Strake Jesuit

Frequently Asked Questions

"Everything You Wanted to Know about SJ But Were Afraid to Ask"

What does SJ stand for?
It stands for "Strake Jesuit," the name of our school.

What else does SJ stand for?
It also stands for "Society of Jesus." You'll see these initials after every Jesuit's name.

Why is the school called "Strake Jesuit"?
The school is named for George W. Strake, Sr., whose family were benefactors of the school as well as of many other educational and charitable causes. Mr. Strake helped the school get started.

Why is it called "Jesuit"?
The Jesuits founded the school.

What is a Jesuit?
A Jesuit is a member of the Society of Jesus, a religious order founded by St. Ignatius Loyola in 1540.

Are there different kinds of Jesuits?
Yes. There are Jesuit priests, Jesuit scholastics, and Jesuit brothers.

What is a Jesuit priest?
A Jesuit priest (called "Father") is ordained for sacramental ministry after 12 to 15 years of training.

What is a Jesuit scholastic?
A Jesuit scholastic (called "Mister") is a seminarian still in the process of preparing to be a priest.

What is a Jesuit brother?
A Jesuit brother (called "Brother") is one who is not ordained and whose apostolic work does not include sacramental or priestly ministry.

What makes a Jesuit a member of a religious order?
Members of a religious order take vows or make sacred promises of perpetual poverty, chastity and obedience.

Why were Jesuits called "Blackrobes"?
Jesuits wore a black robe called a cassock that was bound together at the waist by a cincture (belt). For the most part, Jesuits today wear a black shirt with a Roman collar rather than a cassock.

Is it true that the Society of Jesus is the largest religious order of men in the world?
Yes. As of January 2000, there were some 25,000 men on six continents and in 112 countries throughout the world. There are approximately 3,750 Jesuits in the U.S. There are about 16,492 priests, 2,801 brothers and 4,173 scholastics.

Are Jesuits engaged in other types of work besides education?

Yes. Other apostolic works that Jesuits are engaged in are parish ministry, preaching, pastoral ministry in hospitals, spiritual direction, giving retreats, missionary work in foreign countries, the training of diocesan seminarians, writing and publishing, TV and radio ministry, medicine and psychiatry to name a few. There are 380 Jesuit priests and brothers who staff 114 parishes and over 200 Jesuits serve in 26 retreat houses and spiritual centers in the U.S.

Where do these Jesuits work in the U.S.?
Jesuits in the U.S. work in ten regional areas called provinces.

What are the names of these regional areas or provinces?
The ten Jesuit provinces in the U.S. are California, Chicago, Detroit, Maryland, Missouri, New England, New Orleans, New York, Oregon, and Wisconsin.

Is there someone in charge of these provinces?
Yes. Each province is governed by a provincial superior.

What ten states make up the New Orleans Province?
The New Orleans Province includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Who was Ignatius Loyola, S.J.?
Ignatius Loyola, S.J. was a Basque (Spaniard) born of a noble family in 1491. He was the youngest of 11 children.

What did Ignatius do for a living?
He was a nobleman, a soldier and a member of the house or court of the Loyola family.

What brought about Ignatius' founding of the Jesuits?
A serious injury to his leg in battle in 1521 began a period of conversion in his life which eventually led to his starting a new religious order in 1540 called the Society of Jesus.

Why did Ignatius call his order the "Society of Jesus"?
He referred to his co-workers as "companions of Jesus," which led to the official name of the order, the Company or Society of Jesus.

What else do we know about Ignatius?
He became the first Superior General of his order and died on July 31, 1556. The universal Church celebrates his feast day on July 31.

Why did Ignatius Loyola start the Society of Jesus?
The Society of Jesus was founded to strive especially for the defense and propagation of the faith and for the progress of souls in Christian life and doctrine.

How did the early Jesuits go about doing this?
They engaged in public preaching, lectures, giving the Spiritual Exercises, and the administration of the sacraments.

What are the Spiritual Exercises?
The Spiritual Exercises is a book which consists of a set of prayer experiences and reflections designed to be gone through over a period of 30 days under the guidance of a director.

Who originated the Spiritual Exercises?
They were formulated by Ignatius during his period of conversion.

Why does one go through the Spiritual Exercises?
The purpose of the Spiritual Exercises is to help individuals make life decisions and/or to live more serious Christian lives, find their personal life calling or vocation, or discern how to use their gifts or talents to serve God better, to help others, and to find genuine happiness.

How important are the Spiritual Exercises?
They had one of the greatest impacts on the spiritual life of the Church and are considered Ignatius' greatest contribution to the Church.

What is an "Ignatian retreat"?
An Ignatian retreat is one based on the Spiritual Exercises; it invites a person to meditate on the central aspects of Christian faith (creation, sin, forgiveness, calling) and to contemplate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

What does A.M.D.G. stand for?
It stands for the Latin phrase, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which means "For the greater glory of God."

What's so important about A.M.D.G.?
It is the motto of the Jesuits, of the Society of Jesus.

Was the education of youth in what we now call colleges and high schools one of the major reasons for founding the Society of Jesus?
No. The early educational institutions of the Society were intended only for the training of Jesuit scholastics or seminarians.

Why did Ignatius decide to open Jesuit institutions to non-Jesuits?
Pressure from lay people forced Ignatius to rethink the educational goals of the Society; he realized the value of educating leaders for society.

When did the first Jesuit school open for the public?
The first Jesuit school started in 1548 in Messina in Sicily.

How fast did the educational apostolate of the Society grow?
At the time of Ignatius' death in 1556, there were about 1000 Jesuits maintaining about 100 different educational institutions throughout the world.

How many of these were Jesuit high schools?
About 40 of these were secondary schools.

How many Jesuit high schools, colleges and universities are there in the world today?
There are over 160 Jesuit educational institutions around the world. These include primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, seminaries, technical institutes and centers for adult learning.

How many Jesuit colleges/universities and high schools are there in the U.S. today?
There are 28 colleges and universities and 46 Jesuit high schools in the continental U.S. and one in Puerto Rico.

When did the first Jesuit school open in the United States?
The first Jesuit school to open in the U.S. was Georgetown University in Washington, DC, in 1789.

What are the names of the Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. today?
Listed alphabetically with the date they were founded and the city in which they are located, they are:

Boston College (1863), Chestnut Hill, MA
Canisius College (1870), Buffalo, NY
College of the Holy Cross (1843), Worcester, MA
Creighton University (1878), Omaha, NE
Fairfield University (1942), Fairfield, CT
Fordham University (1841), Bronx, NY
Georgetown University (1789), Washington, DC
Gonzaga University (1887), Spokane, WA
John Carroll University (1886), Cleveland, OH
Le Moyne College (1946), Syracuse, NY
Loyola College in Maryland (1852), Baltimore, MD
Loyola Marymount University (1911), Los Angeles, CA
Loyola University (1912), New Orleans, LA
Loyola University Chicago (1870), Chicago, IL

Marquette University (1881), Milwaukee, WI
Regis University (1877), Denver, CO
Rockhurst College (1910), Kansas City, MO
St. Joseph's University (1851), Philadelphia, PA
St. Louis University (1818), St. Louis, MO
St. Peter's College (1872), Jersey City, NJ
Santa Clara University (1851), Santa Clara, CA
Seattle University (1891), Seattle, WA
Spring Hill College (1830), Mobile, AL
University of Detroit Mercy (1877), Detroit, MI
University of San Francisco (1855), San Francisco, CA
University of Scranton (1888), Scranton, PA
Wheeling Jesuit College (1954), Wheeling, WV
Xavier University (1841), Cincinnati, OH

When did the first Jesuit high school start in the U.S.?
Georgetown Preparatory School was connected with the University when it started and was the first Jesuit secondary school in the U.S.

How many Jesuit schools are there in the New Orleans Province?
There are four high schools and two institutions of higher education.

What are the two institutions of higher education?
Loyola University in New Orleans and Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.

When did Strake Jesuit begin?
The first freshman class was admitted in the fall of 1961. (The school was founded in 1960.)

Where are the other Jesuit high schools of the New Orleans Province located, and when did they open?
Jesuit High School of New Orleans in 1847; Jesuit High School of Tampa, Florida in 1899; Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas in 1942.

What are the names of the remaining Jesuit high schools that are located in the United States?
Listed alphabetically with the date they were founded and city in which they are located, they are:

Belen Jesuit Preparatory School (1854), Miami, FL
Bellarmine College Preparatory (1851), San Jose, CA
Bellarmine Preparatory School (1928), Tacoma, WA
Boston College High School (1863), Dorchester, MA
Brebeuf Preparatory School (1962), Indianapolis, IN
Brophy College Preparatory (1928), Phoenix, AZ
Canisius High School (1870), Buffalo, NY
Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola (1952),Rio Piedra, Puerto Rico
Cheverus High School (1917), Portland, ME
Creighton Preparatory School (1878), Omaha, NE
Cristo Rey High School (1996),Chicago, IL
De Smet Jesuit High School (1967), St. Louis, MO
Fairfield College Preparatory School (1942), Fairfield, CT
Fordham Preparatory School (1841), Bronx, NY
Georgetown Preparatory School (1789), Rockville, MD
Gonzaga College High School (1821), Washington, DC
Gonzaga Preparatory High School (1887), Spokane, WA
Jesuit High School (1956), Portland, OR
Jesuit High School (1963), Sacramento, CA
Loyola Academy (1909), Wilmette, IL
Loyola Academy (1993), Detroit, MI
Loyola High School Blakefield (1852), Towson, MD

Loyola High School of Los Angeles (1865), CA
Loyola School (1900), New York, NY
Marquette University High School (1857), Milwaukee, WI
McQuaid Jesuit High School (1954), Rochester, NY
Red Cloud Indian School (1937), Pine Ridge, SD
Regis High School (1914), New York, NY
Regis Jesuit High School (1877), Aurora, CO
Rockhurst High School (1914), Kansas City, MO
St. Ignatius College Prep (1870), Chicago, IL
St. Ignatius College Preparatory (1855), San Francisco, CA
St. Ignatius High School (1886), Cleveland, OH
St. John's High School (1965), Toledo, OH
St. Joseph's Preparatory School (1851), Philadelphia, PA
St. Louis University High School (1818), St. Louis, MO
St. Peter's Preparatory School (1878), Jersey City, NJ
St. Xavier High School (1831), Cincinnati, OH
Scranton Preparatory School (1944), Scranton, PA
Seattle Preparatory School (1891), Seattle, WA
University of Detroit Jesuit H. S. & Academy (1877), Detroit, MI
Walsh Jesuit High School (1965), Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Xavier High School (1847), New York, NY

Who was the first president of Strake Jesuit?
Fr. Michael Kennelly, S.J. was the one who founded Strake Jesuit and became its first president.

Who were subsequent presidents of Strake Jesuit?
Fr. Michael Alchediak, S.J.
Fr. Edgar Maresma, S.J.
Fr. Brian Zinnamon, S.J.

Are there pictures of the former presidents on campus?
Yes. Their pictures can be found in the school library.

Who is the current president?
Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, S.J.

Who were the original priests that founded the school?
Fr. Michael Kennelly, SJ
Fr. Edward (Bubba) Coles, SJ
Fr. Donald Bahlinger, SJ
Fr. Warren Baker, SJ
Fr. Jaques Webre, SJ

How many former principals of Strake Jesuit have there been?
Nine. They are listed in chronological order:

Fr. Edward (Bubba) Coles, S.J.
Fr. C. Vincent Sykes, S.J.
Fr. John T. Walsh, S.J.
Fr. Michael Alchediak, S.J.
Fr. Donald Bahlinger, S.J.

Fr. Phillip Postell, S.J.
Fr. Albert Louapre, S.J.
Fr. Vincent Orlando, S.J.
Fr. William Huete, S.J.

Who is the current principal?
Mr. Richard Nevle

Does the school have a patron saint?
Yes. St. Stanislaus Kostka, S.J.

Who was Stanislaus Kostka, S.J.?
He was a Polish teenager who joined the Society of Jesus in 1567 at the age of 17, contrary to the wishes of his parents and after overcoming other obstacles.

What's so great about Stanislaus?
He led a very holy life, even prior to becoming a Jesuit. He died as a novice less than a year after entering the Society and before he could pronounce his vows.

Is there any memorial to St. Stanislaus at the school?
Yes. There is a statue of him on campus.

Are there other Jesuit saints?
Yes, there are 42 canonized Jesuit saints and 137 other Jesuits who have been declared blessed, the first step to sainthood. The following is a list of most of them according to the order of their canonization:

Ignatius of Loyola, S.J.
Francis Xavier, S.J.
Francis Borgia, S.J.
Stanislaus Kotska, S.J.
Aloysius Gonzaga, S.J.
John Francis Regis, S.J.
Francis Jerome, S.J.
Paul Miki, S.J.
John Soan de Goto, S.J.
James Kisai, S.J.
Alphonsus Rodriguez, S.J.
John Berchmans, S.J.
Peter Claver, S.J.
Peter Canisius, S.J.
Robert Bellarmine, S.J.
Rene Goupil, S.J.
Isaac Jogues, S.J.
John de la Lande, S.J.
Anthony Daniel, S.J.
John de Brebeuf, S.J.

Gabriel Lalemant, S.J.
Charles Garnier, S.J.
Noel Chabanal, S.J.
Andrew Bobola, S.J.
Bernardine Realino, S.J.
John de Brito, S.J.
John Pignatelli, S.J.
Alexander Briant, S.J.
Edmund Campion, S.J.
Robert Southwell, S.J.
Henry Walpole, S.J.
Nicholas Owen, S.J.
Thomas Garnet, S.J.
Edmund Arrowslith, S.J.
Henry Morse, S.J.
Philip Evans, S.J.
David Lewis, S.J.
John Ogilvie, S.J.
Claude de la Colombiere, S.J.

Who was Robert Southwell, S.J.? [pronounced Suh-thel ]
He was an English Jesuit, a poet too, who suffered martyrdom in England in 1595 for his profession and promotion of the Catholic faith during the anti-Catholic reign of Elizabeth I.

Why is Robert Southwell, S.J. so important for us at Strake Jesuit?
The school's drama society, the Southwell Players, is named after him, and his picture hangs in the foyer of the theater.

Do the Jesuits have a set of goals and objectives for their educational institutions?
Yes. These were originally described in a document called the Ratio Studiorum (or a "Plan of Studies").

What's so important about the Ratio Studiorum?
It provided a plan, an order or outline of studies from the early grades through college, and a method for Jesuit educators to follow in their educational endeavors.

Is the Ratio still in effect today?
Yes, much of it still is. The educational theory of the Ratio still affects teaching in a Jesuit school today.

What are some of the important characteristics of Jesuit education?
Among such characteristics are

a personal concern for students,
a focus on the humanities
teaching techniques involving the prelection and repetition of subject matter
active student involvement in the learning process
an emphasis on the magis
and on metanoia.

What does the word magis mean?
Magis is a Latin word meaning "more."

How does the word magis fit into Jesuit education?
The magis focuses on the greater good, the more courageous response to the challenge of the times, referring not only to academics but also to action.

What indication of the magis is there at Strake Jesuit?
One indication of the magis is the fact that the school requires a certain amount of participation in community service activities as part of the graduation requirements.

What does the word metanoia mean?
Metanoia is a Greek word meaning "conversion."

What's so important about metanoia?
Spiritual conversion is one of the key aspects of the Spiritual Exercises.

How does "conversion" fit into the program at Strake Jesuit?
Since so much of the Jesuit goals and objectives of education are based on the Spiritual Exercises, bringing about a change in students (maturity, social, intellectual, spiritual) is one of the important aspects of Jesuit education.

Who is the present Superior General of the Jesuits?
His name is Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. He was elected General in 1983, and he resides in Rome.

Who were the other Superior Generals of the 20th century?
They are in chronological order:

Luis Martín, S.J.
Franz-Xavier Wernz, S.J.
Wladimir D. Ledóchowski, S.J.
Jean Baptiste Janssens, S.J.
Pedro Arrupe, S.J.

Where are the headquarters of the Society of Jesus?
The international office is in Rome, Italy. The national office in the U.S. is in Washington, DC.

Is there an organization and network of Jesuit high schools in the U.S.?
Yes, the Jesuit Secondary Education Association (JSEA) is an organization serving the needs of Jesuit high schools.

Is there a similar organization for Jesuit colleges and universities?
Yes. The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) serves the needs of these institutions.

Where are the offices of the JSEA and AJCU located?
Both organizations are located in Washington, DC.

Where can we find today the vision of Ignatius Loyola for Jesuit schools?
In 1986 the International Commission on the Apostolate of Jesuit Education published the document, Go Forth and Teach: the Characteristics of Jesuit Education.

What's so important about this document?
It lists 28 characteristics of Jesuit education which give administrators and teachers in a Jesuit school a common vision and a common sense of purpose.

Is there any connection between the Characteristics document and the Ratio Studiorum?
Yes. The Characteristics document is an outgrowth of the Ratio Studiorum and contains many of its educational principles.

Are Jesuit schools part of the local diocesan educational system?
Jesuit schools are private, independent schools. However, they work in close collaboration with the diocesan system.

Do all Jesuit schools charge tuition?
All but one Jesuit school charges tuition.

You mean there is one Jesuit school that is completely free?
Yes. There is only one completely endowed Jesuit high school in the U.S., Regis High School in New York City.

Why do Jesuit schools have to charge tuition?
Jesuit schools are compelled to charge tuition since they receive no subsidies from diocesan, federal or state sources.

Then how can Jesuit schools continue to operate?
The generosity of many benefactors who believe in Jesuit education and support it allows Jesuit schools to continue to function.

Are there any coed Jesuit schools?
Although all Jesuit schools were originally founded for the education of young men, today all the Jesuit colleges and universities are open to both men and women. An increasing number of Jesuit high schools are coed (thirteen):

Bellarmine Preparatory School (1928), Tacoma, WA
Brebeuf Preparatory School (1962), Indianapolis, IN
Cristo Rey High School (1996), Chicago, IL
Gonzaga Preparatory High School (1887), Spokane, WA
Jesuit high School (1956), Portland, OR
Loyola Academy (1909), Wilmette, IL
Loyola School (1900), New York, NY

Red Cloud Indian School (1937), Pine Ridge, SD
St. Ignatius College Prep (1870), Chicago, IL
St. Ignatius College Preparatory (1855), San Francisco, CA
Scranton Preparatory School (1944), Scranton, PA
Seattle Preparatory School (1891), Seattle, WA
Walsh Jesuit High School (1965), Cuyahoga Falls, OH

What about Jesuit high schools in our province?
The four Jesuit high schools in the New Orleans Province are still for young men only.

Are all Jesuit high schools college preparatory?
Yes. Jesuit schools help to prepare their students for entrance into college and strongly adhere to the mission of preparing leaders for tomorrow.

Do Jesuit high schools focus only on academic excellence?
No. They strive to go beyond mere academic excellence through the formation of the whole person: intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, morally and spiritually.

Are Jesuit high schools Catholic schools?
By all means. However, they do welcome individuals of other faiths who qualify for admission.

Why do Jesuit schools teach theology?
They believe that as Catholic schools they have a mission to continue the religious education of their Catholic students and to strengthen the faith of those who are not Catholic.

Are there other programs that foster the religious and spiritual development of their students?
Yes, Jesuit schools have pastoral programs that include school Masses, retreats, and common prayers.

Why do Jesuit schools demand a certain number of hours of community service?
Jesuit schools believe in developing "men and women for others," individuals who recognize the needs of others and are willing to volunteer their services to help those less fortunate than they.

All the things that are said about Jesuit schools, do these all apply to Strake Jesuit?
Yes, by all means.

What does Strake Jesuit expect of its graduates?
A Strake Jesuit graduate should be one who is "open to growth," "intellectually competent," "religious," "loving," and "committed to doing justice."

Where can I find a fuller explanation of these goals or qualities?
A more thorough explanation can be found in the Community Life booklet.

What is the school's nickname or mascot?
The Crusaders.

Why is Strake Jesuit known as the "Crusaders"?
The first football coach, Charles Zielinski, was a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, whose nickname is the Crusaders.

What is a "Crusader"?
A "Crusader" was a European Christian who participated in the medieval expeditions to reclaim the Holy Land from the Moslems. In general, a "crusader" is one who pursues a particular cause with zeal and enthusiasm.

Does Strake Jesuit have a school flag?
Yes. Fr. J.B. Leininger, S.J. designed the school flag. The flag has a white chevron pointing to the right with a red crusader cross in the open end on a dark green field.

What are the school colors of Strake Jesuit?
Forest green and white.

Why were these colors chosen?
It seems that other Catholic schools in the area had already used color combinations that might have been considered. Although purple and white were proposed and ultimately rejected, it seems that the fact that green and white were not common school colors in the area and that the founding Jesuit was Irish decided the issue.

Is there such a thing as a school seal?
Yes. The seal is rich in symbolism.

Who was the first Strake Jesuit graduate to play a professional sport?
Eric Mullins (1980) played one year each with the Houston Oilers and the San Diego Chargers.

Did any Strake Jesuit graduate ever become an NCAA All-American?
Yes. Mike Novelli (1975), a graduate of Rice University and Cambridge University in England, was an NCAA All-American distance runner.

Have there been graduates of other Jesuit schools of some national prominence?
Yes. Here are a few individuals:

Alan Alda	actor and TV star of M.A.S.H. Fordham University
Pearl Bailey	singer and entertainer Georgetown University
William Bennett	former U.S. Secretary of Education Gonzaga College High School in Washington D.C.
William Peter Blatty	author Georgetown University
John Bourgeois	director of the U.S. President's Marine Corps Band Jesuit High School in New Orleans
Jerry Brown	former governor of California St. Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco
Thomas L. Clancy, Jr.	author Loyola College in Maryland
Will Clark	baseball player with the San Franciso Giants and Texas Rangers Jesuit High School in New Orleans
Bill Clinton	President of the United States Georgetown University
David Cone	baseball player with the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays Rockhurst High School
Harry Connick, Jr.	singer and entertainer Jesuit High School in New Orleans
Bob Denver	TV star of Gilligan's Island Loyola Marymount University
Patrick Ewing	NBA star of the New York Knicks Georgetown University
Thomas Foley	former U.S. Speaker of the House Gonzaga University
Doug Flutie	CFL football player Boston College
Mike Holovak	former General Manager of the Houston Oilers Boston College
Elmore Leonard	mystery writer University of Detroit Jesuit High School and University of Detroit Mercy
Dave Magadan	baseball player with the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Florida Marlins and Houston Astros Jesuit High School in Tampa
Jim McKay	sports announcer Loyola College in Maryland
Bill Murray	TV and movie actor Loyola Academy in Wilmette and Regis University
Bob Newhart	TV actor and comedian Loyola University Chicago
Joe Paterno	head coach of Penn State University Brooklyn Prep (recently closed)
Rich Petitbon	former coach of the Washington Redskins Jesuit High School in New Orleans
Lou Pinella	manager of the Seattle Mariners Jesuit High School in Tampa
Antonio Scalia	Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Xavier High School in New York
Don Schula	former head coach of the Miami Dolphins John Carroll University
Vince Scully	sports announcer Fordham University
Rusty Staub	former major league baseball player for the Houston Astros and radio announcer for the New York Mets Jesuit High School in New Orleans
Clarence Thomas	Justice of the United States Supreme Court College of the Holy Cross
Daniel L. Travanti	TV star of Hill Street Blues Loyola Marymount University
Denzel Washington	actor Fordham University

Have there been Jesuits who have been noted in history for some specific accomplishment?
Yes. Here are just a few names:

Christopher Clavius, S.J.	one of the most brilliant mathematicians and astronomers of the 16th century and one of the principal collaborators in the Gregorian Calendar reform (our modern 12-month calendar).
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J.	famous French paleontologist, anthropologist and cosmic adventurer of the 20th century.
Peter De Smet, S.J.	missionary among native Americans in the mid-West and friend of Sitting Bull.
Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J.	famous English poet of the 19th century.
Eusebio Kino, S.J.	one of the original explorers of the far West of the U.S.
Daniel Lord, S.J.	musician, actor, author, noted for his work among teenagers and with the Sodality (Christian Life Community).
Jacques Marquette, S.J.	discoverer and early explorer of the Mississippi River.
Joseph T. O'Callaghan, S.J.	U.S. Navy Chaplain who received the highest award (Congressional Medal of Honor) in 1945 for heroism in combat during World War II.
Miguel Pro, S.J.	who surreptiously spread the gospel in Mexico in the early part of this century until he was captured and shot by a firing squad; he has recently been beatified by the Church.
Karl Rahner, S.J.	noted German theologian of the 20th century.
Matteo Ricci, S.J.	one of the first missionaries to China, a noted mathematician.
Andrew White, S.J.	provided the leadership in starting the English colony of Maryland in 1634.

Are there any Jesuits whose statues are part of the Statuary Hall in the Capitol in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, there are two: the statue of Fr. Jacques Marquette, S.J. represents the State of Wisconsin; and the statue of Fr. Eusebio Kino, S.J. represents the State of Arizona.

How large is Strake Jesuit's campus?
The campus consists of 44 acres and 17 buildings.

Why are there names on various buildings and areas around the school campus?

The Hugh Hamilton Memorial Administration Building honors a Houston pioneer and was a gift of his daughter, Mae Hamilton Pollock.
The Susan Kehoe Strake Hall (the 200 classroom building) was named to honor the wife of George W. Strake, Sr. Seven of their grandsons graduated from Strake Jesuit: Trey '78, Steve '79 and Greg '85 Strake and Bob '72, Brian '74, David '78, and Dan '81 Parsley.
The Isabell Cameron Hall (the 300 classroom building) honors Isabell Cameron and is dedicated to her memory by the Harry S. and Isabell C. Cameron Foundation. Harry Cameron was a leading Houston business man.
The Kamel Commons (the foyer between the 200 and 300 classroom buildings) is named in memory of Ronald V. Kamel, the brother of Strake Jesuit graduate, Steve Kamel ('74), by the A. G. Kamel Family.
Hampil Hall (the science or 400 building) honors Dr. Bettylee Hampil, a dedicated virology research scientist who devoted her life to improving the health as well as the minds and souls of others.
Moran Hall (the 600 classroom building with faculty offices and counseling complex) is named for William T. and Louise J. Moran, the grandparents of Strake Jesuit graduate, Pat Moran ('66).
The Elvin M. Smith Memorial Student Union/Gymnasium Building honors this long-time Houston business man in the oil industry.
The W. L. Moody Memorial Library was financed largely by the Moody Foundation of Houston and is named in honor of William L. Moody, who contributed generously to projects in Texas.
The Kiesling Collection represents gifts of books and artifacts from Mr. Justin A. Kiesling, a long-time friend and benefactor of the school. This collection includes 4575 volumes, 7936 musical records and 17 art prints. The Kiesling Collection is located in the library
The Strake Room, located in the library foyer houses personal items and memorabilia from Mr. George W. Strake, Sr. for whom the school is named.
The Jesuit Alumni of Houston Memorial Cafeteria Building honors local alumni of other Jesuit institutions who assisted Fr. Michael Kennelly, S.J., financially and otherwise, in establishing Strake Jesuit.
The Johnny Keane Memorial Field House is named after the former baseball manager of the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals (1964) and the New York Yankees. He was a Houston Catholic dedicated to youth.
The Fr. Michael Alchediak Field (the stadium field) honors the former principal and president of Strake Jesuit who was highly instrumental in achieving the academic and financial success that the school currently enjoys.
The Seymour Lieberman Track was donated by Bill Williams at the Annual Capon Dinner in 1974. Seymour Lieberman, a graduate of Loyola University in Chicago, was a track enthusiast who also has the 3-mile exertrail in Memorial Park named after him.
The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Music Facility, named after the well-known Houston philantropists, is adjacent to a 982 seat auditorium.

Are there any other interesting facts to know about the auditorium?

Yes. There are five boxes of soil buried under the thrust of the stage. The first box contains soil from the garden of the martyred Jesuits of El Salvador; the second is from the roadside where Rutilio Grande, S.J. was martyred; the third, is from the garden of the hospital where the internal organs of Bishop Oscar Romero were buried. The fourth is from the garden of Gethsemane, and the fifth is from Loyola, Spain, where St. Ignatius was born.

Finally, does the school have an art museum?
Yes. It is called the Strake Jesuit Art Museum, and it has a collection of over 250 art pieces displayed throughout the campus.

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