November 2011 - Subiaco Academy

Abbey News
Tom Moncrief, Jr., Haneul Hong, and Branton Sims received
from Headmaster Rob Loia the Fr. Felix Memorial Scholarship
Awards at the school-wide assembly on October 14. Each of these
students, judged outstanding in their performance during the 2010-
2011 academic year in visual arts, received a $1,000.00 scholarship
and a certificate in recognition of dedication to the development of
outstanding talent in visual arts. Mr. Loia, noting the long tradition of
Benedictine emphasis on the arts, remarked that each artist “reflects a
little reflection of God” in his creative process.
Fr. Hugh Assenmacher outlined milestones in the life of his
friend and confrere, Fr. Felix Fredeman, who began teaching in the
art department of Subiaco Academy in 1965. Along with his priestly
ministry, he gave of his time and talent to teaching, administration,
graphic design, art-related skills, and directing technical theater. He was also responsible for designing the annual
abbey calendar and the community Christmas card. Fr. Felix was the system administrator of the Abbey’s first
computer network. One of his major projects included the preparation of computer layouts for the revision of the
Abbey’s Divine Office books. In 1999, after four decades of teaching, Fr. Felix retired from the classroom due to
failing health. Fr. Felix’s decades of love and service are engraved in the hearts and minds of many and in the very
soul of the Abbey and Academy.
The Abbey Angus Farm sold 28 cattle commercially in Oklahoma City in late October. Recently, the cattle
which had been pastured in the Gainesville, TX, area (thanks for Steve Schmitz ’91), have been shipped back to
Subiaco.
Abbot Jerome, Fr. Nicholas, Fr. Bruno, Br. Ephrem, and Br. Louis
joined alumni and friends for Mass and lunch in Lindsay on October 30,
2011. Representing the illustrious class of 1960 were John and Judy Hoberer,
Br. Ephrem, Jim and Cindy Gehrig.
The fitness center was moved from the fifth floor to a room
across from the health center. This move was necessary because the current
elevator in the health center can no longer be licensed. The decision to make this move came has a result of
the space utilization study provided by the National Retired Religious Organization. Subiaco has provided a Fitness
Center on the fourth and fifth floor since 1993, when the wellness program was offered to monks and Abbey employees.
The new fitness center is open and is easy for the elder monks in the heath center to visit. The remodeling
of the area was completed by the maintenance staff of Subiaco Abbey. The center was designed by Wallie Sprick
’77 of Wittenberg, Deloney & Davidson, Inc.
The center is under the supervision of the Health and Wellness Director, Rose Schneider, RN and health
center staff. Subiaco’s wellness program for the elder monks is being copied by many monasteries.