AJCU Mourns Former President Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J.
The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities mourns the passing of Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J., who died on Thursday, September 30 after a recent diagnosis of melanoma. He was 88 years old.
During his time as president of AJCU (between 2011 and 2013), Fr. Lucey spent six months visiting the nation’s Jesuit colleges and universities, where he met with presidents, Jesuits and administrators, all of whom provided input that shaped the creation of a new strategic plan for the Association. A focus on mission programming was integral to the plan, leading to the Ignatian Colleagues Program becoming officially incorporated into AJCU; the creation of the AJCU Mission Advisory Committee; and the development of the document, Some Characteristics of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.
Considerable focus was given to the AJCU Conferences (professional affinity groups for faculty and staff at Jesuit colleges and universities): Fr. Lucey oversaw the first joint meeting between AJCU Conference Chairs; encouraged their collaboration; and frequently attended their meetings. Fr. Lucey was also an active member of the AJCU Government Relations Network, serving as a strong advocate for Jesuit higher education on Capitol Hill, both before and during his tenure at AJCU.
AJCU's current president, Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., remarked on Fr. Lucey's legacy. He said, “Fr. Lucey gave most of his life’s energy to working in Jesuit education, especially in higher education. Anyone who worked with or knew him saw his wisdom and his care for people and for our schools—most especially Spring Hill College, where he served as president and chancellor. His deep concern came from his indomitable spirit of optimism. What we have learned from him is something we need to be reminded of today: the Lord guides our projects. The difficulties and challenges we experience today can be managed if we rely on Him even as we work as if everything depends on our good efforts. This was St. Ignatius’ advice and Fr. Lucey lived it.”
Click here to read AJCU's full tribute to Fr. Lucey and view a photo gallery featuring highlights of his time in Washington, D.C. May he rest in peace.
News from Jesuit Colleges and Universities
It was an exciting week for Saint Peter's University, which received the largest grant in its history: $4.8M from the U.S. Department of Education to increase enrollment in STEM programs. Several other schools received major grants this week, including Boston College (as part of a consortium to study ocean ecosystems, funded by a $25M National Science Foundation grant) and Seattle University (as part of a research collaboration to study off-grid electricity on Native American reservations, funded by a $540K NSF grant).
Advocacy to double the Pell grant continues at Jesuit colleges and universities: this week, Loyola University Chicago and Saint Louis University shared updates on how their campus communities are participating in the national #DoublePell campaign.
Saint Joseph's University announce plans to open a new residence hall for students with autism spectrum disorder; Loyola University Maryland partnered with Jesuit institutions to offer two new study abroad programs in South Korea and the Dominican Republic for the 2022-23 academic year; Santa Clara University reported record enrollment for its incoming freshman class; and after reuniting on campus, post-Hurricane Ida, Loyola University New Orleans celebrated an in-person Mass of the Holy Spirit.
We're excited to share a new podcast from Conversations on Jesuit Higher Education! Click here to listen to the first episode of Formative: Conversations on Who We Became, hosted by Professor Michael Serazio of Boston College. Episodes will focus on the impact of Jesuit education on graduates of our schools, who will share their personal stories of growth and formation.
Jesuit Excellence Tour to Host Virtual College Fair
Are you the parent or guardian of a high school student, or know someone preparing to apply for college? You'll want to tell them about a virtual college fair on Wednesday, October 6, featuring admissions counselors from Jesuit colleges and universities! Click here to learn more and register online.
Additional virtual presentations will be held on October 19 and 21; all programs have been organized by the Jesuit Excellence Tour program, in partnership with the National Catholic College Admission Association.
Here's what else is happening across our campuses (and online) over the next few weeks:
Tuesday, October 12: Remain & Restore: University of Detroit Mercy (online and in-person conversation with regional director of JRS Middle East and North Africa, sponsored by Jesuit Refugee Service/USA)
Thursday, October 14: Remain & Restore: Boston College (online and in-person conversation with regional director of JRS Middle East and North Africa, sponsored by Jesuit Refugee Service/USA)
AJCU Higher Ed News is a weekly e-newsletter that features the latest news and information from Jesuit colleges and universities. To submit a story or subscribe, please send an e-mail to Deanna Howes Spiro (dhowes@ajcunet.edu).
