St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute
Encyclopedia
St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, founded in 1861, is an independent Roman Catholic college preparatory school for young men. Established by the De La Salle Christian Brothers
, SJCI is chartered by the Board of Regents of New York State
and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
. It is a member of the Christian Brothers' Education Association, The College Board, and the National Catholic Education Association. It is located in the town of Tonawanda
.
tradition.
, which was established on April 23, 1847. The Very Reverend John Timon, named the first Bishop of Buffalo by Pope Pius IX
, was consecrated in St. Patrick's Cathedral
, New York City, on Sunday, October 17 and arrived in Buffalo on October 22, 1847.
In 1849, Bishop Timon moved into the Webster House on Franklin Street. Always concerned with vocations to the priesthood, he established in the rectory a seminary
for three young men. The seminary was named St. Joseph's College because of a special veneration the bishop held for St. Joseph. Its early history was a varied one, as it moved from one location to another in several areas of the city.
Later in 1850., Bishop Timon asked the Oblates of Mary Immaculate to staff the seminary in his residence. On July 2, 1851, the Oblates arrived and opened a school chartered on March 12, 1851 under the name "The Buffalo College of St. Joseph," which Bishop Timon said, "...exists for missionary and no other purpose."
In August 1861, six Christian Brothers from New York and Montreal arrived in Buffalo and settled at 187 Terrace Street. Brother Crispian, Director of this first Christian Brothers' community in Buffalo, Brother Pompian (Sub-Director), Brothers Demedrian, Ptolemy, Benedict and one Brother whose religious name is unknown had come to the city in response to Bishop Timon's urgent plea for assistance in educating the Catholic youth of Buffalo.
The first building in which the Brothers taught was built by a local contractor, a Mr. Flanagan, at a cost of $7,000. Two departments were started in this first school on September 2, 1861: St. Joseph's Academy (a tuition school), with 130 boys registered, and St. Joseph's Free School, with 150 boys. The brick building was located opposite Union Terrace, which at that time was a beautiful park. The Free School was located on the first floor of the building, the Academy on the second floor., and the Brothers dormitory on the third floor. This building, later known as "Old Cathedral Hall," was located at 1 Delaware Avenue.
In response to numerous requests from clergy and parents, and after being closed for two years, St. Joseph's College reopened in September 1893. Due to the railroad station at Union Terrace and the encroachment of business and manufacturing interests, the Delaware Avenue site was no longer a desirable one. For what they knew would be a temporary stay, the Brothers rented a two-story brick building at 473 Prospect Avenue near Jersey Street which housed about fifty pupils during each of the four years the school occupied it.
In 1945, plans were again taken up for the "new St. Joe's" on Kenmore Avenue. Brother Andrew of the Cross-sponsored a drive to secure funds to commence the project. The proposed plan was to include three buildings: a general school building to accommodate 900 students, a gymnasium with three basketball courts and a seating capacity of 2000, and a faculty house with accommodations for thirty brothers. In addition, there were to be football and baseball fields, a quarter-mile cinder track, and facilities for other sports.
The first classes were held in the new building on April 19, 1950. In the years to follow, the new facility allowed for increases in both the size of the student body and the number of faculty members. Such facilities as a drafting room, photographic darkroom and a soda fountain were appealing to the students. The school also featured, according to news accounts of the day, such modern innovations" as a public address system linking the principal's office to all rooms of the school and green glass chalkboards, replacing the old familiar blackboards." The new building was dedicated on May 14, 1950.
On November 16, 2006, it was announced that alumnus Jack Cullen had made a gift of $2 million to support construction of new science laboratories and classrooms, as well as the annual school musical.http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20061117/1034419.asp The gift is believed to be the largest gift ever awarded to a Buffalo high school. This gift, along with two other $1 million gifts from alumni, are the foundation for a $12 million capital campaign announced on May 15, 2007.http://www.sjci.com/capital-campaign-announced.php. The campaign seeks to build new science laboratories, an athletic complex, and a new residence for the Christian Brothers on campus, as well as increasing the endowment for financial aid.
(near Buffalo
) and rests on 11.9 acres (48,000 m²). There are two buildings on the grounds: the Academic Building and a Field House. The Brothers Residence was torn down last spring and is now the site of the new science center.
Within St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, there are two academic computer labs, a newly updated Computer Graphics Lab in the art wing, and a Music Lab that employs Mac and Windows computers. The library also contains workstations for internet access. The Fine Arts facility includes a fully functioning black-box theatre, band room and sound-proof practice facilities. Athletics are also an integral part of the St. Joe’s experience and students are able to take advantage of both indoor and outdoor facilities. A modern weight room, two gymnasiums, athletic fields and a field house comprise the facilities of the athletic department.
The new Cullen Center for Excellence in science building was finished in fall 2009 and is presently in use. Classes include lab stations for each student and a work area. Smartboards are in each classroom as well
The Marauders' main rival is Canisius High School
.
The Marauders' and the Crusaders' (Canisius High school) have a certain competitive mindset that can't be found in most places. The will and intensity both these schools have is incredible. The Marauders' have had many recent stars come from the school; such as, Naaman Roosevelt, John Greer and Devon Dawson. The most recent star, Chad Kelly, will graduate in 2012.
Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools
The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools is a Roman Catholic religious teaching congregation, founded in France by Saint Jean-Baptiste de la Salle and now based in Rome...
, SJCI is chartered by the Board of Regents of New York State
University of the State of New York
The University of the State of New York is the State of New York's governmental umbrella organization responsible for most institutions and people in any way connected with formal educational functions, public and private, in New York State...
and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools is a voluntary, peer-based, non-profit association dedicated to educational excellence and improvement through peer evaluation and accreditation...
. It is a member of the Christian Brothers' Education Association, The College Board, and the National Catholic Education Association. It is located in the town of Tonawanda
Tonawanda (town), New York
Tonawanda is a town in Erie County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a population of 78,155. The town is at the north border of the county and is the northern suburb of Buffalo...
.
Mission
The mission of SJCI is to nurture and to educate young men within a Christ-centered community for lives of accomplishment and service in a Catholic LasallianJean-Baptiste de La Salle
Saint Jean-Baptiste de La Salle or John Baptist de La Salle was a priest, educational reformer, and founder of Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools...
tradition.
History
The History of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute is predated by only a few years by that of the Roman Catholic Diocese of BuffaloRoman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo
The Diocese of Buffalo is a Catholic diocese headquartered in Buffalo, New York, USA. The current Bishop is the Most Rev. Edward U. Kmiec.The Diocese of Buffalo was established 23 April 1847. It consists of Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, Chautauqua, Wyoming, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties...
, which was established on April 23, 1847. The Very Reverend John Timon, named the first Bishop of Buffalo by Pope Pius IX
Pope Pius IX
Blessed Pope Pius IX , born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, was the longest-reigning elected Pope in the history of the Catholic Church, serving from 16 June 1846 until his death, a period of nearly 32 years. During his pontificate, he convened the First Vatican Council in 1869, which decreed papal...
, was consecrated in St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, New York
The Basilica of Saint Patrick's Old Cathedral, or Old St. Patrick's, is located at 260-264 Mulberry Street between Prince and Houston Streets in the Nolita neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, with the primary entrance currently located on Mott Street...
, New York City, on Sunday, October 17 and arrived in Buffalo on October 22, 1847.
In 1849, Bishop Timon moved into the Webster House on Franklin Street. Always concerned with vocations to the priesthood, he established in the rectory a seminary
Seminary
A seminary, theological college, or divinity school is an institution of secondary or post-secondary education for educating students in theology, generally to prepare them for ordination as clergy or for other ministry...
for three young men. The seminary was named St. Joseph's College because of a special veneration the bishop held for St. Joseph. Its early history was a varied one, as it moved from one location to another in several areas of the city.
Later in 1850., Bishop Timon asked the Oblates of Mary Immaculate to staff the seminary in his residence. On July 2, 1851, the Oblates arrived and opened a school chartered on March 12, 1851 under the name "The Buffalo College of St. Joseph," which Bishop Timon said, "...exists for missionary and no other purpose."
In August 1861, six Christian Brothers from New York and Montreal arrived in Buffalo and settled at 187 Terrace Street. Brother Crispian, Director of this first Christian Brothers' community in Buffalo, Brother Pompian (Sub-Director), Brothers Demedrian, Ptolemy, Benedict and one Brother whose religious name is unknown had come to the city in response to Bishop Timon's urgent plea for assistance in educating the Catholic youth of Buffalo.
The first building in which the Brothers taught was built by a local contractor, a Mr. Flanagan, at a cost of $7,000. Two departments were started in this first school on September 2, 1861: St. Joseph's Academy (a tuition school), with 130 boys registered, and St. Joseph's Free School, with 150 boys. The brick building was located opposite Union Terrace, which at that time was a beautiful park. The Free School was located on the first floor of the building, the Academy on the second floor., and the Brothers dormitory on the third floor. This building, later known as "Old Cathedral Hall," was located at 1 Delaware Avenue.
In response to numerous requests from clergy and parents, and after being closed for two years, St. Joseph's College reopened in September 1893. Due to the railroad station at Union Terrace and the encroachment of business and manufacturing interests, the Delaware Avenue site was no longer a desirable one. For what they knew would be a temporary stay, the Brothers rented a two-story brick building at 473 Prospect Avenue near Jersey Street which housed about fifty pupils during each of the four years the school occupied it.
In 1945, plans were again taken up for the "new St. Joe's" on Kenmore Avenue. Brother Andrew of the Cross-sponsored a drive to secure funds to commence the project. The proposed plan was to include three buildings: a general school building to accommodate 900 students, a gymnasium with three basketball courts and a seating capacity of 2000, and a faculty house with accommodations for thirty brothers. In addition, there were to be football and baseball fields, a quarter-mile cinder track, and facilities for other sports.
The first classes were held in the new building on April 19, 1950. In the years to follow, the new facility allowed for increases in both the size of the student body and the number of faculty members. Such facilities as a drafting room, photographic darkroom and a soda fountain were appealing to the students. The school also featured, according to news accounts of the day, such modern innovations" as a public address system linking the principal's office to all rooms of the school and green glass chalkboards, replacing the old familiar blackboards." The new building was dedicated on May 14, 1950.
On November 16, 2006, it was announced that alumnus Jack Cullen had made a gift of $2 million to support construction of new science laboratories and classrooms, as well as the annual school musical.http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20061117/1034419.asp The gift is believed to be the largest gift ever awarded to a Buffalo high school. This gift, along with two other $1 million gifts from alumni, are the foundation for a $12 million capital campaign announced on May 15, 2007.http://www.sjci.com/capital-campaign-announced.php. The campaign seeks to build new science laboratories, an athletic complex, and a new residence for the Christian Brothers on campus, as well as increasing the endowment for financial aid.
Facilities
The campus of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute (SJCI or St. Joes) is located at 845 Kenmore Avenue in the town of TonawandaTonawanda (town), New York
Tonawanda is a town in Erie County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a population of 78,155. The town is at the north border of the county and is the northern suburb of Buffalo...
(near Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
) and rests on 11.9 acres (48,000 m²). There are two buildings on the grounds: the Academic Building and a Field House. The Brothers Residence was torn down last spring and is now the site of the new science center.
Within St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, there are two academic computer labs, a newly updated Computer Graphics Lab in the art wing, and a Music Lab that employs Mac and Windows computers. The library also contains workstations for internet access. The Fine Arts facility includes a fully functioning black-box theatre, band room and sound-proof practice facilities. Athletics are also an integral part of the St. Joe’s experience and students are able to take advantage of both indoor and outdoor facilities. A modern weight room, two gymnasiums, athletic fields and a field house comprise the facilities of the athletic department.
The new Cullen Center for Excellence in science building was finished in fall 2009 and is presently in use. Classes include lab stations for each student and a work area. Smartboards are in each classroom as well
Sports
St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute offers an extensive athletic program consisting of 16 sports, with most sports offering multiple levels of competition. In 2004-2005, St. Joe's won the Supremacy Cup, recognizing St. Joe's for having the top overall athletic program in the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association AA League, the highest level of competition for Catholic high schools in the Buffalo area. St Joe's has achieved this award 31 times in the 58 years of the league's existence. In addition, St. Joe's offers a number of intramural athletic programs and maintains a vocal group of student supporters at their major sports events.The Marauders' main rival is Canisius High School
Canisius High School
Canisius High School is a Roman Catholic Jesuit private high school for young men. Canisius located at 1180 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, New York, United States, just north of the Delaware Avenue Historic District. Founded in 1870, the school has historical ties to Canisius College...
.
The Marauders' and the Crusaders' (Canisius High school) have a certain competitive mindset that can't be found in most places. The will and intensity both these schools have is incredible. The Marauders' have had many recent stars come from the school; such as, Naaman Roosevelt, John Greer and Devon Dawson. The most recent star, Chad Kelly, will graduate in 2012.
Notable alumni
- Jimmy CollinsJimmy CollinsJames Joseph Collins was a Major League Baseball player at the turn of the 20th century who was widely regarded as being the best third baseman prior to Brooks Robinson...
– first player selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame primarily as a third basemanThird basemanA third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run... - Don CriquiDon CriquiDon Criqui is an American sportscaster, currently employed as a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports. Criqui's duties include occasional television coverage of National Football League games, women's and men's college basketball, occasional college football and radio play-by-play of ISP Sports'...
– football commentator for CBS SportsCBS SportsCBS Sports is a division of CBS Broadcasting which airs sporting events on the American television network. Its headquarters are in the CBS Building on West 52nd Street in midtown Manhattan, New York City, with programs produced out of Studio 43 at the CBS Broadcast Center on West 57th Street.CBS...
and the University of Notre DameUniversity of Notre DameThe University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States...
and member of the Pro Football Hall of FamePro Football Hall of FameThe Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees... - James Demske – president, Canisius CollegeCanisius CollegeCanisius College is a private Roman Catholic college in Buffalo, New York, United States. The college was founded in 1870 by members of the Society of Jesus from Germany and is named after St. Peter Canisius. The college is one of 28 institutions in the Association of Jesuit Colleges and...
(1966–1993) - William "Wild Bill" Joseph DonovanWilliam Joseph DonovanWilliam Joseph Donovan was a United States soldier, lawyer and intelligence officer, best remembered as the wartime head of the Office of Strategic Services...
– lawyer, general and founder of the Office of Strategic ServicesOffice of Strategic ServicesThe Office of Strategic Services was a United States intelligence agency formed during World War II. It was the wartime intelligence agency, and it was a predecessor of the Central Intelligence Agency...
, winner of the Congressional Medal of HonorMedal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
, "founder" of the CIA - John J. Hurley – president, Canisius CollegeCanisius CollegeCanisius College is a private Roman Catholic college in Buffalo, New York, United States. The college was founded in 1870 by members of the Society of Jesus from Germany and is named after St. Peter Canisius. The college is one of 28 institutions in the Association of Jesuit Colleges and...
(2009–present) - Jim Malone – head strength & conditioning coach, San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
- Christopher MarkusChristopher MarkusChristopher Markus is an American screenwriter who frequently collaborates with Stephen McFeely.-Filmography:*The Life and Death of Peter Sellers *The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe *You Kill Me...
– Emmy AwardEmmy AwardAn Emmy Award, often referred to simply as the Emmy, is a television production award, similar in nature to the Peabody Awards but more focused on entertainment, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards .A majority of Emmys are presented in various...
-winning screenwriter, best known for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the WardrobeThe Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the WardrobeThe Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a 2005 epic fantasy adventure film directed by Andrew Adamson and based on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the first published and second chronological novel in C. S. Lewis's children's epic fantasy series, The Chronicles of...
and The Life and Death of Peter SellersThe Life and Death of Peter SellersThe Life and Death of Peter Sellers is a 2004 film about the life of English comic actor Peter Sellers, based on Roger Lewis' book of the same name... - Vaughn ParkerVaughn ParkerVaughn Antoine Parker is a former American football offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He played high school football at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, New York where he was named to the All-Western New York and...
– former NFL tackle, San Diego ChargersSan Diego ChargersThe San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and Washington RedskinsWashington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... - Bill PaxonBill PaxonL. William Paxon , known as Bill Paxon, is a lobbyist and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York.-Early life:...
– U.S. RepresentativeUnited States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
, 1989-1999 - Carmen A. PuliafitoCarmen A. PuliafitoCarmen A. Puliafito is the current dean of the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California.Puliafito was appointed dean of the Keck School of Medicine of USC and holder of the May S. and John Hooval Dean’s Chair in Medicine on November 1, 2007...
– dean, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California - James Edward QuigleyJames Edward QuigleyJames Edward Quigley was a Canadian-born prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Buffalo, New York and Archbishop of Chicago .-Biography:...
– Archbishop of Chicago, 1903–1915 - Naaman RooseveltNaaman RooseveltNaaman Roosevelt is an American football wide receiver with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League...
– wide receiver, Buffalo BillsBuffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - Sean RyanSean Ryan (football player)Sean P. Ryan born March 27, 1980) is an American football tight end in the National Football League, and is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Boston College, and at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute...
– tight end, National Football LeagueNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...