Kuemper celebrates Feast of St. Angela with graduates

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
Feb. 7, 2008

CARROLL - On the Feast of St. Angela, Jan. 29, the St. Angela Center of Kuemper Catholic School celebrated 100 years.

The day began with Mass attended by students from the St. Angela Center along with women who graduated from St. Angela Academy. This has been a tradition for the last several years. A reception followed in the school.

"This year is extra special because the cornerstone reads 1908," said John Steffes, director of the Kuemper Catholic School Foundation in Carroll. "This is the 100th anniversary of the building. The school opened in 1909. We are starting a series of centennial events."

Betty (Gute) Pollastrini, St. Angela Academy Class of '51, attended the St. Angela Feast Day event and reunion at Kuemper.

"Everyone was very appreciative of recognizing St. Angela Academy as the foundation for continuing Catholic education in the Carroll area," she said. "We were very impressed with the Kuemper drama students at the reception reflecting on past students and historical events at St. Angela's."

Pollastrini added that it is evident St. Angela graduates are still "very supportive of Catholic education in Carroll."

One hundred years ago, August 1908, Father Kuemper helped lay the cornerstone of the St. Angela building. The cornerstone reads "Domestic Science School." Father Kuemper along with the Franciscan Sisters from La Crosse, Wis., founded the nation's first such school west of the Mississippi River.

The headline of the 1908 Carroll newspaper read: The Cornerstone of the Domestic Science School Laid with Imposing Ceremonies - The Institution to be Dedicated to the Training of Women.

The 1908 article also stated the cornerstone was placed over one of the windows of the foundation of the tower which was to be built to the right of the main entrance.

The branches that were taught in this institution consisted mainly of the following:

- Culinary department - Cooking and the preparations of foods - How to put up a wholesome meal.

- Sewing department - Simple mending - Pattern cutting and sewing new apparel. Crocheting and fine needle work.

- Nursing - Care of the sickroom - Care of contagious diseases.

- Studies - A course suited to the needs of the students will be given to consist mainly of the academic branches.

Father Kuemper addressed the audience in German in which he expressed his thanks for the large attendance present and stated that the institution would be all that was hoped for and that it would prove to be a great blessing in the years to come.

"Father Kuemper's hopes have definitely been realized," said Steffes. "Our Catholic schools have indeed been a great blessing over the many years. We are proud to be good stewards of Father Kuemper's building as we look on today's St. Angela Center with pride. We look forward to keeping our schools strong for another 100 years to continue lighting the way."

He added that they are lucky to be able to still use the original school building.

"It is in great shape and is very up-to-date. It is air conditioned and there are computers everywhere," said Steffes. "The building has a lot of character and charm. We are proud to be actively using it in the system."

The sisters and Father Kuemper agreed to name the new school "St. Angela's" in honor of Angela Merici of Italy. Angela was a pioneering educator in the Middle Ages dedicated to the teaching of girls - something that wasn't done in those days.

"We are truly blessed to have the guiding lamp of St. Angela's for 100 years," said Steffes. "With St. Angela Merici lighting our way for another 100 years, we look forward to a bright future for Kuemper Catholic Schools."

Other celebrations will take place throughout the year. Watch for information about centennial events in 2009 to commemorate the school's first academic year in 1909.