A Golden Saint!
Never dreamed I’d see the day. It has been a good journey with all its ups and downs over fifty years. But it really started 54 years ago when Carroll College was willing to take a chance on a 21 year old Army veteran from New York City.
I arrived at Carroll, site unseen, in the fall of 1966 and a wonderful experience unfolded. I was welcomed by the faculty and staff and felt good about my choice to come to Carroll. Back then it seemed as if Carroll was 50% Butte and Anaconda. I made an immediate bond with these kids and the rest of the student body. What made this significant for me was the multiethnic backgrounds and traditions similar to my NYC neighborhood. The faculty and staff at Carroll were special people, that were so helpful, kind and understanding. I must express my gratitude to a special few who were powerful role models.
First is Dr. Jim Manion, “Doc”, who gave me the biggest break in my life. I’ll never forget sitting in his office in the fall of 1966 sacred to death that he’d never allow me into his Biology program since my high school transcript was not exactly something that would make you proud. Sitting across from Doc I could read his mind as he looked at my transcript. Before he could say anything I asked him if I could just be given a chance. After three years in the Army I had grown up a little. He nodded and said, “If you can pull a three point GPA the first year you can stay in the program”.I am eternally grateful to Dr. Manion for that chance to succeed. Because of his belief in me, I was able to attend the Mayo Clinic Physical Therapy Program after Carroll and pursue a 45 year career in PT.
Other great men were Art Hunthausen, the financial director, who sharpened his pencil and made a financial package that worked for me.
Father Joe Harrington, PhD who taught physiology and botany was always academically challenging and encouraging.
Dr. Guido Bugni who taught chemistry and made it interesting and challenging.
Coach Tom Kelly and Coach Bill Racicot were mentors and role models for me even though I was not in Carroll sports.
John Downs was there for me also during tough times.
I could go on and on but the bottom line is that Carroll and it’s faculty were extremely influential in how my career turned out. What were the chances that a boy from NYC would end up in Helena, Montana at Carroll College in 1966? To me it was a God thing. To Carroll, I am eternally grateful.
Joe Petkewich, 70’