Some Background on Phil Gilbert

     After graduating from Saint Joseph’s College  in 1952 with a bachelors degree in mathematics, Phil Gilbert began studies for the Priesthood with the Society of the Precious Blood.  In 1961, following ordination and the year of internship type training as a priest, he was assigned to Saint Joseph’s College to begin work in the mathematics department.  In January of 1962, he began graduate studies in mathematics at the University of Illinois. With the masters degree awarded in 1964, he returned to Saint Joseph’s College to take up the regular duties in the mathematics department.   

    In 1973, a fire destroyed the Administration Building on campus.  That building housed  the so-called "math lab." Such a name was in vogue at the time to describe such places which displayed manipulative materials for elementary through secondary school mathematics.  The new math lab was then set up in its current place on the third floor of Xavier Hall  -- as it was named at the time; it is currently "The McHale Building; Xavier Hall".  This was done with the support of the administrative officers at the time, and a host of student workers. 

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