Quigley South - The 1970s

The 1970s

After a year-long self-study of the entire Chicago archdiocesan seminary system in 1969 assisted by Arthur B. Little and Company of Boston, Cardinal Cody in 1970 announced a new admissions policy for the Quigley seminaries, which expanded beyond Cardinal Mundelein's original requirement in 1916 that Quigley students be "educated with those who only look forward to that same great work in life, the priestly field of labor." Boys from two categories would, as of 1971, be admitted to Quigley, "(a.) ... who have indicated a desire for the priesthood and who meet the requirements of admissions, and (b.) ... who, in the judgment of parish priests, have the kind of character, ability, and temperament which might lead to the personal discovery of a vocation in the priesthood." The new policy also indicated that Quigley North and South should "emphasize the fact that they are contemporary seminaries primarily concerned with the development and encouragement of vocations to the priesthood," and that "a vigorous campaign should be begun, especially on the part of priests, to enroll qualified students."

However, Cardinal Cody's intent to maintain unity with Quigley North, as well as a focus on the development of more young men choosing the priesthood as a vocation, would be short-lived. Quigley South would go on to develop its own distinct identity on the South Side of Chicago. The two Quigleys would develop a rivalry of sorts during sporting events between the two schools, and very few, if any, joint social or ministry activities would be held between them as the years progressed. With a typical annual student body of more than 700 students, Quigley South dwarfed the enrollment of Quigley North whose own enrollment usually numbered less than 100. Reflective of the ethnic and racial diversity of Chicago, increasing numbers of Poles, African-Americans, Lithuanians, Hispanics and Irish students matriculated at Quigley South each fall.

Prayer and a rigorous curriculum remained a mainstay of Quigley, however the school would eventually offer an innovative approach to attracting and retaining its culturally diverse community. While many schools would maintain the strict dress code and policy of no facial hair and crew cuts during this period, Quigley would eschew many of these rules and allow students to sport full beards and shoulder-length hair. While formal proms were not allowed (they were called Spring Socials), many parties and concerts would indeed be hosted at Quigley. Chicago natives Chuck Panozzo, his brother John and Dennis DeYoung of Styx played at Quigley South's gym.

In 1978, after serving many years at Quigley as a faculty member, Father Jerry Kicanas was asked by Cardinal Cody to become Quigley South's new rector to replace Father James P. Keleher (now retired Bishop of Kansas City) who was tapped to become rector at Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary at Mundelein, Illinois.