Check Out Our Displays!

Over Spring Break I took the opportunity to freshen up the Reading Room by adding two NEW displays for the second half of the spring semester.

In the larger flat display case are artifacts and photographs celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Interlude, USF’s first student publication. It began in 1925 when the school was Assisi Junior College and continued as the school newspaper until 1969. Article topics included: social activities, curriculum and staff changes, musical events, graduations, and wedding announcements. Each issue also advertised local Joliet businesses.

After the merger-demerger of CSF and Lewis College (1970-1973), a new publication was created and we know it as the Encounter, today.  The display includes a photograph of students working on the Interlude in 1956, as well as, a red cap from the Theta Chi Sigma sorority (ca. 1953). The sorority was a prominent group on campus and featured frequently during the 1930s-1950s.

The displayed issue of the Interlude is Volume 27 Number 12, from May 27, 1955. 
This issue celebrated the graduating class of 1955, making 2015 the 60th anniversary.
The second display pays tribute to a man who shaped the athletic programs at the University of St. Francis. Coach Gordon “Gordie” Gillespie (1926-2015) passed away at the end of February at the age of 88. 


He spent 25 years of his coaching career as head baseball coach at University of St. Francis. Gillespie also served as the school's director of athletics (1976-1986), athletic chairman (1986-1995), head football coach (1986-1993) and head women's basketball coach (1976-1977).

Featured photographs include: Gordie’s Run (1981), Gillespie Stadium Day
(July 22, 1984), and Coach Gillespie with students (1976)

Gillespie amassed 2,402 victories in four sports. He retired from St. Francis following the 2011 campaign as the winningest coach in college baseball at any level with 1,893 victories. He held the mark until University of Texas' Augie Garrido surpassed him in 2014.

Make sure you come by and take an up-close look at both displays next time you’re in the library.  



Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 22, 2015 at 2:44 PM

    Very interesting. So nice to see the blog updated on a regular basis.

    ReplyDelete

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