Editor’s note: Father Charles A. Wonch, SCJ, a veteran, graduated from Jackson State University in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial management. Like so many, he holds a special place in his heart for his alma mater. We are sharing his unsolicited letter, with his permission, as a testament to the value of getting an education and pursuing one’s dream.
I have always been thankful and proud of the education that I received while studying at Jackson State University. I had finished my tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force and had moved back to Mississippi to live, work and start a family. While working at Kuhlman Electric Company in Crystal Springs, (Miss.), I heard about the opportunities of completing a degree at JSU. I was encouraged from the first meeting with admissions about gathering all the college credits I had accumulated since graduating in 1965 from Colville High School in Colville, Wash.
After talking to the VA and Kuhlman management, I started the task of working full time, going to school full time, and working for the Catholic Church while starting a family and building a home.
My wife is long gone, and my children are grown and have families of their own. But since I had received such a good education at JSU, I attended Springhill College in Mobile, Ala., and received a Master of Theological Studies degree.
I worked with many parish priests and churches around central Mississippi while working for 15 years as a purchasing supervisor at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station.
God seemed to be calling me to come and follow Him and be of service to His people where ever He wanted to send me. This prompted me to start looking at the priesthood in the Catholic Church. I was accepted to join and study with the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and moved to Milwaukee in 1995 — leaving all behind.
I continued my studies at Catholic Theological University in Chicago and received a Master of Divinity degree. I was ordained to the priesthood in Jackson, Mississippi, by Bishop William Houck and served in the Indian Missions in South Dakota for nine years.
All of this was possible only by the good education and encouragement that I received while studying at JSU.
Thank you so much for the great foundation. I continue to pray for great success of the school and all of its students. It is wonderful to get The Jacksonian and see how far so many have gone with their lives.
Sincerely yours,
Through the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Father Charles A. Wonch, SCJ