There is a famous story that Bro. Godfrey Vassallo, C.S.C. (“B.G.” to generations of admiring students and colleagues), led Physics Club students in digging out a basement for Engineering (Shiley) Hall on weekends in 1949. On weekdays, he was a physics professor at the front of the classroom. Holy Cross Brothers have long been the center-stage and background backbone for UP as teachers, administrators, farm workers, steam plant operators, book store managers, librarians, and archivists (to name just a few). All have contributed to the University’s mission while living out their religious vows. Under the patronage of St. Joseph, Holy Cross brothers are part of the Holy Cross Family (priest, brothers, sisters) envisioned by their founder, Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C., and modeled after the Holy Family. The first floor display case of Buckley Center (across from the studies abroad office) highlights pictures and statistics from the University Museum featuring the Holy Cross Brothers, their UP affiliation, and their years of service. A portion of the display focuses on St. Andre Bessette, C.S.C., the first Holy Cross saint, a Brother of Holy Cross. This display will be in place through the month of February.
Contact Carolyn Connolly, museum coordinator, at piatz@up.edu, or x8038 for more information.