We are excited to feature Ben Culver '17 in this issue of Alumni Soundings!

A St. Joseph Grade School alumnus, and a 2017 graduate of Saint Joseph High School, Ben went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Plant Genetics and Breeding with a minor in Japanese from Purdue University, followed by a master’s degree in Plant Breeding from the University of Georgia. Looking back on his high school years, Ben fondest class was Ms. Mary Farris’s World Mythology, where he enjoyed diving deep into Egyptian and Babylonian myths. He cites Quiz Bowl coach and favorite teacher Mr. Ben Dillon as a standout figure, with the classic AP Physics egg drop—where his parachuted design successfully survived the fall—marking one of his favorite memories.

Today, Ben is back on campus serving as one of Saint Joe’s night custodians, maintaining the art and math wings along with office spaces. While he notes that the school mascot has changed since his student days, he finds the overall atmosphere warmly familiar. Up next, Ben plans to join the plant breeding company Syngenta, and he leaves the Class of 2027 with a practical piece of advice: learn hands-on DIY skills like basic repairs, painting, and plumbing to save money and gain independence down the road.

No matter how long it’s been since you walked the halls of Saint Joe, you’re always part of the Saint Joe family. We want to make sure we can keep you connected to the school, your classmates, and the stories that continue to shape our community.

Have you moved, changed jobs, gotten a new phone number, or updated your email address? Take a moment to make sure we have your current mailing address, email, phone number, and texting information.



Help us keep in touch! Update your contact information through our quick alumni form and stay connected to everything happening at Saint Joe.

The class of 1977 will celebrate their 50th reunion on October 9, 2027. As they begin planning for this special milestone, they are working to update their classmates' contact information. They are currently missing email addresses for more than 50% of their classmates, and many of our mailing addresses are more than 10 years old. If you are a member of the Class of 1977 - or have contact information for a classmate - please help them update their records. Please send current information to: Mary Zeisz Farrell, marydunfee@gmail.com.

Members of the Mission Advancement team visited two local senior residences to connect with Saint Joe alumni over the past few months. On May 27, Alumni Coordinator Henry Chandler, Director of Annual Giving and Engagement Erin Freel and Director of Mission Advancement Brooke Kostielney visited with seven graduates at Saint Paul's Senior Living facility and were delighted to hear the stories and memories of their Saint Joe days.

As part of the Faculty/Staff retreat to begin the school year, a visit was made to Tanglewood Trace Senior Living on August 7. Three residents there shared their experiences as Saint Joe students and reminisced about what their Saint Joe education meant to them. Future periodic visits to these and additional senior residences are being planned as the Alumni Office strives to stay connected to our alumni. 

Class of 1966. 60-year reunion.

Class of 1966. 60-year reunion.

Class of 1986. 40-year reunion.

Class of 1971. 55-year reunion.

Class of 1996. 30-year reunion.

Class of 1976. 50-year reunion.

Class of 1996. 30-year reunion.

The next Alumni Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 3 at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Saint Joseph at the school. Please park in the Notre Dame Avenue lot and enter Door A if you plan to attend. Alumni and faculty/staff who have passed away since the June Mass will be remembered. Saint Joseph High School chaplain Father Noah Junge will be the celebrant. If you have questions, please contact Alumni Coordinator Henry Chandler at 574-233-6137 or via email at hchandler@saintjoehigh.com.

Charles Harris Jr. ’94 has been named vice president of technology for Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E), bringing more than 25 years of technology leadership experience to the organization. 

Harris joins SS&E after serving as vice president of technology for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he led technology strategy and operations across the organization. In his new role with SS&E, Harris will oversee enterprise technology strategy across its teams, venues and business operations, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, venue technology, ticketing systems and digital fan experiences. He will also provide strategic oversight for the technology components of the Spurs’ new downtown arena project. We congratulate Charles and wish him continued success with Spurs Sports & Entertainment.

We are proud to announce that Saint Joe has earned the 2025–2026 IHSAA Sportsmanship Banner, receiving an outstanding score of 113! Saint Joe was one of just 53 schools statewide to earn this distinction and one of only two schools in our conference to receive the banner. 

This honor reflects the restraint, dignity, and true sportsmanship demonstrated throughout the year by our student-athletes, coaches, families, and fans. Thank you to everyone who represented Saint Joe with such pride, class, and respect.

Our students recently walked into a completely overhauled weight room: 12 new racks, benches, and bars creating a safer, stronger space to train, grow, and reach higher. 

Gifts to the Fund for Saint Joseph made this transformation possible, giving our school the flexibility to invest where our students need it most. Performance Director Scott Phersonand our student-athletes are building more than strength. They’re building a culture!

We are less than one month away from Saint Joseph High School’s Trivia Night, happening Saturday, October 24! 

Gather your team of ten and reserve your table for just $200! Whether you’re coming with fellow parents, alumni, coworkers, or friends, this is a great excuse to get your crew together for a night out. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and trivia kicks off at 6:00 p.m. 

The funds raised support our athletics and co-curriculars programs, helping provide meaningful opportunities for our students to discover their gifts. 

Tables are limited, so don't wait to get your team together! Ticket sales close on Wednesday, October 21. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Saint Joseph High School

Athletics Update

Celebrating the 1972 State Championship Volleyball Team

Saint Joe Honors Ross Havens '66 for Decades of Service

On the occasion of his Class of 1966 60 year reunion and Saint Joe's homecoming game against Elkhart, Saint Joseph High School is proud to honor Ross Havens for his service to Saint Joe as an educator, coach and athletic historian. In a pregame recognition, Ross was presented a plaque by Principal John Kennedy recounting his dedication to the school.

If you or an alumnus you know is not receiving communications from Saint Joseph High School — we can fix that! We want to make sure everyone receives this monthly newsletter, Focus magazine, and any other news. Please contact Alumni Coordinator Henry Chandler to receive communications.