John Carroll legend passes on

Don Shula and the Rev. Joseph Schell.

The Rev. Joseph O. Schell served at John Carroll University for nearly 58 years before leaving in 2004. He held positions as a professor of philosophy, dean of the college of arts and sciences, University president and founder of the campus ministry program. Schell passed away last Thursday at the age of 93.

A man over six feet in a cassock and a light blue jacket, Schell was easily recognizable on campus. However, it was not only his tall stature and blue coat that made him distinguishable.

Schell was what some referred to as the heart of the campus. The Rev. Thomas Schubeck said, “I always thought of him as Father John Carroll. He embodied the spirit and the ethos of the place, its mission for scholarship, challenging the students to think and to become closer to God.”

Schell began working at JCU in 1944 as a philosophy professor. He was noted for his clear teaching style and ability to engage the classroom in discussion. Schubeck, a student of Schell and current religious studies professor, said, “He was phenomenal.”

Schell was promoted to University president from 1967 to 1970. During his time as president, he had to deal with the Vietnam War, riots and the Kent State shootings. The Kent State shootings were particularly upsetting to the students. They occurred before JCU spring semester finals, on reading day.

The Rev. William Bichl said, “Fr. Schell eased tension by making all finals optional.”

Bichl added, “He was like a surrogate grandpa to the students.”

After serving as president for three years, Schell took a sabbatical. He returned in 1971 to head campus ministry. At the time, campus ministry was different than it is today. Schell created a team of people instead of one chaplain responsible for all of campus ministry. He also invited women to be part of the team.

The Rev. Francis Ryan said, “I don’t know anybody who didn’t get on with Schell. He knew the University extremely well.”
Schell’s viewing will be held today May 1 and May 2 at The Church of the Gesu. The funeral mass will be at Gesu on May 3, at 10 a.m. Memorial gifts are being accepted to JCU in Schell’s name.