Msgr. James A. Supple, more commonly known as “James from Ames,” celebrated his 60th Anniversary of ordination with a roast Friday evening.

Supple, who was ordained in 1936, came to Iowa State in 1947. He founded St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, and remained in Ames for 33 years before being transferred to Nevada. He retired in 1987, returned to Ames, and now serves as Pastor Emeritus at St. Thomas.

The Knights of Columbus hosted the roast to honor Supple, which doubled as a fundraiser for the establishment of the Msgr. Supple Chair of Catholic Studies at ISU.

Throughout the roast, close friends as well as figures of authority took turns sharing stories about Supple. Many jokes and quips were exchanged, but all the speakers ended with sentiments of respect and thanks for Supple’s years of service.

“Thanks to Fr. Supple’s influence on Iowa State, we can now debate such sensitive issues as this [the establishment of religious studies] without care of reprisal … Fr. Supple, with all that you have done for Iowa State, for Ames, and in a very real sense for society, Iowa State University and I personally want to say thank you. We have been blessed by you, and God bless you,” ISU President Martin Jischke said.

ISU alumnus Roy Reiman thanked Supple for being, “charismatic, knowledgeable, stimulating, motivating and admirable.”

And the Rev. Ev Hemann thanked him for being a “model of what it means to be a disciple.”

Supple responded, saying he was “overwhelmed.” He said: “I thank all those that are here, all the people who said nice things … So thanks to everybody, please, thanks.”

Over $400,000 has now been raised. To endow the chair, $1 million is needed. Supple said it has been his dream for 20 years to have a program in Catholic studies at ISU, and until two years ago it seemed an impossible dream. But he said he took some of his own advice that he gave in a sermon.

Supple said he told himself: “If not you, who? If not now, when?”

Last year, a visiting scholar program was started. The program brings a guest professor each year to ISU to teach classes in Catholic studies. The same system will continue, with different professors each year, until 1997, the 50th anniversary of the St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Student Center.

“At that point enough money will be raised so that the interest will pay for the salary of that person,” Supple said. Five classes in Catholic studies will be offered for credit as of 1997.

Supple said religious studies courses are not unconstitutional because they are taught on a universal and academic level. He feels that universities have a responsibility to teach all types of subjects, and religion should not be left out.

“We’re not saying we’re the only ones that are right,” Supple said. And apparently, neither is the university. Chairs in Islamic and Judaic studies are also being sought.