VALPARAISO – When Thunderhouse opened on the campus of Valparaiso University in 1974, nobody envisioned the impact it would have on the student population and the Valparaiso community.
Now 50 years later, Thunderhouse, known as St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center, is a vibrant, welcoming community serving the students of Valparaiso University, other collegians and local families.
The center celebrated its 50th anniversary during the weekend of Aug. 23-25 with several activities. Friday evening began with adoration, praise and worship. Saturday featured a Walking with Jesus 5K Run/Walk. The festivities wrapped up with an outdoor Mass and picnic on Sunday celebrated by Bishop Robert J. McClory, Father Jacob McDaniel, chaplain, and Father Jerry Schweizer, senior priest.
Bishop McClory expressed his joy for the 50 years the student center has served the community. “I’m so very thankful for the beautiful legacy here. Not just the legacy, but the present reality and the future of the great gifts that have come forward from this community, the vocations that have been touched here, the continued attention to our student ministry through our missionaries, FOCUS missionaries and all of those who find life and meaning here in this community. It’s a tremendous, tremendous joy.”
The idea for the student center came to light when neighboring St. Paul pastor, Monsignor John Charlebois, and his assistant, Father Joseph Murphy, realized that the church was not close enough to campus for students, particularly those without transportation, to attend Mass on Sunday.
When a former doctor’s clinic slated for demolition became available, Monsignor Charlebois purchased the building for $100 in 1974. Parishioners and community members raised the necessary funds to move the building to its present site, where it was remodeled to include a lounge, study rooms, a counseling area, priest's quarters, kitchen facilities and a chapel.
While the original name, Thunderhouse, paid tribute to apostles James and John, “The Sons of Thunder,” it was renamed in 1987.
In 2000, the student center was able to acquire the building next door, a former pharmacy now serving as the center’s worship space. Since that time, an addition has added a community hall, new student lounge and study area, and a large gathering space.
Members Peter and Vickie Peuquet recall the first Mass, noting it was their first date. “It was a pretty small congregation at that time. There were bean bags on the floor and guitars. It was community and togetherness. We totally enjoyed it,” said Vickie.
Peter described the impact the center had for students and the community. “Being on campus, it gave the students a place to go. Especially since there are a large number of Catholic students on the Lutheran campus,” he explained. “It’s been good for the adults and the students. You’ve got this camaraderie that has built up over the years with many adults and students who have maintained communication with one another.”
Christine Harsh, director of operations for the center, shared how St. Teresa “gives them a safe haven to come to and someplace where they are comfortable.”
“It’s great to see how the students progress in their faith,” she said. “They come in as freshmen, a little unsure about things, and year after year, they become active in more activities, taking a leadership role by the time they graduate.”
“This is my chosen family,” said VU junior Moira Silva. “They are so welcoming. It doesn’t matter if you’re Catholic or not, they accept everybody and love everybody.”
Silva, who is a member of the school’s tennis team, said her academics and tennis play has improved since becoming a member of the St. Teresa. “I’m much more focused, even in tennis. I have this strength I never really had before,” she explained.
She added, “I’m very adamant on having a prayer life, so it’s really nice to have a place so close here on campus that I can come to and pray every day.”
The special connection between the students and community members is evident in the home cooked meal prepared by the community following Sunday’s 5 p.m. Mass.
Nancy Lowhorn was drawn to the center’s warmth, intimacy and friendliness. “It is awesome. It’s very special for me with the mingling of students and community. It’s such a joy to see the students come down and be so grateful for receiving a meal and the camaraderie,” she said.
William Zbylut, a 2023 VU graduate, returned to campus to take part in the anniversary celebration, recalling “the love and care from everyone. You really feel like you’re at home. Some families have opened up their homes for students by taking them in to become part of the family.”
Father McDaniel admitted he was surprised, but filled with joy, when he was appointed to the student center two years after his ordination in 2020. He believes his backstory allows him to connect with the students.
“In my own life, I fell away from the Church when I was in college,” said Father McDaniel. “A friend invited me to attend Mass while at college. I eventually started going to a Bible study. That brought me back to the Church, by God’s grace, and now it’s a chance for me to stand on the other side and to see the people on campus and tell them with confidence, ‘I know what it’s like, because I lived that.’”
Father McDaniel gave much credit to Valparaiso University for its support over the years. “The relationship between St. Teresa and Valparaiso University has been tremendous. The encounters I’ve had as chaplain here are a very welcoming, very open friendship.”
Moving forward, Father McDaniel plans to keep the students and the community focused on its mission. “Our mission statement is, ‘To connect, grow, and serve.’ That’s what our mission remains for the coming years.”
Caption: Bridget Provenzano and Mary Persyn look over historic photos of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center during the 50th anniversary picnic on August 25. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)