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There are over 200 Catholic colleges and universities in the United States. 

 

Fewer than a dozen are diocesan institutions. 

 

What makes us unique? 

 

This was the subject of two distinctive national conferences held at Loras College in May 2007 and May 2008. 

 

On this page, you will find information about these conferences, participating institutions, speakers, themes that emerged, and resources from the keynote addresses such as podcasts, slide presentations, and written texts.

 

 

 

 

The Conferences

 

Stewards of God’s Varied Grace: The Charism of the Diocesan College/University (May 2007) and Weaving Dynamic Relationships: The Diocesan College/University Serving the Church and the World (May 2008) brought together representatives from nine institutions from across the country for three days of speakers, discussions, and prayer to explore the role played by diocesan colleges and universities in higher education and the life of the Church.  The colleges and universities sent teams drawn from across their campuses, bringing together a diverse mix of college presidents, regents, administrators, faculty, campus ministers, and students.  Together participants examined the meaning of diocesan identity, its lived reality on campus, and opportunities for collaboration among diocesan institutions.  These unique gatherings were planned by the leadership of the participating institutions and coordinated by the Loras College Catholic Identity Committee, led by Rev. Douglas Wathier and Sr. Marlene Pinzka, both Loras College faculty members.  Financial support also came from a generous grant by the Humanitas Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Participating Institutions

Carroll College (Helena, Montana)

 

Gannon University (Erie, Pennsylvania)

 

Loras College (Dubuque, Iowa)

 

St. Ambrose University (Davenport, Iowa)

 

St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens, Florida)

 

Seton Hall University (South Orange, New Jersey)

 

Thomas More College (Crestview Hills, Kentucky)

 

University of Dallas (Irving, Texas)

 

University of St. Thomas (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

 

 

 

Speakers

 

Michael Galligan-Stierle, Ph.D.

Vice President for the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.

 

Alice Hayes, Ph.D.

President emerita of the University of San Diego.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rev. Joseph Hauer, J.C.D.

Priest of the Archdiocese of Dubuque and canon lawyer. 

 

The Most Rev. Jerome Hanus, O.S.B, S.T.L.

Archbishop of Dubuque. 

 

Rev. Monsignor Franklyn M. Casale

President of St. Thomas University. 

 

 

Rev. Nicholas Rouch

Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Gannon University. 

 

David Carroll Cochran, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Politics and Director of the Archbishop Kucera Center at Loras College.  

 

 

Themes that Emerged

 

Over the course of each conference’s three days, several core themes emerged:

·         The importance of being rooted in a particular geographical place defined by a diocese and how this creates both opportunities and challenges for a college or university

·         How diocesan colleges and universities are uniquely suited to serve the local Church and its members, especially taking the lead in addressing problems facing the Church and serving those in need from local communities

·         The context of Ex Corde Ecclesiae, especially how diocesan institutions can model the relationship between universities and bishops that it calls for

·         The opportunities and challenges in collaboration between members of a diocesan college or university and leaders of the dioceses

·         The status of diocesan institutions in both canon and civil law

·         The opportunities and challenges of not being rooted in the tradition of a particular religious order like most Catholic colleges and universities, including the way diocesan institutions can develop models of being a Catholic college or university that congregational insitutions can look to as they examine their own futures

·         The importance of lay leadership and faith formation in diocesan institutions

·         Young adult spirituality on the Catholic campus, especially in a diocesan college or university context

·         Faculty orientation and development in a diocesan college or university context

·         The need for more collaboration among diocesan institutions in areas such as comparative analysis of Catholic culture on campus; faculty and staff development in the Catholic intellectual tradition; and Catholic-centered student learning opportunities in service and off-campus study.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keynote Addresses 

Michael Galligan-Stierle, “A View from Heaven: The Transformational Mission of the Diocesan College/University." (May 2007)

   - PDF 1568KB
   - Mp3 27911KB    

Alice Hayes, “Leadership: An Influence Relationship.” (May 2007)
   - PDF 62KB
   - Mp3 21672KB

 

Msgr. Franklyn Casale and Archbishop Jerome Hanus, "The Mutuality of the Relationship Between the (Arch)Diocese and the College/University.” (May 2008)
   - Mp3 3,709KB (Intro Jim Collins)
   - Mp3 22,664KB (Msgr. Casale)
        (Msgr. Calale's PowerPoint.ppt)
   - Mp3 21,994KB (Archbishob Hanus)

Rev. Nicholas Rouch and David Cochran, "The Catholic Diocesan College and University: A Comparative Analysis of Mission Documents and Comparative Opportunities.” (May 2008)
   - Mp3 4,047KB (Intro Fr. Bill)
   - Mp3 30,963KB (Rev. Nick Rouch) 
   - Mp3 29,656KB (Dr. David Cochran)
        (Rouch & Cochran PowerPoint.ppt)