meaningful change is a collective effort.

Today, Mark Kalwinski stands as a proud CCSJ alumnus, whose life – from the steel mills to the corridors of public service and community recreation – embodies the transformative power of education, advocacy, and cultural heritage. His story is a powerful reminder that when individuals are supported to lead, communities are uplifted, and the spirit of resilience creates lasting change for generations to come.

Calumet College of St. Joseph is proud to honor Mark with the 2025 Br. Gerard Von Hagel Alumni Award for his exceptional contributions to both his community and his profession, reflecting the enduring values of compassion, leadership, and service that define the CCSJ spirit.

Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation

Rooted in the spirituality of the Precious Blood, The Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) is dedicated to restoring human dignity through hospitality, hope, and healing. The organization serves families and individuals in Chicago’s Back of the Yards/New City and Englewood neighborhoods, which are impacted by violence, incarceration, poverty, racism, and generational trauma. Through its various programs, PBMR works to build relationships, foster community, and promote restorative justice practices among youth, families, and returning citizens. The ministry is committed to creating safe spaces for individuals to experience radical hospitality and support as they work toward healing and transformation.

PBMR’s youth mentorship programs are a key part of its mission. For young people ages 14-24, PBMR mentors provide guidance, community-building opportunities, and refuge from the violence and trauma that often surround them. Activities such as basketball tournaments, outings, community building circles, and art projects offer youth the chance to engage in positive, life-affirming experiences. In addition, PBMR participates in the SCAN Navigators program, providing mentorship and case management to youth involved in the juvenile criminal justice system. The focus is on restorative practices that help youth navigate their personal challenges while offering support through mentorship, case management, and resources to reduce recidivism.

For young adults, PBMR’s case management program provides intensive support as they work through the complex issues of street violence, incarceration, and family conflict. Case managers build trusting relationships with participants, visiting them in prison or at home and helping them access vital resources for moving forward. Additionally, PBMR offers a community of support for mothers grieving the loss of loved ones due to violence and incarceration. These women come together in healing circles to share their experiences, support each other, and walk the difficult journey of recovery together.

PBMR also addresses the critical need for stable housing through its transitional housing programs. Sankofa Home offers a safe space for women who have been impacted by trauma, providing a six-month to one-year stay with case management support. Similarly, the Hospitality House offers transitional housing for men returning from long-term incarceration, providing them with a safe, supportive environment to reintegrate into society. The organization’s Detention and Prison Ministry serves both juveniles and adults, offering spiritual care, visits, and group support to those navigating the criminal justice system.

The vast team at PBMR works together to provide comprehensive, wrap-around services to those in need. By promoting restorative justice, addressing trauma, and building community, PBMR remains dedicated to breaking cycles of violence and fostering healing for individuals and families in their communities.

For its unwavering commitment to promoting hope, hospitality, and healing, PBMR is being honored with the 2025 Corporate Leadership Award by Calumet College of St. Joseph.