Kansas University and Lawrence are losing a great asset with the transfer of Monsignor Vince Krische from his post as director of the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center to St. Ann Catholic Church in Prairie Village.

Krische has been at St. Lawrence for 28 years, during which he has been a true leader in many ways. He has done a superb job for the Catholic Church and helped advised thousands of students, both Catholics and non-Catholics. His leadership and his standards have served as a model for others to follow in how they conduct their own lives. His presence at St. Lawrence has played a significant role in many parents urging their children to attend KU, where he also worked with many football coaches and players. He has been an excellent citizen of Lawrence and simply a very good person.

Catholic powers undoubtedly have a reason for making this move, but many in Lawrence wonder why it was necessary. They do not want to lose the respected, popular and effective Krische and wonder why he was not allowed to complete his active ministry career at St. Lawrence.

The St. Lawrence operation is considered one of the nation’s top Catholic campus ministry programs, and Catholics from other college campuses across the country have come to KU to study the program Krische put together.

The secret of St. Lawrence’s success has been Krische’s vision and leadership. As in most any venture, it is the quality of the people involved and the leadership, vision, commitment and excitement injected into the program that makes the difference between an average or mediocre effort and one that excels.

Krische is the factor that has made St. Lawrence truly special, and his move will leave a huge void at KU, St. Lawrence and the city of Lawrence.

Thank you, Monsignor Krische, for 28 years of leadership and inspiration and for all you have done to help Lawrence and KU.