Trine University Names John McKetta Patron Saint of the Faculty
The faculty of Trine University in Angola, Indiana has issued a proclamation to name Dr. John J. McKetta, Jr. the patron saint of the faculty in honor of his dedication to his alma mater. McKetta earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the university, then-named Tri-State College, in 1937.
The proclamation states, “Let it be known to all that, whereas no one in the 130-year history of this institution has done so much to raise the spirit and the status of the Faculty, while reminding us of our high purpose, we hereby proclaim Dr. Johnny McKetta Patronus Sanctus Facultatis.”
Immediately after completing high school, McKetta began work in the coal mines of Wyano, Pennsylvania. His first day on the job, the roof of the mine caved in, killing two miners. From that moment, McKetta searched for a way out of the coal mines and found an interest in chemical engineering. He wrote letters to 54 chairmen of chemical engineering departments across the country and received one response back, from Trine University.
In 1988, McKetta established the McKetta Teaching Awards because of Trine University’s influence on his education and career. Given annually to 10 recipients across the various schools, 290 awards have been given to 261 recipients as of May 2016, totaling more than $1 million in gifts to the faculty. McKetta also held an essential role as one of the few faculty voices on the Trine University Board of Trustees.
“The idea to honor Johnny in this way was faculty generated and enacted, possibly the only award of its kind in the world,” said Tom Tierney, founder of The Humanities Institute and Professor Emeritus of English at Trine University. “I suspect all who know Johnny have their ‘Johnny stories’, but the common thread of all of them is that we love him.”
Trine University presented McKetta with a certificate of this unique honor on Sept. 8.
Tags: John McKetta, McKetta Teaching Awards, Patron Saint of the Faculty, Tri-State University, Trine University