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University of St. Francis converts convent

JOLIET—Students at University of St. Francis in Joliet recently moved into new living quarters within the renovated motherhouse in the center of the campus.

The nearly completed $20 million renovation project is part of the university’s 15-year master plan. Built in 1881, the structure was previously home to the university’s founders, the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate.

Among the numerous renovation projects within the historic building, the St. Joseph Chapel has been updated with paint and air conditioning and its rededicated was scheduled for Sept. 5, according to Larry Burich, executive director of operations for the university. A meditation space for people from other faith traditions is planned to be constructed near the chapel as well. University ministry offices are also in the process of being constructed near the chapel, he added.

A new dining hall, dubbed the Three Oaks Bistro, is being constructed in the lower level, along with a student center with pool tables and other amenities. Burich estimated that the construction will be completed by the end of September.

“I can’t wait for that,” said senior Jeff Foster, reflecting on the recreational amenities that will be located on the ground floor. The 21-year-old parks and recreation major recently moved into the residence hall in the upper portion of the building. “They’ve transformed it quite a bit,” said the member of St. Walter Parish in Roselle, commenting on the renovation of the building.

Changes are afoot at Bishop McNamara

KANKAKEE—This season, the varsity football team of Kankakee’s Bishop McNamara High School is moving into a lower classification bracket. The change is due to reshuffling of classifications made by the Illinois High School Association.

The move is expected to change the Fightin’ Irish from Class 5A to Class 4A, according to Rich Zinanni, head football coach and school athletic director.

“It will give us a better shot,” Zinanni told the Catholic Explorer Aug. 27. “We’ll be playing smaller schools in the playoffs.”

Other changes are in the works off the field at Bishop McNamara High School. Thirteen laptop computers have been purchased for the science laboratory, according to Jim Frogge, the tech coordinator and science department chair. The possibilities for scientific analysis and experimentation with the new technology are “really exciting,” he told the Explorer.

In the coming weeks, the students will also be invited to bring their own laptops to be utilized during class periods, added Frogge.