Nelson Duerson had no clue what his future held beyond high school until a representative from a newer college, St. Joe Indy came to his school. He is now in his second year toward earning an associate’s degree in social work at St. Joe Indy. “It was a blessing most definitely… if not for St. Joe, I honestly don’t know where I would’ve gone,” Duerson said.

Saint Joseph College of Marian University is a two-year college where students can earn their associate’s degree. Known by locals as St. Joe Indy, created as a collaboration between Saint Joseph College and Marian University.

The original Saint Joseph College was a four-year school in Rensselaer, Indiana, and was known for its strong liberal arts foundation. The school faced a series of hardships, with enrollment declining and their finances dwindling, leading to the school’s board of trustees suspending operations after the 2016-2017 school year According to Journal & Courier.

Plans were announced the next year, to open a new junior college in Indianapolis with the help of Marian University. This new school would offer a focused curriculum for students looking to earn their associate’s degree According to South Bend Tribune.

Students ranging from all backgrounds and year levels were able to discuss why they chose St. Joe Indy and openly spoke about their experience.

Many of the responses praised the college for what they were doing. They enjoyed the close-knit community feeling it offered, even if there wasn’t much of a “campus.” Jada Fox, a sophomore studying business who is also a student orientation leader, said “my first day there felt like home.” Fox enjoys the comfortable atmosphere that her peers and professors have and believes that the support systems in place help her succeed. Fox is taking time to explore her future options but knows the faculty of St. Joe Indy will be there to support her in any endeavors.

The school was built where the Temple of Christ Church used to be. The facility received interior renovations to accommodate classrooms and bring in technology that helps students prepare for modern careers. Parts of the chapel remain intact for both religious purposes and to preserve the history of the building.

Hosting three levels, the basement offers classrooms and a small dining area where students have access to cooking appliances, vending machines, and a food pantry for those in need. It also has dedicated rooms where K-12 teachers hold online classes. The ground floor is primarily where students commune for classes and socializing. Students have access to professor’s offices where they can receive further help or plan for their future. The top floor is used for Marian’s Adult Program (MAP), where people with full-time jobs or families can still earn a degree on their time.

St. Joseph College of Marian University formally opened in the fall of 2019. Small class sizes ensured the college could fulfill its mission: providing a community with support systems and professional opportunities that help students be successful. With St. Joe’s liberal art core classes and Marian’s Franciscan values, students would be prepared to begin their venture into the professional world.

St. Joe Indy’s most unique feature is their Earn and Learn program, where second-year students have the opportunity to be placed in a paid internship while still completing classes. Some companies the college has partnered with include One America bank, CNO Financial Group, and Citizens Energy Group.

Professors and advisors work with students to create a flexible schedule that can accommodate education and jobs, even if the students are not a part of the program.

Students like Oscar Gonzalez, a sophomore studying Business Management, plan to use what he learns to help grow his entrepreneurship. He currently runs a lawn and landscaping business and hopes to grow it with a merger alongside his family’s construction company. Before graduation, he is excited to learn about topics like administrating money, professionalism, and marketing. He is confident that putting in the effort and paying attention are the keys to his success at St. Joe Indy.

The college has been open for three years now and has seen much success. An increase in enrollment and the addition of new courses offer promising growth for the college. Students have graduated with their associate’s degree, with some choosing to transfer to Marian University’s main campus and others heading into their career. On paper, the young college is making leaps and bounds with talks of sister colleges being opened up around the state. The true test, however, of a college’s success is from the perspective of the students.

“The teachers, they care… That’s what means a lot,” said Duerson, regarding the professors. St. Joe Indy recognizes that students are not just students. They have other responsibilities, such as work, family, and outside organizations. This, among many other benefits, can make St. Joe Indy the perfect place for those who want an education without the typical constraints. If you are interested in knowing more about St. Joe Indy, go to https://findout.marian.edu/twoyearcollege/