75th Anniversary Activities
We invite you to celebrate with us!
Calumet College of St. Joseph is celebrating its 75th anniversary!
As we commemorate our 75 years, we reflect on the hard work of all those who got us here. We celebrate the teachers, leaders and students who persevered through tough times. Their grit and determination built an institution that thrives.
We are grateful for the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and all the members of the College Family whose service continues to transform lives. We joyfully recognize the blessing of our alumni, our donors and this community that we are a part of today.
A grateful spirit and unwavering hard work have been the hallmarks of Calumet College of St. Joseph since its founding in 1951. We invite you to join us in celebrating 75 years of Grit and Gratitude.
Grit & Gratitude – Share Your CCSJ Story
We invite all alumni to share photos and memories in honor of this milestone. You can help us tell the story of CCSJ through images that reflect your experiences, friendships, and defining moments that shaped your time on campus. Your submissions may be featured in our Bernard Gallery for our special commemorative exhibition, Grit & Gratitude – Celebrating 75 Years. The exhibit will showcase the unique history of Calumet College of St. Joseph from August 10 through September 19, 2026. Share your memories! Celebrate the legacy!
Deadline for submissions is July 24, 2026. Submit your stories and photos via email to the attention of Monica Puente at gallery@ccsj.edu.
Mark your Calendar
Thursday, July 23:
Pierogi Stumble
📌 Location: Rittenmeyer Athletic Center
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
Take part in this highly popular 5K race held on the eve of Pierogi Fest—Indiana’s third-largest event.
After the race, join the post-race celebration in front of the Dennis Rittenmeyer Athletic Center at CCSJ, featuring pierogi samples, music, and adult beverages following the awards ceremony. Parking is available on campus.
The scenic course begins at the college and follows the bike path between Lost Marsh Golf Course and George Lake toward Calumet Avenue. Runners will cross the Calumet Avenue overpass, loop around the pavilion, continue along Wolf Lake, and finish back at CCSJ.
Registration is $50 and includes a race t-shirt (for those registered by July 1), pierogis, and adult beverages.
Saturday, September 19:
CCSJ’s 75th Birthday Bash
📌 Location: CCSJ Front Lawn
⏰ Time: 5 to 10 PM
Celebrate the College’s milestone 75th anniversary! Bring family, friends, neighbors, and fellow alumni to this open-to-all celebration honoring CCSJ’s legacy and impact through the years.
- Individual tickets are $19.51 each. Food and drinks are included.
- Family packages are $40.00 each. Food and drinks are included for 2 adults and 2 children. There is a $2.00 charge for each additional child.
A special Mass celebrating CCSJ’s 75th anniversary will also be offered at 4:00 PM in the Katsahnias Student Commons prior to the start of the Birthday Bash. All are welcome to attend.
Saturday, October 3:
Annual Crimson Wave Golf Outing
📌 Location: Wicker Memorial Park Golf Course
⏰ Time: Registration at 8:30 AM, Shotgun Start at 10 AM
🗓 Registration Deadline: Friday, September 25, 2026
Our event was rained out on June 12 and has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 3!
Join us on the course at Wicker Memorial Park Golf Course for a day of golf in support of Crimson Wave student-athletes.
Golf packages are $100 per golfer, and sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information, contact Jeff Gajewski at (219) 473-4354 or jgajewski@ccsj.edu.
Wednesday, October 21:
St. Gaspar’s Holy Day Mass
📌 Location: St. Gaspar Chapel
⏰ Time: TBA
Join us at CCSJ in the St. Gaspar Chapel for a time of reflection and prayer. Celebrate Mass alongside the C.PP.S. missionaries, students, faculty and staff.
Brother Gerard Von Hagel Alumni Award
Calumet College of St. Joseph proudly honors the legacy of Br. Gerard Von Hagel, C.PP.S., who joined CCSJ in the summer of 1987 as the College’s first Alumni Director. Deeply devoted to our alumni community, he launched the College’s first alumni publication, Contact, and brought graduates together through meaningful events and connections.
In his memory, the Br. Gerard Von Hagel Alumni Award recognizes outstanding CCSJ alumni who are making a difference in their communities.
Nominations for this distinguished award are due by August 1. Submit your nominations via email to the attention of Ester Diaz at ediaz@ccsj.edu.
Past Anniversary Event Highlights
