|
By
Joyce O'Connor Davidson
Jack
D. Rehm '54 always knew he wanted to do something special for Holy Cross.
Rehm (pronounced "Ream") and his wife, Cynthia, agreed that naming the
library/chapel, the focal point of Smith Hall and the Center for Religion, Ethics
and Culture, was the opportunity they had been waiting for.
"It struck me that this was the thing for us," Rehm says. "This was special."
The unusual mix of library-like and chapel-like components in the hall is symbolic
of the Center's emphasis on the relationship between intellectual inquiry and
faith. It is somehow appropriate that a religious man, who spent his career in
publishing, would donate $2 million to give this particular
room his family's name.
The Rehm family library/chapel will be a graceful, multifunctional space,
distinguished by a two-story-high ceiling, impressive glass windows and
floor-to-ceiling bookcases. A small chapel with artful glass windows will
frame a view of
the
St. Joseph
Memorial Chapel and the Jesuit cemetery. Although Jesuits have always had
a profound respect for and interest in other cultures and experiences,
there has never been
a designated meeting ground on campus for people from different faith traditions.
This space will fill that void. Reading tables will allow students to use
the
area for study, and the room
can readily be converted to accommodate large lectures.
Stephen C. Ainlay, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College
says, "By design, the Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture will place the
Jesuit mission of Holy Cross at the very center of campus life. The location
of Smith Hall at the vertical and horizontal center of campus, and the wonderful
space of the Rehm room-at once inspirational and functional-will truly make this
possible." Ainlay continues, "The Rehm room provides important and much needed
space. Its flexibility will allow us to sponsor events that range from small
worship opportunities to large plenary addresses. Such space is essential to
meeting our goals for the new building and will provide common ground for those
concerned with the interrelationship of
religion, ethics and culture."
Jack Rehm, who retired as president, chief executive officer, and chairman of
the board of the Meredith Corporation in 1998, currently serves as director.
Meredith Corporation is the publisher of many family-friendly magazines, including
the so-called "seven sisters" publications-among them, Better
Homes & Gardens and Ladies Home Journal; the company also owns
12 television stations. A native of Yonkers, N.Y., Rehm joined Better
Homes & Gardens in
1962 as a member of the advertising sales staff. When he was named president
of Meredith's publishing group in 1980, he moved
to Des Moines, Iowa, Meredith's home headquarters since 1902.
Though he left New York and the East, Jack Rehm never left Holy Cross far behind.
An active alumnus, he is currently serving a second term as a Trustee. In addition
to membership on the President's Council, Rehm has been co-chair
of his class's reunion gift committee for the 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, and 45th
reunions. Three of Jack and Cynthia's four children-Lisabeth '81,
Ann '85 and Jack '88-have graduated from Holy Cross.
According to Rehm, Holy Cross had a greater influence in shaping him than almost
any other force. "During my four years, Holy Cross was a wonderful, exciting
place to be," he says. "It did more for me than anything in my life, besides
my family." And he explains, "Holy Cross needs the support of alumni, trustees
and friends. I wanted to step up and make an example
with my commitment." Rehm notes that his classmate, Park Smith '54, supplied
the major funding for the building and raised the bar for other donors.
While acknowledging that there are many needy, valuable institutions and causes
to support, for Jack Rehm, Holy Cross is at the top of the list. "I wouldn't
make the foolish assumption that it is first priority for everyone," he says, "but
I hope others who really benefited from their experience
feel as I do." He continues, "People may not think the College is in need as
the endowment has grown, but the reality is that Holy Cross is not well endowed
compared to peer institutions. To compete, we need to raise money."
Paul Sheff, vice president for development and alumni relations, says that it
is fitting the library/chapel be named after Rehm. "Jack is dedicated to Holy
Cross. His years of experience at Meredith, talents in business, and love and
passion for Holy Cross, make him an invaluable resource. We are grateful for
his generosity, both of time and resources."
Carol and Park B. Smith Hall illustrates the expansion and growth of the College,
and the Rehm family library/chapel housed within, exemplifies its continuity
of mission.
|
