Two Saint John's University Alumni Pledge $5.9 Million for Abbey Guest House

Collegeville, MN -- Saint John's Abbey has received two of the largest pledges in its history to support the construction of the Abbey Guest House. The pledges, which total $5.9 million, come from two Saint John's University alumni: Steve Slaggie (SJU '61) and his wife Barbara of Winona, MN, have committed $3.5 million to the project, and Frank Ladner (SJU '48) and his wife Julia of Lawrenceville, IL, have committed $1 million to the Guest House as well as $1 million to a scholarship fund for undergraduate students at Saint John's University.

In accepting these gifts, Abbot John Klassen, OSB, declared: "This is a real confidence booster. I feel thrilled and grateful. These gifts take us to a whole new level with the Abbey Guest House plans. This dream, which has been incubating for 25 years, has just been lifted into the realm of reality. It is a giant leap for us."

Saint John's Abbey is guided by Saint Benedict's 1,500-year-old rule of hospitality, "Let all guests be welcomed as Christ." The Abbey Guest House, which will overlook Lake Sagatagan on the Saint John's campus, will accommodate guests who come to Saint John's for retreat and spiritual renewal. In 2000, the Abbey selected world renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando from a field of 50 eminent architectural firms to help create a welcoming space where all may feel the presence of God.

"The Abbey Guest House will transform all of Saint John's," said Abbot John. "Once it is built and operating, I think we will wonder how we got along without it all those years. It will offer solitude for prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal as well as the opportunity to interact with others." Commenting on architect Tadao Ando, Abbot John added, "When you see the way the architect has designed the rooms, with the outward-facing walls of the rooms as half windows, half wall, you will understand how well the physical space reflects the spiritual purpose, the need for us all to look inward as well as outward. It will not be just a bunch of rooms with nice views -- the best way to understand it is as a monastery for lay people."

In announcing their leadership gift, Steve Slaggie reflected that his family never imagined, even ten years ago, that they would be in a position to do something of this magnitude. "When we began discussing our gift, it seemed the right thing to do. A guest house fits so well with Saint John's and all that it represents. The proposed Abbey Guest House expresses the Benedictine value of hospitality that is so much a part of this place. It's fitting that Saint John's has a facility as inviting and impressive as the Abbey Church and built with the same excellence."

Barbara Slaggie added, "The whole family has become involved with Saint John's through Steve, and we are all so impressed with the important work Saint John's does."

Steve was born and raised in Winona. A graduate, major supporter and director of Winona Cotter High School, he graduated with a degree in economics from Saint John's University in 1961. A University Regent since 1999, Steve is a long-time director, corporate secretary and shareholder relations officer for Fastenal Corporation of Winona. Steve has remained active with his alma mater, serving and participating in a variety of University events.

Barbara Slaggie was born in Marshall and comes from a family of 15. The four Slaggie children -- Michael, Michelle, Sara and Matthew -- are enthusiastic about their parents' commitment to philanthropy. "The whole family has become involved in this decision, and we support it fully," said daughter Sara. "We think it is wonderful."

A graduate of Saint John's University in 1948, Frank Ladner was a University Regent from 1985-1999 followed by a term on the Board of Overseers of Saint John's School of Theology Seminary. He has been involved with most facets of the Abbey and University, and in 1997 he was honored by Saint John's with the Father Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Julia Ladner is a graduate of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College [IN], where she received a Masters in Theology and served also as a trustee. The Ladners raised six children.

Frank has been in the insurance and financial services business since graduation. President from 1961-1983 of the Golden Rule Insurance Company and a present director, he is the Illinois Branch Manager for R.T. Jones Capital Equities, Inc., St. Louis, Mo. He is the past president of the Illinois Association of Life Insurance Companies.

Reflecting on his gift, Frank said, "Julia and I are honored to be able to help fund the Abbey Guest House. In the wonderful Benedictine tradition, friends and associates are always graciously welcomed to enjoy the hospitality of all the monks. What a joy it is to visit Saint John's for us past students and Regents. It is just like coming home again."

The Abbey Guest House is estimated to cost $7 million, and the Abbey has [already] received gifts and pledges totaling $5,938,000. In addition to these latest two commitments, last spring the Abbey announced gifts and pledges of $1.2 million from three other benefactors: John (SJU '63) and Lois Rogers, Diane Liemandt-Reimann and Ron Reimann, and the estate of Richard and Irene Barry.

"We are immensely proud and grateful that several Saint John's University alumni and members of the Board of Regents have stepped forward with leadership gifts to the Abbey Guest House," commented Br. Dietrich Reinhart, OSB, President of Saint John's University, "The gifts will aid the Abbey's burgeoning spiritual renewal programs which have grown rapidly in recent years as a result of a deep yearning in American society to experience solitude and reflection. Steve and Barbara recognize that this is an historic opportunity for Saint John's Abbey to strengthen its service to society and to be able to give all guests a Christ-like welcome."