What This Library Tells a Generation (Remarks by Jeffrey Schremmer)
Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, dedicated its new Independence Hall library on Sept. 26, 2026. Brief remarks at the event included Benedictine College alumnus Jeffrey Schremmer who led the Pledge of Allegiance. President Stephen D. Minnis introduced him this way:
“Jeffrey Schremmer was the student body president three years ago and he addressed the audience at the library groundbreaking ceremony. In addition to being the two-time president of the Student Government, Jeff was an outstanding student and our 2025 Valedictorian.
“We are pleased to have him back on campus as an alum and a current law student at Washburn University, where he is currently #1 in his class and on The Law Review. Please welcome Jeffrey Schremmer.”
For links to other remarks, read: College Dedicates Independence Hall Library With Justice Barrett
To see the entire event, watch: Benedictine College Library Dedication | Ft. Justice Amy Coney Barrett
Jeffrey Schremmer’s remarks follow.
Three years ago, when we began this project, the most common question people asked was “why?” Why build a brand-new library, of all things, at a time when every student carries the entire contents of a library in his pocket, and when everything from coursework to social connection can seemingly be done online?
In response, I would tell them about how this library would be a focal point of the mission of Benedictine College, how this building would not only enhance scholarship but also build community and strengthen faith on our campus. That in an age of loneliness, confusion, and cultural decline, Benedictine College was undertaking a project that would give our students the space to learn and grow into the leaders our country needs them to be.
But this library does much more than just give that space to our students, it gives encouragement to a generation of young people who are increasingly discouraged by the degraded culture around them. A generation of young people who have been taught to hate their country, to scoff at the founding ideals of our nation, and to value comfort over courage, tolerance over truth, and individualism over patriotism.
But to those young people we can now say look at this library, look at this College. Look and see that there are still those who build great buildings, who respect the traditions and culture of the West, and who love this great nation. Look and see that just as the Benedictines of the past preserved and defended the intellectual heritage of Christendom, the Benedictines of today will preserve and defend the principles of the American Founding and the eternal truths those principals contain.
But to those young people we must also say, don’t just look. Come and learn and grow. Step into the reading room and join the great conversations of history; walk down to the coffee shop and build the deep and meaningful friendships that lie at the heart of cultural renewal; and stop for a moment to admire the beauty of this building, its artwork, and its faithful devotion to our Blessed Mother. And then go forth, formed as faithful Catholics and patriotic citizens.
That is what this library represents. More than just a building – a testament to a generation of discouraged young people that yes, in fact, you ought to love your country, yes, you ought to love your faith, and yes, you ought, and truly you must transform culture in America. And that starts right here, at this library, at Benedictine College.
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