April 2022

My dear readers,

As I penned my February piece recounting the Keefe Armor’s “travels,” I realized rather wistfully that I had not taken a vacation of my own in far too long. In fact, I’ve been corresponding reliably with you via this column since the autumn of 2006!

 It also occurred to me that part of our college’s mission is to promote whole-person development by cultivating practices of study, reflection, prayer, wellness, play and action. I dare say this philosophy should apply to presidents emeriti as well as to our students, faculty and staff! Therefore, to lead by example, I am going on holiday to relax, contemplate, pray and perhaps visit a new destination or two.

In the meantime, I’ve consulted my archives and selected a classic piece from 2012 that you’re sure to enjoy. Now, if you don’t mind, I have a suitcase to pack!

Question:

Dear Abbot Pennings,

When was the first St. Norbert College Magazine published?

Brett Buboltz ’08

Answer:

My dearest Brett,

Thank you most kindly for writing. I rejoice on receiving a new copy of the magazine and am glad to know I am not alone. Given my long tenure at the college, I’m particularly struck by how modern the magazine has become! Peruse the covers of our current magazine’s predecessors and I think you’ll agree.

In my recollection, the earliest publication resembling an alumni magazine was called Panorama. It first hit the press in 1955 and was produced rather sporadically until 1966. Some years it was produced quarterly, and other years only biannually. One year’s issues might be named for the season of publication; the next year’s would be named for the month.

Knight Life took the place of Panorama in 1967 and ran for 34 years. Its publication schedule was not much more consistent, but the editors did steadfastly name issues for the seasons – a convention followed ever since.

In 2002, the present-day St. Norbert College Magazine appeared, giving quite a facelift to St. Norbert College news. It ran as a quarterly magazine until 2008. Since then, the office of communications has added an online edition with web-exclusive multimedia features, and now publishes three times a year in both print and online editions. This e-newsletter, through means of which I am privileged to connect with so many of you, was added to the mix in 2006.

Taken as a whole, these publications represent 56 years [now 67!] of college news, granting generations of alumni the opportunity to enjoy the change ever afoot at St. Norbert. It’s one of many proud traditions that bind our worldwide community together in a truly Norbertine spirit of communio.

Responses to “Ask the Abbot” questions are penned by St. Norbert College staff in the name of Abbot Bernard Pennings, who founded St. Norbert College in 1898.