Virgil Michel Fellows Society Medallions

XVI.  Monastic Cemetery – Gifts of $5,000-$6,499

(Designed by Cloud Meinberg OSB & Frank Kacmarcik OSB)  A tree-lined path leads visitors from Lake Sagatagan to the monastic cemetery on a bluff above the Watab.  With a view of both lakes, the crucifix shown in the medallion overlooks the final resting place of past abbots and other dedicated Benedictines who carved Saint John’s from the frontier and whose leadership has made this great institution possible.

(Raphael Knapp OSB, 1891; renovated 1923 & 1984; moved and renovated 1992; on National Historic Register)  Saint Joseph Hall served as the bunkhouse for unmarried lay workmen until the 1950s and is now an undergraduate residence.  The lower level of Joe Hall is home to the Saint John’s Pottery Program (established 1979), directed by master-potter Richard Bresnahan.  

(Vincent Schiffrer OSB & Gregory Steil OSB, 1868-1883; multiple renovations 1891-present; on National Historic Register)  The Quadrangle was built in stages out of bricks made by hand and fired on the grounds.  When finished, it was the largest educational building west of the Mississippi.  The initials IOGD set into the west tower using yellow brick stand for the Latin phrase: In omnibus glorificetur Deus—that God may be glorified in all things.