Dear Brothers,
ACCU Convention – Called Together
Recently, I attended the annual conference of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Washington, D.C. The following colleagues joined me:
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Dr. Savio Franco (Province Leadership Development)
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Fr. John Thompson (VP for Mission at Saint Mary’s University)
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Fr. Bill Meyer (Rector at Saint Mary’s University)
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Bro. Ed Brink (VP for Mission and Rector at Chaminade University)
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Fr. Jim Fitz (VP for Mission and Rector at the University of Dayton)
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Bro. Ed Violett (Provost and VP for Academics at the Franciscan University)
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Fr. Jim Heft (Theologian and professor of religion at USC)
Fr. Jim Heft spoke to the conference regarding his latest book, "The Future of Catholic Higher Education." He discussed issues of Catholic identity, the role of the theology department, preference for the study of theology over religious studies, and the complexity of hiring for the mission. Jim was engaging, insightful, descriptive, and hopeful in his assessment while recognizing the reality of living in a pluralistic Church.
The theme of the conference was “Called Together.” Other important presentations were offered to address both the challenges and opportunities in higher education today.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, gave an inspirational talk on how Covid has impacted our lives and how the existence of loneliness and social isolation that exists in our society is calling us to a renewed sense of relationship and community. How Marianist is that?
