Marianist Encounters at the University of Dayton, OH

Fr. Jim Fitz, SM, Vice President for Mission and Rector at the University of Dayton, OH, shares this update with us.

Global Compact on Education

I would like to share some efforts that the University of Dayton is making to respond to the Global Compact on Education, especially the call to provide education for the most vulnerable and marginalized:

Flyer Promise (here is the website): https://udayton.edu/my/flyer-promise.php

Kessler Scholars, a program for first-generation college students: https://udayton.edu/academy/kessler-scholars/index.php

Refugee students: The Presidents' Alliance joins the State Department & partners to announce Welcome Corps on Campus - this is a new groundbreaking program for U.S. colleges and universities to sponsor refugee students. UD is a participant.

These are some recent efforts of the University. Part of the University fundraising campaign, We Soar, is also geared toward raising money for scholarships, especially for students with financial need.

Laudato Si' Action Platform

As I have a little more time this summer, I would like to update people on an effort in which the University of Dayton participated in responding to the Laudato Si platform. In collaboration with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Xavier University, we sponsored a conference on Saturday, March 4, 2023, for people of all ages from across the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. We came together to pray; grow in fellowship; learn about the Laudato Si’ Action Platform; and act together to support our parishes, schools, homes, and congregations to care for God'sSi' creation.

Over 190 folks gathered at the University of Dayton's Curran Place for a powerful conference that included keynotes on the faith and science rationale for this work, examples of great work already in progress, a student panel, and breakouts where people from the same sectors could connect.

We hope this conference was the next step in mobilizing our Archdiocesan community to act on the morals set forth by Laudato Si' and engage with the LSAP.