THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 15 | NOVEMBER 15, 2019
HAYDEN PARKS/UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY
University of Saint Mary president Sister Diane Steele, SCL, and Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher are pictured together after a ceremony to bless the renovated and newly renamed Keleher Learning Commons on Nov. 10. The space was formerly called the DePaul Library.
Archbishop Emeritus honored by University of St. Mary Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven
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EAVENWORTH — University of Saint Mary staff, faculty, students, donors and members of the board of trustees gathered here in the newly renovated Keleher Learning Commons, formerly DePaul Library, Nov. 10 to witness its namesake, Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher, bless the space in a special ceremony. It was named after the archbishop in recognition of his many years of friendship and commitment to the university, said Sister Diane Steele, USM president. “Someone asked me why our picture of the archbishop is not in his formal regalia, with his formal red or his miter,” said Sister Diane. “I said, ‘Oh no. That’s not our Arch Jim. . . . Our Arch Jim is the one who makes our students feel comfortable, loved and cared for. Our Arch Jim is our shepherd. “And so, Arch Jim, thank you. Thank you for being here for our students and for each of us.” Archbishop Keleher said the honor was a surprise — and a bit humbling. “I thought it was a bit much,” he said. “I didn’t feel I deserved it.” But he had to admit he had a heart for education. “I’ve always been attracted to teaching. I involve >> See “USM” on page 5
HAYDEN PARKS/UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY
Danielle Dion, vice president for the Keleher Learning Commons and student development, shares the vision of the renovated space with students, alumni, donors and other guests.