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Joy "thrives" at Global Ministries University! We are so very grateful for our students, faculty, friends, and benefactors. We are truly blessed to have you all as members of the GMU Family!
We wish you and those you love a very Joy-filled Thanksgiving!
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President Gerald Grudzen:
"Marita and I give thanks for our growing capacity to experience solidarity with our own biological family throughout the US and the whole human family in diverse parts of the world. Our GMU network puts us in touch with individuals and organizations in the United States, Africa, and India where we can share our gifts and concerns."
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Provost Mary Ann Cejka:
Since February of this year, GMU staff, board, faculty, and students have been gathering in committees and subcommittees to plan for GMU's future. So many members of the GMU community have put hours into this effort, each bringing their unique insights, creativity, backgrounds, and skills to the task. The Long-Range Planning Process, which includes work in the areas of finance, institutional stability, marketing and visibility, academics, and community & (inter)faith initiatives, is nearing its completion. Once the plan is implemented, it has the potential to revitalize our university and propel it forward in achieving its mission and vision. At times the process has been arduous; at others, exhilarating. I am full of gratitude for the generous efforts of everyone involved - it took all of us to make it happen! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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Dean of D.Min/M.Div. Programs Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan:
"I am grateful that women are making a difference in their role as leaders in the Vatican. Since the ordination of 7 women on the Danube, Roman Catholic Women Priests have been living a new model of priestly ministry in inclusive communities of equals. We are creating a 'big tent' Church where all are equal..."
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Librarian Judy Clarence M.L.I.S.:
"I'm grateful for the "global" in Global Ministries University; for our outreach and availability to students everywhere, bringing together people from geographically and spiritually diverse environments worldwide.
Contact me for assistance with your research needs.
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Registrar Lee McCoy:
"I am thankful for the opportunity to work with colleagues and students who seek to create a global, inclusive, respectful, and interfaith world. We envision a better future for all!"
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Financial Manager Linda Gonzalez:
"Thank you, God, for all the blessings, including GMU, that you have given me … yesterday, today, and tomorrow."
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IT Director Rick Silvestri:
"I'm filled with gratitude for GMU's mission and, of course, its participants - including our lovely students, faculty, and staff. I'm also grateful to provide whatever expertise I have to make your studies easier.
And now for the not-so-new news: GMU's website is back and better than ever! I humbly request that all of you spend some time perusing the site; perhaps you may offer up a prayer or extend gratitude on the Prayers Page - yes, that's back, too! There's a lot more to see; please stop by. Happy Thanksgiving!"
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Director of the Center for Celebrant Training Jean Conley:
"I am oh so grateful to have the opportunity to train and empower our dedicated students that feel a call to conduct ceremonies and services for some of the most important events in our lives: marriages and funerals, as well as renewal of vows, house blessings, pet funerals, to name a few."
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GMU faculty member and Admin. of People's Catholic Seminary Mary Theresa Streck, Ed.D., D.Min., ARCWP:
"I am grateful for GMU's Doctor of Ministry Program: flexible, affordable, and open to creativity."
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Communications Director Mary Aktay:
"It is a blessing to be part of such an innovative and flexible university that responds to the ministerial and educational needs of a diverse and international student population. I hope more people will find their true calling through GMU."
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We are all "full of thanks" for GMU's enlightened and creative approach to education, thinking "outside the box" of traditional brick-and-mortar institutions, and building global partnerships promoting mutual understanding and respect. | |
2022 GMU Graduation Ceremony | GMU's Happy Hour, which took place on Nov. 1, 2022, was an informal conversation among 13 members of the GMU staff, faculty, and students sharing about the impact of GMU's affordable, online courses and programs on their lives and ministries. | |
GMU has received a major donation for our Prison Chaplaincy Program, and we have our first student enrolled! | |
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GivingTuesday is just around the corner. It is an occasion to share time, talents, and resources. Please consider making a donation to Global Ministries University in any amount to help provide educational opportunities all around the globe.
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International and Interfaith Outreach | |
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In August 2021, GMU co-sponsored a three-day interfaith global conference on "Building Human Solidarity in Light of Pope Francis' Encyclical, Fratelli Tutti." This interfaith conference had over 3,000 participants from over 19 nations. A second international conference, "Walking Together in Light of Fratelli Tutti and Laudato Si' " will take place February 2-4, 2023, to coincide with the UN International Day of Human Fraternity and World Interfaith Harmony Week. Learn more on the conference website and YouTube channel.
The American Hub facilitated by GMU will offer a series of presentations on the environment and Laudato Si'; immigration; education; building a "Just Peace"; and "The Voices of Women." In addition to President Gerald Grudzen and Marita Grudzen, GMU faculty member Fr. Augustine Pamplany and GMU graduates Anthony Pino and Lisa Gosiaco will participate in panel presentations.
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You can still view all of President Grudzen's Interfaith Forums. Simply apply with the $25 fee to cover production costs and a link to the recordings will be sent to you for the following:
November 8 at 7 PM Pacific time
Discussion of the Document on Human Fraternity signed by Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al Azhar University. We will include the interfaith meeting taking place in Bahrain from November 3-6 and any "Declaration" issued from this meeting by Pope Francis, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, and many other religious leaders
November 15 at 7 PM Pacific time
Discussion of the role of religion and science in addressing the climate change crisis using the example of the Laudato Si' Movement.
November 22 at 7 PM Pacific time
Dr. Recep Dogan will lead a discussion of the global Hizmet movement and its role in promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation. Doctor Dogan will share how the Hizmet movement understands its role in our contemporary diverse cultural and religious society and the philosophical and theological principles informing its mission.
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Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
Spread the Joy!
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