Jesuit Schools & Organizations Focus on Care for Creation
This fall, Jesuit colleges, universities and organizations are demonstrating their care for creation in response to Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si', the Universal Apostolic Preferences, and ongoing challenges brought on by climate change.
On Monday, Gonzaga University announced its commitment to joining the Laudato Si' Action Platform: a new initiative of the Vatican to encourage Catholic schools and organizations to commit their work toward an integrated ecology. Fairfield University and Regis University have also made commitments to join the platform, which will officially launch in November.
Across the AJCU network, the Ignatian Solidarity Network has partnered with the Office of Justice and Ecology to create a resource page pertaining to living out the ideals of the platform in the Ignatian Year; click here to learn more.
Speaking of the Ignatian Year, Boston College recently launched a video series of reflections from participants in the Ignatian Colleagues Program (ICP) on Ignatian Year themes, while Canisius College hosted a virtual visit from Kino Border Initiative staff, who shared the Ignatian "cannonball" moments that have shaped their lives.
In light of this week's Feast of St. Francis and next week's Indigenous People's Day, we want to highlight a few more stories from our schools: a group of College of the Holy Cross students collaborated on a new documentary about the Nipmuc community of Worcester, MA; Loyola University Chicago issued a new land acknowledgment statement; and Marquette University highlighted the ways that its campus gardens align with the Universal Apostolic Preferences.
Memorial Masses Announced for Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J.
Last week, we shared news of the passing of Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J., who served as president of AJCU from 2011 to 2013. Fr. Lucey's life will be celebrated during a memorial Mass in St. Joseph's Chapel at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL on Tuesday, October 12; visitation will be held from 9:30AM - 11:00AM CT, followed by a Mass at 11:00AM CT / 12:00PM ET (click here for livestream).
Later in the week, a prayer vigil will be held on Thursday, October 14 at 4:15PM CT at the St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Milwaukee, followed the next day by a funeral Mass at Milwaukee's Gesu Church on Friday, October 15 at 10:00AM CT / 11:00AM ET (click here for livestream). May Fr. Lucey rest in peace.
Class of 2020 Celebrated on Jesuit Campuses
It's been well over a year since they completed their coursework, but the Class of 2020 has finally been able to have their long-awaited commencement ceremonies on several Jesuit campuses! Over the past few weeks, Creighton University, Fordham University and Marquette University have hosted in-person events for their graduates, while today, Santa Clara University will honor the Class of 2020 during Grand Reunion Weekend. Congratulations once again to all of our #JesuitEducated graduates!
News from Jesuit Colleges and Universities
Creighton University received a gift from Dignity Health to provide full-tuition scholarships for students of color to attend its Health Sciences Campus in Phoenix; Fairfield University announced a new associate's degree program in partnership with the Diocese of Bridgeport; Loyola Marymount University dedicated the new Howard B. Fitzpatrick Pavilion for its School of Film and Television; Loyola University Maryland created a virtual video tour of its new Miguel B. Fernandez Family Center for Innovation and Collaborative Learning; a Marquette University professor received a $1.9M NIH grant to study sedentary behaviors as part of its High-Risk, High-Reward Research program; Saint Louis University received a $2M Health Resources and Services Administration grant to help establish a Regional Pediatric Pandemic Network; and Saint Peter's University announced plans to dedicate a new arena on campus next month.
In the News: a Loyola University Chicago alumna was named a 2021 MacArthur "Genius Grant" recipient; a College of the Holy Cross professor was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award; and Fordham University's men's basketball team was profiled in Forbes for a team-bonding visit to the Metropolitan Opera.
Upcoming Virtual & In-Person Events Across the Jesuit Network
Here's what's 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)
And save the date! On Thursday, October 28, hear Mike Barkley (former CEO of KIND Snacks) discuss how he has learned and applied the teachings of St. Ignatius to navigate the peaks and valleys of life—including finding grace in the “cannonball moments” that can help change one’s perspective, reset priorities, and lead to a higher purpose.
This talk (sponsored by the Jesuit Friends and Alumni Network USA) will be held in-person in Cleveland and livestreamed online.
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).
