Memoirs

From Joe Gallagher '72

TO FALLEN KNIGHTS

I’d rather not write while grieving the death of a friend
As if putting loss on paper makes it a contract I am bound to
I’d rather not think of them gone
When their memory is so very alive in me
Nor do I want to dwell on this hurt
When I’m supposed to reside in the present
But I do want to honor our together journey
The journey we embarked on, not knowing where it would lead.
I’d rather not live in the past
Meander among the ruins of what once was
I’d rather not be torn asunder
By living in that long-ago land and this very moment at the same time
Nor do I want to deny what we had and what all of us there experienced
Or disregard the momentous emotions that now move me
But my watery eyes cannot see the way forward
And my spirit wanders among winter hills
So take me from here
Take all of us and those halcyon days
Take us into forever arms of tender oneness
Where we never separate from the embrace of love
And always walk in the glow, that splendid light
Now I carry that with me
And I am carried by it
Now I am awash in wonder
At something so eternal
Here I am, present, open and aware
Here I am, my true self enriched
And here we are held in a bountiful heart
Forever like a sacred, sweet song in the morning’s soft, whispering breeze
Forever like a sunrise over a magic, wondrous land
Forever now, alive, caressed in this very moment, perfect, sweet, Immaculate.

STARS ABOVE THE PRAIRIE

From the crown of the hill looking on down
see the place where two mighty rivers meet
And sacred mounds from burials long ago
by ancient waters fed by northern snow
By there, a horse-shoe of buildings stood
some new and bold, and some old souls
on level land to teach higher goals
as the seasons arced like the stars above
Sweet autumn witnessed the cycle’s start
fourteen years old, now on our own
never to forget that one Fall day
watching our parent’s car pull away
They say all starts come only when
something else of ours does end
and so it was as we built a life
with classmates, friendships began
A life within a life it was
and on the fourth May, at last
so slow, so fast, four years had passed
and we can’t go back to then because
Life moves like that mighty river
Moving south to parts unknown
But we keep the memories forever
of the friendships there we found
Some nights my mind does drift back though
to those we knew back long ago
and I walk out the back door and gaze above
at the twinkling stars that watched over us
and those we’ve lost are up there too
“It all works out in the end” they say
and we’ll join them up there again one day
For life moves like that mighty river
Moving south to parts unknown
But we keep the memories forever
of the friendships there we found

by Joe Gallagher ‘72
January 2, 2026

From The Scarlet Knight

Musings of The Scarlet Knight: My Life in Omnia Terra

At last, I have found My Land from which to understand my certainty and reliance on My Beliefs and Strengths in order to teach those willing to follow Me. My Land That I will Protect and Serve. My Land to forever Honor My Quest fulfilled, My Land to honor The Land of My Quest bestowed, My Land to honor My Fellow Knights of The Land and My Need for Someone Else. My Land where I shall Save All The World.

It was I and several companions in search of a HomeLand when we entered a small, secluded valley rich in Green and strategically braced for the coming years. That first seminal day was spent in discovery of our Treasure seemingly blessed by the Rains and Waters of the environs, placed there by an unseen force awaiting our conduct. The Meaning of this day finally would become clear to Me; The Valley that lay before Me would become My Land once I have earned the right to lay claim. This Land will become The Land of The Scarlet Knight.

During the last many months on trek, my companions demonstrated clear strength of character, empathy for All to see, and perceived learning as taught by the Travails of Life, The Teachings of Old and by Conflict with Sword. We were a fine bunch prepared for what was to come. But it was I, The Scarlet Knight who was the Sword Master of the group and everyone allowed me to shoulder that burden. Were it not for what lay before Me, They all would have been amply suited for Comrades at Arms for the years that lay beyond the upcoming struggles and decisions that can only reside in One Voice, in one Leader. That One Voice would be mine, The Scarlet Knight. Looking over The Valley while standing side by side, my companions gave me pause for thought, deep thought concerning my ability to secure My Land against all threats. Unfortunately, it is now that They’ve become my immediate threats. Men, nay young heroes-to-be, as strong and brave as I in searching for their own HomeLand – how can I stay as strong and brave as needed to establish My Land before Them. Even as palpable threats, I will need their help in constructing Our Land together and in establishing Myself independent from The Five. They are Good Men but will they help Me to establish The Valley into a community for Our People faithful to My Beliefs and encouraged by My Strengths?

No, I cannot just ask Them to submit to my authority at this early time in our fellowship. Instead, I will teach Them the Spirit of The Campion Knighthood. From Me, they will Learn The Ways of The Land, The Teachings of Science and Mankind and my Beliefs in Someone Else and The World. I will lead The Five both on The Field of Battle and in the Assembly Rooms of study and discussion. From Me, They will Learn The Beliefs and Strengths needed to Save All The World.

Before our first full moon would lapse into obscurity over The Valley, the time would arrive for Us to nuture The Valley for the future. I, and my companions would begin this task together in earnest.

The time is now – The Future of The Valley begins. Our living quarters / kitchens, stables and outbuildings were designed for immediate, efficient use with the ability to quickly expand to accommodate those willing to Follow. Soon there will be myself and Five companions sharing our first meal in our new kitchens / mess hall of The Valley. Many more will surely join us over the coming months and years. I shall make it so and challenge my companions to follow my guidance in seeking out Followers for our community.

Our stables were the first to be upright and expansive in order to house and care for our Steeds. All of Us travel and engage in invitational jousts and / or skirmishes with two Steeds and a full complement of Armor, Weapons and Expertise. All need to be safe, secured and cared for by all in the community. The stables are near completion, the Steeds will soon have their new home and thankful to the Five for their diligence and sweat that fueled the build.

The building that houses our new living quarters / kitchens / mess hall has now taken root upwind of the stables and will be a great singular achievement for The Valley. Since our arrival in The Valley, living quarters fell into a bivouac formation with only limited tented cover to temper the rains and winds. We would have taken to the stables during inclement weather except that our Steeds enjoyed their peace and solitude too much and refused having any interlopers living within their midst. Little do they realize that horse tastes a lot like chicken. At this time, our kitchens were on any available dry ground near the center of camp. Our meals were routinely seasoned by the Local Earth and unappetizing at times. But some sustenance always remained at mealtime.

Our Creation here in The Valley would soon become vibrant and pulsing with Life. In only a few months, we expected all building to be at near completion. Newer construction will occur as required by our future needs.

The First Skirmish of The Valley

The Day was scented with the Fall Air while surrounding trees presented their hidden colors for The Valley to admire. Reddish-brown is my favorite color, a living memory of My Quest as a Campion Knight of The Land. After months of building and recruiting individuals to assist in our endeavor to establish Communty, The Valley now has new neighbors at the northern border. We shall greet them this Day at their chosen land. They are a group of thirty-five men, women and children seeking a permanent home to provide for Themselves. The men are comprised of a blacksmith, an anvil striker and a tool maker. In studying the men more closely, we identified The Four Leaders of the group. They are horsemen with sword and longbow and dynamic yet disciplined horseflesh straining between each horsemen’s legs. These four men would ride primary security for the group and interact directly with any Aggressives. We need to engage them in sport, we thought. What better way to introduce our Swords and Steeds? What better way to have some harmless fun? A Skirmish is Needed.

The rest of the group consisted of individuals and several small families skilled in husbandry, butchering and cooking. The women were excellent cooks and bakers with most of Them able to field dress a deer before the deer had finished wagging its tail in playful greeting. Our time that day on the northern border was both fun and rewarding. The Skirmish that we organized amongst the men was the most fun for men of gravitas behaving as careless as youngsters; with the entertainment complete we enjoyed the best food offered to Us in many weeks.

In enjoying and observing the day, it was clear to Us that our new neighbors to the North had already become very much attached to their land, and their interaction with The Valley was both heartfelt and genuine. My Five companions and I all agreed, these individuals / families are hard-working with strong aspirations for the future. They are worthy of inclusion in a community to share in a rich heritage through the coming years.

Thus, we decided to ask them to enter The Valley as community, as Equals and Followers. They will live amongst Us in The Valley and not be confined to the northern border. They will become our First True Followers.

From this sharing of established groups / families with our community in The Valley, Followers to our Beliefs and Strengths quickly surged in numbers and dedication to The Valley became paramount.

As a result of this continuing influx of humanity, The Ascent of The Valley began its Rise. Individuals as well as families / communal groups journeyed to Learn of The Valley and its purported human riches offered to those in need. Riches found in Our Beliefs and Strengths espoused by Me, The Scarlet Knight, and shared with and by All Followers. It would be these Beliefs and Strengths that will help to provide for their happiness and that will ease their Life’s demands. Once arrived, many stayed after being entranced by the freely shared Beliefs and Strengths of both Our Leaders and Followers and with the Good being received by All evident throughout The Valley.

During periods of traveI and engagement, My Five companions and I spoke grandly of The Valley to Many Outsiders and solicited their Thoughts and Life’s Plans for the future. And Everyday more and more Outsiders knocked at the Gates of The Valley and freely entered to search for Enlightenment offered by The Jesuit Way. And many Days those who came to Learn and Live went out of The Valley to Teach Others about The Valley and it’s Meaning to All The World.

A “die has now been cast”, I thought to myself as I watched Followers leave and carry their Load for The Valley. Because of Them I am now prepared and able to Save All The World.

“Henceforth, we will be known as Omnia Terra – The Land of The Scarlet Knight”.

Allies of Omnia Terra

During the Years of Terra, Two Allies were essential for its Expansion and Dominance of The Lands extending far beyond Omnia Terra’s Land and Environs. These Allies governed their own Land and Water for the benefit of their citizens and future generations.

It was during several episodes of Hardship in Omnia Terra that occurred during it’s Reign, Life assistance from these Allies was required to Save the Day. While the Strength of OmniaTerra was lacking during these times, the Strength of Our Allies prevailed. Omnia Terra not only survived – Omnia Terra thrived.

Eagle Talon

An Ally, embedded a full day’s ride southeast of Omnia Terra was ever-present in support of Terra. It was Eagle Talon that bred and trained the swiftest Steeds that only They could Rein In for spirited attacks, and attacks of consequence, upon marauding troops that were causing havoc in the land.

They were known as fierce swordsmen, who when upon stirrup and saddle were insurmountable to any ill-advised Agressive of The Surrounding Lands. They would often attack from their unique southeastern vantage point, guarded by overhanging cliffs on their left flank and a deep forested tract of land on their right flank. With miles and miles of open grassland Prairie to follow, and providing no impediment to their Steeds at full gallop, Eagle Talon could search out all Agressives in need of Schooling.

Terra Incognita

The Origin of Terra Incognita became known to Omnia Terra many years ago. It was clouded in mystery until an Old Sage came clean with The Story. It appears that Terra Incognita was lost for many years after succumbing to a Perfect Storm and unable to explore and develop its rich and diverse territory; all its land, waterways and citizens were lost to the World. It became known as The Unexplored Land of Terra Mater.

Many attempts at locating and exploring Terra Incognita were undertaken before the inevitable Rise of Omnia Terra. Terra Incognita appeared to be hidden within a dense forest always under darkness, always under a thick fog that grabbed at the throat while constant upheaval of Earth sounded throughout the Ether Above and the years below.

Then One Day after many years of Mystery, at a Time when Omnia Terra was in jeopardy from attacking Agressives, Men dressed as Soldiers of Old carrying Swords, Maces and Axes, materialized out of The Fog of Terra Incognita and engaged The Agressives where They Stood. A battle ensued with many of The Agressives being escorted into The Fog, never to be seen again. Certainly, a most powerful ally.

Since that Fateful Day, Omnia Terra always believed in The Mysticism that accompanied Terra Incognita, allowing Omnia Terra to survive The Many Years under any hardship, including those not of This Earth. In return, Omnia Terra pledged to Terra Incognita to assist in dealing with the more mundane life aspects of a Land of Spectres. Through the Years, neither failed in their commitment to one another. Omnia Terra Reigned Supreme while Terra Incognita was thrust back into The World of Existential Life filled with Profound Consequences.

A Child is Born

It happened at the darkest hour on the coldest day of the year that will never be unremembered. The male child is of my loins, and thus the Son of The Scarlet Knight. He wears the eyes of his mother Juliette, his glance penetrating and disarming. I shall name him Arthur after a man that united a Kingdom for The Ages through chivalry and noble governance.

As I look at Arthur, swaddled tight as if still held confined in the womb, I can only see his future as the son of The Scarlet Knight. The demands forthcoming for his life, the consequences of his actions and choices. I shall guide Him as best I can through his coming years spent with me in Omnia Terra. Of this I Promise.

Arthur grew up as a Knight before my watchful eyes and those of His training team. He was trained in the Weapons of War, easy to understand if you understand War; and trained in The Weapons of Peace, not as easy as War but Empathy, Compassion and Justice were a good start. He was trained in the Art of Conflict and Compromise, often brandishing His Sword during both activities. He was Learning what I had Learned. He was Learning how to Save All The World.

At the age of 14, Arthur was suited with Armor, Sword, Shield and Lance and began intense training in stirrups and saddle. At the age of 18, Arthur received his Forever Armor, Sword, Shield and Lance, and lastly a Steed of Honor that He named Equus. While Arthur learned at my side during much of his training at Omnia Terra, during the times we were absent from one another, He was in my Heart Always and Forever. It was these absences that forged my Love for Arthur and further instilled my Love for All of Omnia Terra.

Arthur came into His Own each day that he trained at Omnia Terra. During invitational jousts, He dominated the tournaments becoming undefeated Champion throughout his tenure. The Favor He displayed on his armor during engagement was provided by His Mother, Juliette and blessed by His Father, The Scarlet Knight. While still a Young Knight, several times in pitched battle Arthur led flanking movements against entrenched Agressives thus winning the high ground and ending any assault directed toward Omnia Terra. And on many occasions His Leadership and Strength was essential in providing respite to our Allies in Conflict. It was evident that at His early age, Arthur was Saving The World around Him; for The Son of The Scarlet Knight – it was good preparation for Saving All The World.

The Time Has Come and I must finally Release Arthur to His Fate, His Legacy and His Reign over Omnia Terra. He will Move Forward in Life with Someone Else, My Beliefs and Strengths that I willingly gave to Him. Because of This, My Son Arthur shall Save All The World that I could not, and I, The Scarlet Knight shall stand at His Sword Arm for All Eternity after My Passing.

Omnia Terra – Forever in My Heart

Living as The Scarlet Knight, My Future always dwelled in the Present Past. Hard to describe the verb tense, even harder to live by its Rules. My Days have now been numbered for Living in Omnia Terra. My Beliefs still provide Me Comfort while My Strengths have ebbed in a mournful way, but My Protection and Service to Omnia Terra will end soon. I must carry into Battle one Last Time to Protect and Serve. When it is over I shall be allowed to enter Elysium to Stand Watch over Omnia Terra through the Coming Ages. I await My Mortal Ending.

My Last Deed as The Scarlet Knight “Is now that which is Done”.

There were These Times

From the desk of John Duskey '63

Reviewing the January 2026 issue, I found some difficult statements in the quoted section of Brother Staber’s History of Campion, specifically, that the school had to close because of:

(1) the unwillingness of young or older Jesuits to come to Campion.
(2) the reluctance of most Jesuits already here to make a long term commitment (due to disagreements as to the disciplinary and other attitudes of school administration)
(3) the seeming lack of response to ads, etc., to get teacher personnel,
(4) a look at the great increase of the Student Body with special personality and other problems which created a further need for special teachers or personnel and special facilities and
(5) further problems of discipline.

The key words in the above quoted section are in the parentheses: “due to disagreements as to the disciplinary and other attitudes of school administration.” There were some things decided by the administration that were just plain wrong, regardless of any opinion that ‘the school will close anyway.’

Shortly after the announcement was made, I made the trip to Prairie du Chien on Mothers’ weekend in 1975. The families present were primarily concerned with the placement of their sons in other schools for the 1975-76 school year. A little later in the afternoon on that Sunday, I went to the President’s office on the first floor of New Lawler Hall for a visit with an old friend from 15 years earlier, Father Greg Lucey. He had served as a scholastic, 1958-61 and returned to Campion in fall 1969 as principal, while Fr. Hilbert was president. The following year Fr. Lucey became president and principal, with Fr. Hilbert his assistant. From 71-74, Fr Hilbert took the title of Rector for two years, and in 1973-75 Fr. Benno G. Kornely served as Superior. The point of all this is that, while Fr. Greg Lucey held the title of President for the school’s last five years, it is clear that either Fr. Hilbert or Fr. Kornely also held a position with some control of the school’s destiny. The statement about disagreements as to the disciplinary and other attitudes of the administration pertains to the Jesuits who were in control over the school’s last nine years. On that Sunday afternoon, Fr. Lucey told me about several of the points mentioned above, and the reasoning, including financial details, behind the decision to close the school. I heard what he said, but I did not argue, as the decision had already been made. In his letter to alumni, dated April 10, 1975, Fr. Lucey mentioned the financial difficulties (the school had not met expenses since 1967, and was in need of $300,000.00 each year to break even.) He mentioned declining enrollment (598 at its peak, down to 282 at the time of closing. But he did not mention the special educational needs of many of those 282 students, and he did not mention the controversy over school discipline.

On August 6, 1978, I was in Milwaukee and went to lunch with former Campion Principal Fr. William Doran and former Registrar Brother Robert Daley. It was a memorable conversation. Fr. Doran told me that, if you want to run a school, you must listen and be sensitive to the concerns of the parents of those students. This is particularly important in a private school, where the existence of the school depends on the support of the parents, which included both curriculum issues and financial support.

In the early sixties, until the completion of Xavier Hall in 1965, the school’s financial constraints limited the faculty hiring and curriculum improvements that Fr. Doran wanted to introduce. Under Fr. Hilbert’s administration, he was able to do a lot more. But at the same time, decreasing enrollment and disagreements over disciplinary policy made it difficult for Fr. Doran to stay. And the Jesuits needed him at Marquette High, so, after a year with Fr. Hilbert, he moved on.

Upon reviewing point #4 above, I placed even greater value on the character of the student body in the school’s final years. Campion had lost the ability to attract many of the quality students who characterized the school in earlier years. In the desire to hold the enrollment steady, they admitted (often with financial aid) students who had special needs, and this called for additional personnel who had the qualifications to teach students with special needs.

It was not until the 1990s when I attended Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) and earned the qualifications to do just that. I taught at two Catholic schools (St. Gregory and Gordon Tech) and at some schools in the public system, including one year at the high school at the Cook County Jail. I taught at schools that had a substantial number of special needs students, including Spalding and Harper. Some special conditions are necessary to provide their needed services. Services are provided to students with cognitive disabilities (educable and trainable) and to students with learning disabilities and those who had behavior problems. Generally, I taught students with behavior problems and learning disabilities. Each student had a case manager and a service provider. There is an annual meeting which also included the student, parents, and other interested teachers—including physical and occupational therapists, if the student had needs in those areas. At this meeting the student’s individual educational plan (called an IEP) would be drawn up and agreed to by all present. There were several special education teachers on the staff, each of which had a number of students for whom they served as service provider. There was one period of time when I served as the school’s case manager.

Obviously Campion was not equipped to provide such extensive services. I taught at Catholic schools that had special needs students, but it was difficult to develop a complete program for them.

In addition to all this, I spent two years as principal at the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education, a state operated school that primarily served students with physical as well as cognitive disabilities. As a part of implementing inclusion, several of our students took their classroom courses at nearby Spalding school, where I had previously taught. We still managed the other support services, and, during those two years, I spent a substantial part of my time attending meetings.

Those of us who attended Campion up until rhe late 1960s probably never encountered a special needs student during our high school years; we did not have such a program at Campion. After I graduated I happened to meet a young man, the brother of an acquaintance of mine, who had special needs and I developed an appreciation for the difficulties they face. Thus when I decided to set aside my career in engineering and business management and study secondary education at NEIU, I jumped at the chance to become a special education teacher.

Looking back at the history of Campion, it would be incorrect to say the administration was confused about what to do about the needs of a special group of students. Anyone who is in such a responsible position to operate a high school should know enough to make firm, if difficult, decisions about meeting the needs of students. Campion should not have admitted special needs students. It is too difficult to do without the needed staff, and, at a boarding school, without an appropriate level of parental involvement.

The way to have a larger enrollment should have been to resolve the disagreements as to discipline which caused the enrollment to drop. You know when things are really getting bad when parents take their sons out of the school, and when it is difficult to find teachers willing to teach there. From what I know about Campion’s finances, the Jesuits should have raised the tuition to the point where the real costs could be covered by tuition and donations by alumni and friends. Raising tuition could decrease enrollment, and if that problem is so severe as to cause a drastic decrease in enrollment, then the school must close. Better the school should close while it still has a good reputation, rather than let it deteriorate to the point where nobody, or almost nobody, wants to be there.

After the mid-1960s, Campion, the Jesuits, in fact, the whole Catholic Church, was on a downward trend, in both vocations and attendance. Campion’s disciplinary problems were a sign they were following this trend, when they should have been fighting the trend—and making the school and the Church stronger.