As the age-old adage states; “you pick your friends, not your family.” This statement implies that as human beings we really have zero choice when it comes to the family that we are born into. There is simply nothing we can do about what this birthright means to us as we make our way through life. There can be good and there can be challenges in any family. But for those of us who are (proudly) members of a family that we did choose to join, we are most secure in our knowledge that there is nothing better than the Johnnie family! Because one does not simply attend SJU, one is not simply an Alumnus; rather one becomes part of what is a very large, far-reaching and special family. It is the Johnnie family (a.k.a. Nation).
This weekend marks the 2008 edition of Family Weekend at SJU and CSB. For many of the current Johnnies and Bennies this will be the first time that their parents, siblings, grandparents and others who are close and important to them in their (young) lives make the beautiful fall drive to Collegeville. It will be a time for these current students to show their loved ones where they hang out (and avoid showing them where they are not supposed to hang out till they are a bit older!), introduce them to all of their new acquaintances, and show them around campus. And when it is all said and done I am quite sure that those visitors will leave Collegeville agreeing that these current students made a very wise choice. It was a choice that will not just serve them well during their academic careers, but one that will serve them well as they go out into “world” and make their way with the backing of not only their biological family but with the support of their Johnnie family!
Let me tell you about my wise Johnnie family choice. I came to Collegeville with no family or roots in Minnesota, and I was essentially on my own. However, every one of my Johnnie buddies quickly and happily took me home to their families for long weekends, short Holidays and any other times away from SJU. And the family that “adopted” me was that of my roommate and absolute best friend on the planet, Mike Carlson (SJU ‘88). Mike is from Springfield, Minnesota, and I still vividly remember the fist time I accompanied him there. People left their keys in the ignition of their cars when they parked, you could write a check without I.D., and everyone in town knew we were home form SJU! And there was a bar with $.25 pitchers of beer! Of course this was all very surprising to someone who hailed from larger cities! Then you add the unbelievable kindness and pampering that his Mom (Carol Carlson) gave us and this is why, to this day, I count Springfield as my adopted hometown and Carol Carlson as my adopted (with my own Mother passing on some 15 years ago) mom!
I enjoy nothing better than the long weekend a group of us spend out there each Fathers’ Day, being yet again spoiled, pampered, and fed all kinds of delicious homemade items by Mrs. Carlson. Picture a 5 Star hotel with a 5 Star Michelin restaurant and then add a very kind and loving attitude to that…this is what it is like at Carol Carlson’s in Springfield, Minnesota. Mrs. “C” (as we refer to her) is always there for all of us just as if we were her own children. I am so lucky to have someone like this kind, loving, and supportive person there for me. And I am so glad that I chose wisely and decided to come to Collegeville, Minnesota and attend St. John’s University! I can honestly say that this decision was the best one I ever made in my life, and I know that all of you in the Johnnie nation would echo my sentiment. Why? Because we are Johnnies and we are indeed one big and great family. This is how we roll!
To all that attend the 2008 edition of Family Weekend, I say enjoy this time with those you hold close to you — students and family alike. To the current students, be secure in your knowledge that you now have become part of (by making a very wise choice) a large, loyal, supportive, far reaching, and unparalleled new family. This is your Johnnie Family and we are and always will be there for you.
Family Weekend 2008…it’s the Pipers and it is time to yet again JOHNNIE UP!
