FALL 2012 MAGAZINE
New Horizons Graduate Studies and Residential Life The Truth Will Set You Free
A Labor of Love
The Perfect Fit
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Aquinas College campus
Dear Friends of Aquinas College, In 1852, a contributor to the The South-Western Monthly wrote: “About four miles from Nashville, a lovely valley surrounded by hills whose gently waving outline must strike the visitor thither as exquisitely beautiful, the traveler will observe a pleasant looking a substantial country residence, built of brick and with a clear stream meandering through a green lawn in front of it. The locality is one of the most charming in the vicinity of a city noted for its many beautiful building sites, and among them all, no drive of a pleasant summer’s evening has more attractions in the way of fine views than the one in question.” Although this was written at a time when Nashville was considered part of the Southwest and the idea of a War Between the States had barely begun to germinate, the description of our beautiful campus, now in the heart of a bustling growing metropolis, still rings true. The 83 acre property is still host to a variety of flora and fauna and is beautiful in every season, but none so much as the fall, which is spectacular on our campus. As the seasons give us new life and vigor, so does the blessing of time, particularly anniversary years, provide us with a chance
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for renewal. This past year has brought an overflow of gifts to Aquinas College, now beginning its 51st year. In this issue you will find articles on the new Graduate Studies and Residential Life programs, our new President’s Advisory Council, and perspectives on culture, the arts and sciences, and society that are uniquely Catholic and Dominican. We are in the middle of creating a new strategic plan that promises to take us into the next 50 years. Part of the joy of serving in a faith-based institution is knowing that all our efforts for the College are being guided by His hand. Thank you for your continual support of our schools and programs that profoundly affect the students we teach, their families, and those they pledge to serve in society. Your contributions make an incredible difference in the world. May you and your families be greatly blessed during these beautiful days of fall. In St. Thomas Aquinas,
Sister Mary Sarah, O.P. President
www.aquinascollege.edu
TABLE OF CONTENTS President Sister Mary Sarah, O.P. Executive Director of The Dominican Campus Sister Catherine Marie, O.P. Vice President for Institutional Advancement Timothy J. Stransky Director of Admissions Connie Hansom Director of Development and Community Relations Jeanne “Rickey” Chick Schuller Director of Marketing and Communications Ron Kerman Graphic Design/Art Direction Michael Ann Zinser Contributing Writers Sister Mary Sarah, O.P. Sarah Wannemuehler, Ed. D. Brother Ignatius Perkins, O.P., Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N. Bill Smart, Ph.D. Dr. Aaron Urbanczyk, Ph.D. Dan Donnelly, Ph.D. Spencer Ledford Mary Schultz Sister Mary Michael, O.P. Jeanne “Rickey” Chick Schuller Timothy J. Stransky Paul Downey Photography Paul Downey Ed Rode (www.edrode.biz) Sister Mary Christopher, O.P. Alan Poizner Ron Kerman
FEATURES PRESIDENT’S LETTER .........................................................................................................2 WHY TEACH? ………………....................………………............................................…….......…….4 WILL YOU TEACH US CARING? ............................................................................................6 THE OXBRIDGE MODEL ..................……………………….......................................................….8 THE PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL ....………………...........................................................………….10 THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE ....………………....................................................………….13
HAPPENINGS A LABOR OF LOVE………………….…………………………………….......................................………14 OUR HUMAN NEED FOR TRUTH……………………………...................................…………………15 AQUINAS PLAYERS RESURRECTED……………………..............................................…………..15 MARCH FOR LIFE……………………………………………...................................………………………16 SPRING LECTURE SERIES……………………………………......................................……………….18 50th COMMENCEMENT IN PHOTOS…………………………...............………………………………..24 NEWS BRIEFS …………………………………………………….......................................……………..26 IN MEMORIAM……………………………………………………….............…………………………………..30
DEPARTMENTS BECAUSE YOU WILL NEVER STOP LEARNING - LIBERAL ARTS……..............................….20 THE WRITING CENTER - LIBERAL ARTS ………………............................................………….21 AQUINAS IS THE PERFECT FIT …………………….............................................................…...22 REFLECTIONS ..........................…………................................................................….………..23 YEAR OF FAITH SOCIETY ……........................................................................................……27 PLANNING THE FUTURE - ADVANCEMENT .................................................................……28
TRANSFORMING LIVES AND CULTURE THROUGH TRUTH AND CHARITY
FAITH AND THE BLESSED MOTHER
True Devotion to the Blessed Mother
By Wesley Ely, MD, MPH
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9 | Aquinas College Main Building Room 103 | 6 p.m.
FAITH AND FAMILY LIFE
Smart Discipline
By Dr. Larry Koenig THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 | St. Cecilia Academy Theater | 6 p.m. Sponsored by the Overbrook Parents’ Club
FAITH AND THE PUBLIC SQUARE
Public Witness
By Fr. Roger Landry TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 | Aquinas College Main Building Room 103 | 6 p.m. 4210 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 297-7545 or (800) 649-9956 www.aquinascollege.edu
www.aquinascollege.edu
Join us for one or all of our special lectures designed to increase your faith. All events are free of charge and open to the public.
R.S.V.P. (615) 383.3230 or email lectures@aquinascollege.edu AQUINAS COLLEGE
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IN THE DOMINICAN TRADITION
Why Teach? NEW Graduate Programs in Education
Sarah German, Education student 4
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www.aquinascollege.edu
IN THE DOMINICAN TRADITION
Dr. Sarah Wannemuehler, Director, Graduate Studies in Education, addresses graduate students during reception.
Sarah Wannemueler, Ed.D.
A
n individual who chooses to become a teacher has frequently been asked this question, “Why teach?” Teaching is a very demanding profession. It requires those who become teachers to wear many hats: teacher, counselor, nurse, referee, confidant, advocate, fundraiser, recruiter, and role model. Indeed, the job description of the classroom teacher has changed greatly during the last fifty years since Aquinas College opened its doors. As the job description has changed, teachers have become the first responders to the critical issues students face at home, in their neighborhoods, and in cyberspace. The hours are long and the compensation does not begin to compare with other professions. So, why teach? The men and women who consider teaching today choose to teach because they consider it more than just a job. They consider it a calling, a vocation. They become teachers because they want to make a difference. They believe in the potential of every child and they see teaching as an opportunity to change the world one student at a time.
Teachers never forget their students and a student never forgets a teacher who has made a significant impact on his or her life. Is there a teacher who made a difference in your life? Perhaps it was a teacher who was a graduate of Aquinas College. During the fifty year history of Aquinas College, thousands of students have been educated in the Dominican tradition responding to the needs of the times. Now, in response to the growing interest in graduate studies, the School of Education has designed innovative Masters degrees for professional educators and for those exploring teaching as a career choice.
of College and Schools—Commission on Colleges approved Graduate Studies at Aquinas College and Aquinas welcomed its first graduate students this fall.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) for Grades K-6 or 7-12 and the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning degrees reflect the belief that teaching is more than a career choice, it is both gift and mission. Individuals enrolled in these programs will be prepared to be teachers of the truth, thus enabling them to bring the message of salvation to bear on ethical, social, political, religious and cultural issues in a variety of public and private educational settings.
The beginning of these new programs is a wonderful way to carry on the tradition of innovation and excellence for which Aquinas College has been known during the last fifty years.
On June 21, 2012 the Southern Association
The Master of Education in Teaching and Learning (M.Ed.) degree is for individuals who presently hold a degree and/or license in teaching and who would like to pursue an advanced degree. The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) for Grades K-6 or 7-12 is designed for individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in a discipline outside of education, but who would like to pursue a career in teaching.
St. John Crystsostom once wrote, “What greater work is there than training the mind and forming the habits of the young?” So, in response to the question, “Why teach?” – “Why not?” What better place to begin or continue this journey than at Aquinas College where great teaching begins. n
For information about the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning or the Master of Arts in Teaching M.A.T. (K-6) or (7-12) contact Dr. Sarah Wannemuehler at 615-297-7545 Ext. 612 or wannemuehlers@aquinascollege.edu. www.aquinascollege.edu
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Will you teach us caring? Aquinas College begins Master’s in Nursing Education
Brother Ignatius Perkins, O.P., Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., F.N.Y.A.M., F.R.S.M., Dean, School of Nursing and Director of the R.N.-B.S.N. and M.S.N. Programs
S
everal years ago, several distraught nursing students came to me in search of an answer to their question “will you teach us caring?” They explained their disillusionment between their hopes and dreams of caring for the sick and the realities of the age of technology, the dehumanization in health care, and their experience of being alienated from the person of the patient. After sharing some examples of their concerns, frustrations and personal doubts about their future in nursing I replied “We cannot teach you caring, but we can show you caring.” This commitment to “show them caring” represents the philosophy of the School of Nursing at Aquinas College. Regardless of the students’ program of choice whether it be the Associate of Science in Nursing, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or
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the Master of Science in Nursing Education, the gift we as faculty give to students is to help them re-shape their person and their moral center to then bring to the clinical encounter a great deal more than technology and efficiency. The clinical encounter is a sacred moment between the one who has asked for care and healing and the one who has promised to help and to heal. This is a healing relationship between two persons, both masterpieces of God’s creative act, both who possess inherent dignity and freedom, who journey together in search of healing and hope. This unique journey requires knowledge, competencies in the art and science of nursing, but more importantly moral courage and mercy, the freedom to uncover the beauty of another person hidden within their illness, the freedom to dream and to be vulnerable in the moment when no treatment will reverse the natural course of the disease, and to engage the sick in the experience of the promise of hope even through tragedy, long suffering and even death.
www.aquinascollege.edu
IN THE DOMINICAN TRADITION The first principle of the Philosophy of the School of Nursing states “we believe in the unique and the unrepeatability of every person who is created by God in His own image and is worthy of dignity and respect from the moment of conception to natural death.” This first principle lived every day by the faculty of Aquinas College in the School of Nursing is the mechanism whereby we show to students caring in the Catholic Dominican tradition of Aquinas College. In this special place our students come to understand more deeply the heart of the CatholicDominican Moment, what God wants for them, and the challenge to transform the human condition and that of our world that begins in protecting and defending the intrinsic dignity and human flourishing in every person who has ever been born. Here in this special place, on holy ground, we in the School of Nursing help one another and our students create the caring moments where we come to understand and believe that the greatest gift we have to offer the sick and their families is simply ourselves. We have evolved to a new and heightened level of a School of Nursing and are embracing another new challenge by implementing an innovative competencybased graduate program in nursing at Aquinas College that leads to the Master
of Science in Nursing Education (M.S.N.) or a Post-Master’s Certification in Nursing Education (P.M.C.). Graduate studies in nursing education in the Catholic Dominican Tradition at Aquinas College represent the beginning of another new and exciting frontier in learning in Dominican higher education as students are prepared to take the Mission and Core Values of the College into new, challenging and unchartered cultures, both at home and abroad, and to help both inform and shape the new and emerging heath care paradigms and nursing practice through nursing education. No other institution in higher education in the Catholic Dominican tradition has yet to approach graduate education in nursing in this unique manner. The M.S.N. and P.M.C. Programs stand apart from other Catholic graduate programs in nursing education, and most other nursing education programs as well, as evidenced in its philosophical and theological foundations but, more importantly, by its focus on preparing confident and competent educators whose primary outcome is centered in affirming and protecting the dignity of the one who is sick and the one who has promised to care and to heal. The mission of evangelization through healing of the lost, the last, and the least among us is what we must be about in nursing educa-
DEAN OF NURSING AT AQUINAS COLLEGE RECEIVES UNIQUE AND PRESTIGIOUS HONOR On April 30, Brother Ignatius Perkins, O.P., Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., F.N.Y.A.M., F.R.S.M., Dean of Nursing and Director of the R.N.-B.S.N. Program Aquinas College in Nashville, TN, was awarded the inaugural recipient of the Saint Catherine of Siena Chair in Catholic Health Care Ethics. The Chair comes with a $1 million endowment which will be used to ensure the pastoral formation and academic education of Dominican-student Friars in Health Care Ethics for the ministries of the Province of Saint Joseph and specifically at the Dominican Friars Health Care Ministry of New York (D.F.H.C.M.N.Y.). Additionally, in conjunction with the faculty members of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology of the Immaculate Conception and the Dominican Friars Health Care Ministry of New York, Brother Ignatius will design a unique and crucial Catholic Clinical Pastoral Education Program, a crucial model for the future of all health care education. And on September 21, he was formally inducted as a Fellow in the National League for Nursing’s Academy of Nursing Education during the NLN Education Summit in Anaheim, California.
tion at Aquinas College. This is the college’s proper role in the universal Church and especially in Pope Benedict XVI’s program on the New Evangelization. For the present and foreseeable future, the urgent need for competent and confident nurses to meet the health care needs of our global world is severely compromised by the growing lack of qualified faculty. Tennessee data on the registered nurse supply consistently verify an anticipated shortage, at a minimum of 15,000 nurses by 2020. Nurse faculty vacancies in Tennessee schools of nursing, due to retirement alone, project a shortage of 450 faculty for the same period. These data have not calculated the size of nurse workforce, new roles and competencies for practice in a very different health system than what currently exists, or faculty workforce demands that are soon to become realized under the federal health care reform when Brother Ignatius with a few of his nursing graduates.
www.aquinascollege.edu
continued on page 21
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IN THE DOMINICAN TRADITION
Joe Grossheim and Kyle Mangold relax in the new Seton Lodge residence
Residential Life at Aquinas:
The Oxbridge Model Sister Mary Sarah, O.P., President
INTRODUCTION
A
new Program for Residential Life at Aquinas College is underway! Faculty, staff, students and administration have come together during the last ten or twelve months to form a new way of life at Aquinas that will uniquely prepare men and women for life in the next generation. This new Program is based on the Oxbridge Model of Houses, an ancient design for university life that has made a comeback in recent years in both private and state universities across the country. This past year, Aquinas College received some assistance in the development of its residential plan. Mr. Daniel Hill, Head of the Catholic Chaplaincies for the Archdio-
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cese of Sydney in Australia, and Dr. David Daintree, President of Campion College in Sydney, Australia, joined the Aquinas College community for a week-long discussion about how to best implement the Oxbridge Model at Aquinas. The basic design of the “House system” incorporates all members of the Aquinas Community into one of eight Houses. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, board and community members are all included in Houses under the patronage of saints who represent a vast array of ages and experiences, and who model for our students virtue, scholarship, and community life.
WORK AND LEISURE
In his book, A Theory of Festivity, the 20th century author Josef Pieper observes that although politically most of us do not live
beneath a totalitarian regime, socially we have tended (particularly in America) to impose on ourselves a burden of similar weight. Work, by its nature is a blessing, but when it becomes an escape, an antidote for boredom, or a competitive obsession, the dignity of work is undermined. Work, in the absence of integration with the rest of life, negatively impacts us as physical, intellectual, and spiritual beings. But even more critical to our understanding of a healthy, vibrant culture is the concept of leisure, or the way we use the spaces that are between work, obligation, and sleep. In an article on leisure and work in the New York Times, ‘leisure specialist’ Alison Link remarked that, when surveyed about their perceived levels of freedom, respondents from incarcerated persons and those in the www.aquinascollege.edu
IN THE DOMINICAN TRADITION workplace were often identical, and that members of the prison system often have a better understanding of leisure and its importance than those who are considered free members of society. Studies indicate the amount of time Americans spend at work has increased, but a simple observation of current cultural trends indicates that the way in which we utilize the rest of our time, in the spaces in between work, has changed dramatically. As products of the culture, students who are engaged in study often succumb to a mindset of utility in their studies and are intent on simply getting through the process. The Residential Life Program at Aquinas proposes that a balanced life is a good life, and that work, study, and leisure, when integrated, lead to happiness.
ROOTED IN ‘REAL TIME’
The Ancient Greeks believed that chronological time was the moving image of eternity. In a similar way, the inhabitants of the Middle Ages thought that to plan, build, or do anything that was not rooted in the next life was absurd. Following this premise, the Program for Residen-
Residential students on first Move-In Day at Seton Lodge.
tial Life at Aquinas draws its inspiration primarily from the Liturgy, and the Divine mercy that is released through the annual celebrations of the liturgical calendar. The major feast days of the Church, the holidays, patronal House feasts, and Sundays create a framework of festivity and elicit
an annual pattern of feasting and fasting according to the deeper patterns that have been part of the Western world’s practice for two millennia. Each of the Houses continued on page 12
Female Residents on the first day of Orientation Week. To find out more about the development of Residential Life at Aquinas, go to www.aquinascollege.edu/reslife www.aquinascollege.edu
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ADMINISTRATION
Members of the new President’s Advisory Council (from l to r): Marilyn Loegering, George Loegering, Bill Burleigh, Bishop James Conley and Curtis Martin
The President’s Advisory Council At the heart of the New Evangelization lies the challenge to communicate the message of Christ in a bold and vibrant way. Those who follow Christ must always be ready for renewal, for a deepening of faith, for a conversion of the intellect and the will, in charity, so as to make the Gospel ever more clear to those who await the freedom that comes with becoming a son or daughter of God. In January 2012 a new group of prelates, scholars, and professionals gathered to celebrate the Inaugural Mass of Investiture for Sister Mary Sarah, O.P., and to discuss ways that Aquinas College could engage more deeply in the exciting work of the New Evangelization. This new group, called the President’s Advisory Council, assembled from all parts of the United
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States and Australia to learn more about the work of the College and to provide insight into Aquinas’ capacity to serve the Church and the World. Attendees were invited to assist Aquinas College in its process of renewal. At the 50 year mark, traditionally held as a year of jubilee, the gains that have been made over the last half century, significant as they are, are not nearly as important as those that are yet to be. A jubilee celebration for any institution allows it a momentary pause to consider the blessings of the past and those that are still to come. The President’s Advisory Council spent a morning session listening to members of the Aquinas College faculty, staff, administration, and student body discuss vari-
Fr. Albert Trudel, O.P., listens as Dr. Marie Hilliard, a member of the President’s Advisory Council, speaks at the first council meeting. www.aquinascollege.edu
ous aspects of the College. In the afternoon, participants were invited to share their perspectives on the growth of the College and the ways that Aquinas College could more fully engage in the work of the New Evangelization. Responding to the College’s plan for a vibrant residential life in the next few years, Dr. David Daintree, President of Campion College in Sydney, Australia, stated that, “Having established a fine reputation as an academic institution, I’m pleased to see that Aquinas College is now turning its attention to the development of an equally good residential and student life program. Excellence in one calls for excellence in the other. From what I’ve seen of Aquinas, they don’t do things by halves.”
“Having established a fine reputation as an academic institution, I’m pleased to see Aquinas College is now turning its attention to the development of an equally good residential student life program. Excellence in one calls for excellence in the other. From what I’ve seen of Aquinas, they don’t do things by halves.” Dr. David Daintree, President Campion College, East New South Wales
Other aspects of Aquinas’ strategic initiatives were discussed, including the building up of professional programs on an already well-established liberal arts core. Marie Hilliard, RN, JCL, Ph.D., Director of Bioethics & Public Policy and Ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center, saw the development of excellent practical programs as integral to the new evangelization, observing that, “Aquinas College, with its focus on transforming lives and culture through truth and charity, is ideally situated to embark on this next phase of its educational mission: to develop knowledgeable professionals, who pursue truth and the integration of faith in their daily lives.” Situated in Nashville, which prides itself on such values, Aquinas has much to contribute in addressing the broader regional and national need for the development of such professionals. The provision of housing for students and the expansion into master’s degree programs will enable this to occur. The development of a very involved Presidential Advisory Committee, with geographically and experientially diverse members who are faith-filled, bodes exceedingly well for the flourishing of these initiatives.” n www.aquinascollege.edu
PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
ADMINISTRATION Dr. Carolyn Baker Houston, Texas Educator and Author
Deacon George Loegering Casselton, North Dakota Co-founder of Loegering Manufacturing, Inc.
Mrs. Anne Burleigh Union, Kentucky Columnist and Author
Mrs. Marilyn Loegering Casselton, North Dakota Co-founder of Loegering Manufacturing, Inc.
Mr. William Burleigh Union, Kentucky Former CEO Scripps Howard
Mr. Curtis A. Martin Genesee, Colorado Founder and President of FOCUS
Most Rev. Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Archbishop of Philadelphia
Mr. Michael Miller Grand Rapids, Michigan Director of Programs at the Acton Institute
Most Rev. David R. Choby Nashville, Tennessee Bishop of Nashville
Mr. Daniel M. Perkins Chatham, New Jersey Financial Consultant
Most Rev. James Conley Lincoln, Neb. Bishop-elect, Lincoln, Neb.
Br. Ignatius Perkins, O.P. Nashville, Tennessee Dean of Nursing, Director of R.N. to B.S.N. Nursing Program
Mr. Peter DeMarco Fairport, New York Founder of the Institute 4 Priority Thinking, an executive coach, organizational consultant, business ethics facilitator, and strategy advisor Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Archbishop of Oklahoma City Dr. David Daintree Sydney, Australia President, Campion College Kurt Gelke Rochester, New York Founder and President of NewPath Learning Most Rev. Jose H. Gomez Los Angeles, California Archbishop of Los Angeles Sister Thomas Aquinas Halbmaier, O.P. Nashville, Tennessee Former President of Aquinas College Mr. Daniel Hill Sydney, Australia Convenor, Catholic University Chaplaincies Archdiocese of Sydney Dr. Marie Hilliard Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Director of Bioethics and Public Policy and Ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center Rev. Dominic Izzo, O.P. New York, New York Director and Vicar Provincial for Advancement, Dominican Fathers of the St. Joseph Province Most Rev. Joseph E. Kurtz Louisville, Kentucky Archbishop of Louisville, Vice-President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Rev. Thomas Rosica, CSB Toronto, Canada CEO of Salt & Light Television Network Austin Triggs Nashville, Tennessee President and CEO of Diabetes Care Group Rev. Albert Trudel, O.P. Nashville, TN Aquinas College Director, Center for Faith and Culture Most Rev. Robert Vasa Santa Rosa, California Bishop of Santa Rosa, USCCB’s Task Force on Health Care EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS: Mother Anne Marie Karlovic, O.P. Chair of the Aquinas College Board of Directors and Prioress General of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation Sister Mary Sarah Galbraith, O.P. President, Aquinas College Sister Elizabeth Anne Allen, O.P. Vice President for Academics, Aquinas College Sister Mary Cecilia Goodrum, O.P. Vice President for Student Life, Aquinas Colleges Dr. Dan Donnelly Vice President for Administrative Affairs Dean, School of Business Sister Catherine Marie Hopkins, O.P. Executive Director, The Dominican Campus Timothy J. Stransky Vice President of Institutional Advancement, The Dominican Campus Jeanne Chick Schuller Director of Development and Community Relations, Aquinas College
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continued
Faculty, staff and current students welcome the new residential students after Mass on campus. continued from page 9
host weekly vespers and social coffees, regular formal dinners with academic addresses, House meetings, service to the community, annual events such as comedy nights and talent shows, and of course House competitions of an athletic and non-athletic nature. The Director of Student Life, Mary Schultz, thinks students will be surprised at how many residential activities they will be exposed to. “It isn’t as if they have to do everything, all the time, but it is an atmosphere where you are always welcomed and encouraged, whatever you choose to do, and we’ve seen, that in that environment, more students choose to engage.” Aquinas’ Program for Residential Life reflects the beauty of the Christian Life. When this life is lived to the full, it anticipates the Life that is to come. The ultimate festival, the visio beatifica, begins here
on earth in the practice of virtue, service, and joy. The Residential Life Program at Aquinas is a model of the simple joy of living, of a life of faith, of being present to the other, of thinking well, and of the meaning of true friendship. The aim of the Program for Residential Life at Aquinas is to form our students in a way that will enable them to be great mothers, fathers, religious men and women, priests, citizens, and professionals in all disciplines, and to prepare them for eternal happiness in the life to come. Sister Mary Cecilia, O.P., Vice President of Student Life sees the Aquinas College Residential experience as an integral part of the holistic education students will receive. “So many students miss out on so much of the college experience because of the isolation and segregation that often accompanies the ‘dorm-life’ setting, especially in the freshman year. The Residential Life Program at Aquinas is one of inclusion and participation, one that informs
and completes the college experience.” In his encyclical, Spe Salvi, Pope Benedict wrote: “The one who hopes, lives differently.” Graduates of Aquinas who have experienced the Residential Life Program will be different, and that difference will greatly influence their families, workplaces, and society. They will be infused with hope in the tradition of the saint for whom Aquinas is named and from which it draws its inspiration that is ultimately grounded in Christ. In this present age, the message of truth shines forth even more brilliantly than in those times that were considered pre-eminently Christian. Challenging times create the perfect atmosphere for great acts of courage. Those who are formed as members of Aquinas College’s Program for Residential Life will be ready for that challenge. To find out more about the development of Residential Life at Aquinas, go to www.aquinascollege.edu/reslife n
YOUR DAYS AT AQUINAS COLLEGE HELPED DEFINE YOUR FAITH AND WHO YOU ARE TODAY Giving back to Aquinas College ensures that the mission of the college will advance into the next 50 years... Make your annual gift today at www.aquinascollege.edu/ and learn more about how Aquinas College is reaching out to faithful supporters to recognize them during this the Year of Faith.
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Questions? Call or e-mail Jeanne “Rickey” Chick Schuller ’77 at 615.383.3230 ext. 398 or schullerr@aquinascollege.edu
www.aquinascollege.edu
OFFICE OF CATECHETICS
JOAN WATSON
SR. MARY MICHAEL, O.P.
DR. PETER PAGAN
DR. JOHN CUDDEBACK
DR. PETER KREFT
SR. MARY ANGELICA, O.P. DR. ALAN SCHRECK
The Truth Will Set You Free
The St. Thomas Aquinas Theological and Catechetical Forum Sister Mary Michael, O.P. Director of Catechetics
For the past six years, the Office of
Catechetics has hosted a unique venue for Catholics in which their desire for a rich and rigorous study of Church teachings can be satisfied and intensified in a setting that invites discussion and instills a confidence in sharing the Faith with others. Drawing from Pope John Paul II’s encyclical “Fides et Ratio,” the 2012 Forum examined the interdependence of faith and reason. We are living in an age that not only rejects the relationship between faith and reason—it rejects the noble power of reason to ascertain truth! Forum speaker, Dr. Peter Kreeft of Boston College, called attention to the fact that, “Nowadays, it’s unpopular to discuss objective truth. In fact, most attempts to do so brand you as a person of intolerance to the opinions of others.” In his talk “Truth and Tolerance,” Dr. Peter Kreeft, spoke quite plainly against the convoluted position held by many persons who hold the position that truth does not exist or if it does, it’s unattainable to reason.
In a moment of levity yet piercing clarity, Dr. Kreeft told the Forum participants to respond to such illogical claims with the simple question, “Do you think that statement is true?” Dr. Kreeft pointed out that modern society’s tendency to allow everyone to have their own truths, to claim that what is true for one person is not necessarily true for another, implies that each person is “the creator of truth, and not its receiver.” It’s easy to see how this position is dangerous for everyone but especially for those who are most vulnerable. “If you don’t believe in truth, if you don’t believe truth has authority over your mind, then you’re implicitly saying, ‘God, you don’t have authority over my mind.’” Kreeft maintained that modern western civilization is distinctive in this claim that there is no objective truth. “The truth gap between Christian and post-Christian civilizations is greater than Christian and pre-Christian civilizations. The pagans believed in truth. They argued about what it was — but they certainly believed in
truth.” After giving a short sketch of the history of modern philosophy and how we got to the point of denying truth’s existence, Dr. Kreeft reminded his listeners that truth was on their side and exhorted them to win the world with their smiles. “When tough-minded, pragmatic Romans saw these crazy Christians forgiving their enemies, risking their lives for them, and singing hymns as they were being eaten by the lions, that got their attention. They said, ‘Either these people know the secret of life that we don’t, or they’re insane. But at least they’re interesting.’ So my fellow Catholics, please be interesting. And wake up the modern world.” Another manifestation of the divorce between faith and reason is found in the rejection of moral truth. Dr. Kreeft discussed society’s tendency to reduce moral goods or values to feelings. This is convenient because it “gets us off the hook,” Kreeft pointed out. “You have no responsibility for your feelings. Feelings are not totally under your control. They’re gifts - or continued on page 25
The St. Thomas Aquinas Theological and Catechetical Forum has studied Church documents such as: Caritatis Sacramentum (on the Eucharist); Dei Verbum and Verbum Domine (both on Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition); as well as various writings of the early Church Fathers. Last year’s Forum focused on the writings of Pope Benedict XVI covering a spectrum of critical issues affecting the world and the Church: conscience, liturgy, scriptural exegesis, and the political-social order. www.aquinascollege.edu
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CAMPUS HAPPENINGS
The revitalized Carriage House after a new coat of paint and an interior makeover.
A Labor of Love Mary Schultz Director of Residential Life
On a hot and humid “Nashville” summer day, Julia Cashion, Rickey Schuller, Maria Koshute, Joan Watson, Liza Downey, Sister Mary Cecilia, and I gathered for one single purpose: to give the Carriage House a makeover. As the idea of residential life is becoming more and more a reality at Aquinas College, we felt a desire to have a place on campus where people could gather to share ideas and a cup of coffee in an environment conducive to study, relaxation, and socialization. The history of the Carriage House dates back to the early 1900s. It was added to the Joseph Warner Estate in 1910. In 1923 the Dominican Sisters purchased the Warner Estate which included the mansion, a guest house and the carriage house. In its earlier days, the Sisters used the carriage house as a classroom, but over time and with the growth of Aquinas College, the carriage house became a student center and carriage house became its name. As our Carriage House planning committee met through the summer months, considerable thought and discussion went into every detail of the Carriage House renovation–
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interior colors, type and placement of each table, glass or no glass tabletops, espresso or brewed coffee (that was a big one!), and of course, the menu. The Carriage House project may have been spear-headed by a small group, but the actual work of re-arranging and redecorating involved numerous Aquinas employees (and even some relatives) as well as students from the Frassati Society, who graciously donated their time, energy, and talents for the successful completion of this project. In the end, the staff, students, and faculty gathered to celebrate the official re-opening. Father Jacek, Campus Minister to Aquinas College, blessed the Carriage House, its future guests, endeavors, and aspirations.
Mary Schultz (right) and Rebecca Thompson put the finishing touches on an outstanding job.
Since its renaissance, the Carriage House has been a venue for gatherings including Preview Days, Writers’ Nights, and Student Affairs events such as Open Mic Night, the Spring Art Exhibit, and movie nights. Our time spent on this task was worth every paint stain and back pain. We believe that as Aquinas College builds its Residential Life Program, the Carriage House will continue to serve as a venue which supports and cultivates a vibrant collegiate community based on faith, food, and fellowship. n
Campus Minister Father Jacek Kopera, O.P. blesses the renovated Carriage House www.aquinascollege.edu
CAMPUS HAPPENINGS
Our Human Need for Truth Dr. Benjamin Smith Faculty Sponsor of the Socratic Club The Socratic Club was established by Aquinas College in fall, 2011 in response to the desire of students and faculty to foster ongoing philosophical discourse beyond the classroom. The club meets every week for coffee, doughnuts, and an informal philosophical discussion, which is usually led by students. On average the meetings are attended by more than a dozen students, faculty, or members of the broader College community. The official mission of the Socratic Club is to love wisdom and share it with others. This mission is based on the historical roots of philosophy and inspires everything we do. Philosophy is not a pragmatic or utilitarian discipline. It is not about accumulating wealth, power, or prestige. Rather the discipline of philosophy aspires to transcend these narrow perspectives. Philosophy is deeply connected to the human way of being in the world. According to Aristotle, human being is the desire to understand. The human way of being in the world is to seek truth, to bring things to light, and to communicate truth with others. Saint Thomas famously claimed that human community is based on the communication of truth. Philosophy is the discipline that specifically develops, informs, and actualizes this essentially human desire. As such, it is best to describe philosophy as a way of thinking rather than a list of facts, a process, or a system of theorems. To be sure, philosophy involves rigorous argument and analysis. Nevertheless, these practices are ultimately for the sake of developing a philosophical perspective, which is real achievement. Philosophy addresses our needs not as aspiring bankers, politicians, nurses, doctors, etc. Rather philosophy addresses our human need to uncover and communicate truth. What is philosophical perspective? Like many things this is best appreciated by looking to the practice of philosophy. In ordinary life we are directly aware of and engage with objects, without questioning things too deeply. Philosophers suspend this ordinary attitude in order to bring the objects of experience fully to light. Traditionally this process has been described as the study of first principles — basic concepts — and first causes — ultimate explanations. Since the time of Socrates, dialogue in community with others has always been part of the practice of philosophy. Others give us new ideas, challenge our assumptions, support our enquiries, and bring out our best arguments. The Socratic Club continues this tradition and its members and associates work together in dialogue to help each other achieve philosophical perspective — the Socratic Club is a community of truth. n
www.aquinascollege.edu
Star Lazarus, Grace Robinson, Chris Roberts and Steve Lanham in Pyramus and Thisby.
Aquinas Players Resurrected On Saturday, April 14, the newly reconstituted Aquinas Players presented a new outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Pyramus and Thisby, otherwise known as the farcical play-within-the-play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Their performance represented the first drama production for the College in decades. The cast of twenty-eight players were drawn from the entire campus community: students, faculty, staff, and administration. For six short weeks, and navigating between spring break and the Easter Triduum, this determined cast of volunteers carved out small group rehearsal times between class and work schedules to create their effervescent tribute to the fiftieth anniversary of Aquinas College. The front steps of the College served as the stage, and a contingent of pint-sized fairies disguised as children in the audience blessed everyone with their presence in the final scene. The performance was well attended and received positive reviews from the audience of picnicking Sisters, students, families and friends of the College. In addition to Ted Turner as “Nick Bottom” and Mary Beth college resources, generous Brennan as “Titania” in Pyramus and Thisby support was also provided by several outside sources. Most of the costumes were borrowed from the theater programs at Saint Cecilia Academy and Father Ryan High School. Complimentary food and beverages were served to an appreciative audience by Rickey Schuller, Director of Development for Aquinas College. The play was adapted and directed for the Aquinas Players by Dr. Katherine Haynes, Assistant Professor of English. The Assistant Director was Liza Downey, Administrative Assistant to the Liberal Arts Program. Suzette Telli, Director of Student Affairs, was the Producer. Linda Moore, Administrative Assistant ,Teacher Education, was the Costume Designer and Coordinator. A wonderful time was had by all and future productions are definitely on the horizon. n
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CAMPUS HAPPENINGS
The Aquinas banner reaches the Supreme Court building at the end of the March for Life, January 23, 2012
Aquinas Students March for Life Paul Downey Communications Specialist Chaperone This year’s March for Life in Washington, D.C. in late January proved to be one of the most momentous since the event began, occurring just three days after the Department of Health and Human Services reiterated a mandate that virtually all private health care plans carry sterilization, abortifacient medications, and contraceptives. The trip was led by Campus Minister and head of the Frassati Society, Father Jacek Kopera, O.P.; myself, a member of the Marketing and Communications staff; and my wife Liza, administrative assistant for the School of Arts and Science and the School of Business. Using a donated van, our group departed from campus on the morning of Sunday, January 22 and arrived more than eleven hours later, in a light snowfall, at the home of an Aquinas student’s gracious
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and hospitable parents in Springfield, Virginia. Early the next morning, we caught the Metro into D.C. for the Archdiocese of Washington’s pre-march Youth Rally and Mass in the Verizon Center. The place was jam packed with young people who were joyous and passionate about being pro-life. Our group could only locate seats on the top row of the “nosebleeds” (upper seating section) while Father Jacek landed a seat on-stage as a concelebrant for the Mass. Addresses were delivered by Cardinal Wuerl of Washington D.C., and the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, and an impassioned homily was preached by Monsignor Charles Pope. Receiving Holy Communion in the 20,000 seat Verizon Center, by filing down through the concourses, was quite a change from receiving at Aquinas’ fifty-seat St. Jude Chapel.
A benefit of attending the Youth Rally and Mass is that the police cordoned off the streets all the way from the Staples Center to the rally site on the National Mall. As we made our way to the rally, a cold drizzle started, which continued well into the March. When we arrived at the National Mall and the rally was winding down, we slowly filed into ranks for the March. We had already experienced just how surprisingly young and devotedly Catholic attendees were, but on the March itself we saw the great diversity of people showing their support for the irrevocable right to life from conception to natural death: groups from all over the world, of all ages, and of many faiths. And walking up Constitution Avenue, looking ahead of us and looking back down the hill at the throngs of people, you wonder why the media gives this event so little coverage. There were thousands in front of us but when we got to the top of Capitol Hill, marshals
www.aquinascollege.edu
CAMPUS HAPPENINGS The next morning we took the van back into D.C. to the Dominican House of Studies, home of Dominican Friars and the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, where Father Jacek said Mass in the beautiful 100-year-old chapel. Being right across the street from the Catholic University of America and the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, we got a personal tour of the basilica by Father Jacek’s friend and fellow Dominican Brother Gabriel. The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering around the National Mall’s museums and memorials. We began the long journey back to Nashville the next morning, stopping by for Mass and a visit at Holy Family Academy in Manassas, Virginia. The Aquinas student group poses with their banner outside the Youth Rally & Mass
moved us to the sidewalk because the official front of the march was five minutes behind us. Estimates indicate that as many as 400,000 marched this year. Corey Maynord, a sophomore Theology and Philosophy double major who was attending his first March for Life, was awed by all the people, “joined together in one fight. It was one of the most inspiring events I have ever witnessed.”
The March ended, as it does every year, at the Supreme Court where thirty-nine years ago nearly to the day the tragic Roe v. Wade case was decided. Speakers representing the Silent No More Awareness Campaign delivered many moving testimonies revealing the devastating emotional and physical consequences of abortion. Cold, wet, and physically drained, our group made our way to the Metro and back to Virginia.
We arrived back home very late but hopefully wiser and more aware of the importance of our witness to the world. Although we felt so small among the many student groups in Washington, we were the largest group Aquinas has ever sent to the March. On the afternoon following our return, with the joyous inauguration of Sister Mary Sarah, in the company of all of our supporters and great leaders, we were reminded that the world will continue to hear more and more from Aquinas in the coming years. n
34th Annual Benefit Dinner BILL McGURN Rendering Unto Caesar in the 21st Century William McGurn is many things: columnist and chief editorial writer for the Wall Street Journal; Vice-President at News Corporation; Speechwriter for Rupert Murdoch; Chief Speechwriter for President George W. Bush; author of “Perfidious Albion: The Abandonment of Hong Kong” and a monograph on terrorism “Terrorist or Freedom Fighter”; Washington Bureau Chief for the National Review; and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Through all of these endeavors he has had one mission in mind: to seek the truth. On November 8, 2012, at the Aquinas College Annual Benefit Dinner, at the Hutton Hotel, Bill McGurn will share the truth he’s found along the way. A man of profound political prowess, the anticipation of this evening’s presentation will only be heightened by the presidential election two days earlier. Its outcome will most definitely affect Mr. McGurn’s speech and the questions he will surely be asked. Be sure to be there for one of the most enlightening and significant speeches, by one of the most astute and honest political commentators on the scene today.
Thursday, November 8, 2012 Cocktails 6 p.m. / Dinner 7 p.m. The Hutton Hotel
SAVE THE DATE www.aquinascollege.edu
For more information call Rickey Schuller, Director of Development at Aquinas College, 615 297.7545 ext. 398
TRANSFORMING LIVES AND CULTURE THROUGH TRUTH AND CHARITY
4210 Harding Pike
Nashville, TN 37205
615.297.7545
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AQUINAS COLLEGE
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CAMPUS HAPPENINGS
Archbishop J. Michael Miller, C.S.B. of Vancouver visits with (l-r) Sister Mary Sarah, Sister Matthew Marie professor of Education, and Sister Elizabeth Anne, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Spring Lecture Series Addresses Current Issues in the Church Paul Downey Communications Specialist Each session of our biannual Lecture Series touches on current trends in thought, scholarship, culture, art, and politics. This spring’s series, however, happened to occur at a time where the eyes of the nation seemed to be looking to the Catholic Church for perspective on certain political and social developments. The series commenced in February with the Office of Catechetics’ presentation of three screenings of Father Robert Barron’s epic new series Catholicism. The series, which was filmed at over 50 locations in sixteen different countries over the course of two years, shows the majesty of Catholicism through her history and time-
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less teaching. Father Barron, who’s Word on Fire Catholic Ministries serves the New Evangelization through multimedia, also includes a comprehensive study program that has been adopted by catechetical programs throughout the country. On March 7, Aquinas hosted former Secretary of the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education and current Archbishop of Vancouver J. Michael Miller, C.S.B. for a lecture about Catholic education. In attendance were groups from the Dominican Campus, diocesan schools, other local schools, and parents. The archbishop, who wrote a highly circulated short book the Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools, spoke of some troublesome trends in Catholic primary, secondary, and higher education and stressed the importance of
reinforcing Catholic identity and faithfulness to Catholic teaching. Later in March, Father Nicanor Austriaco, O.P., professor of Biology at Providence College and Dominican friar of the Province of St. Joseph, lectured on what scholarship in human genetics can teach us about Adam and Eve. Father Nicanor holds several advanced degrees, including biology and Sacred Theology, both of which he teaches at Providence. To a packed room, he was able to illustrate complex genetic theories and to show how Adam and Eve could fit into the theory of evolution. The most buzz worthy date in the Lecture Series came at the end of February with the panel on religious liberty. The panel www.aquinascollege.edu
CAMPUS HAPPENINGS consisted of three attorneys from the American Center for Law and Justice— Francis J. Manion, David French, and Geoffrey Surtees—and Dr. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and frequent commentator on local and national media. The panel had been scheduled several months in advance but happened to occur within an extremely active time of national interest in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) controversial mandate that all employers cover sterilization and contraceptives, including those which cause abortion. The issue has been a source of great concern for Aquinas, The Dominican Campus, and the Dominican Sisters as a whole since the August announcement of the mandate. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, under the leadership of now-Cardinal Timothy Dolan, motivated the nation’s Catholics and was confident of conscience protections from President Obama. On January 20, however, the HHS reiterated the mandate with no changes. Earlier in February, the President proposed what he termed an “accommodation” where the financial burden for the objectionable medications and services would be transferred to the insurance companies.
Father Nicanor Austriaco, O.P. lectures on Adam and Eve and human genomics President Sister Mary Sarah poses with members of the religious liberty panel (Below)The Religious Liberty panel (l-r), Geoffrey Surtees, Frank Manion, Dr. Richard Land, and David French
These issues were the main topic of discussion at the evening’s event, which was attended by nearly 200 people. The panel represented the broad range of support for the position of the Catholic Church and illustrated how such a mandate that forces groups and individuals to violate their consciences threatens one of the United States’ founding principles, religious freedom. Dr. Richard Land observed that, “the government is violating both clauses of the First Amendment: both the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise clause,” in issuing this mandate. n Editors Note: On Sept. 12, 2012 Aquinas College, along with the Diocese and other Catholic institutions, filed suit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A full-length video of the evening’s panel is available on the Aquinas College website at www.aquinascollege.edu/community/multimedia.php www.aquinascollege.edu
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SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Because you will never stop learning The Value of a Liberal Arts Education Bill Smart, Ph.D. Dean, School of Arts and Sciences Future college students, and their families, have difficult decisions to confront when considering higher education. For many, college is seen as a place to mature socially, as well as to acquire the skills (and the resume) to increase their chances of landing a lucrative job. These are worthwhile aspirations, and higher education has proven to contribute to future professional success. So, they spend four years in college, land a job – then what? Unless they own the company (or their parent does) they probably will not have the corner office and a six-figure salary right away. They will have to spend some time at first demonstrating their value to their employer, probably performing tasks that seem less than desirable. If their education emphasizes a singular, one-dimensional approach to their intellectual formation and acquisition of vocational skills, then it will be more difficult to demonstrate their flexibility when asked to take on additional responsibilities – and be assured, they will be asked to take on additional responsibilities, and they want those opportunities if they intend to ‘move up the ladder.’ It is at this point that one of the many values of a liberal arts education becomes apparent. The approach to personal and intellectual formation offered by a liberal arts education more closely resembles all aspects of the ‘real life’ that they know is coming post-graduation. Instead of the laser-like
Dr. Ben Smith in class with young philosophers.
focus of purpose seen in many professional degrees, a liberal arts education requires them to see the whole picture – to understand the relationships between seemingly disparate situations. The liberal arts education approach of Aquinas College demands that students contemplate and understand their relationship with God (their final End), with themselves, and with others. These relationships have been considered by many in multiple ways – historically, philosophically, in Sacred Scripture, and through art and literature. Their exposure and gradual familiarity with the content, but especially with the methodological approach of these disciplines insists that their creativity is developed and exercised, that they question without fear, adapt and mold (perhaps preconceived) notions about their faith, their own strengths and limitations, and their future role in society, with truth being the ultimate arbiter. It is certain
that they will face struggles in one or all of these areas – a liberal arts education gives them the skills to deftly address those difficulties when they arise. However, these same skills, those of analytic examination, creative thinking, skillful communication and ethical decision-making – demanded and cultivated in the liberal arts disciplines of theology, philosophy, English, and history – are precisely the skills employers consistently desire of job-seeking college graduates. Additionally, those same skills will always be necessary for continued success and personal fulfillment in any professional pursuit. An education in the liberal arts at Aquinas College instills in students the capacity for life-long learning and to successfully confront new intellectual challenges, but, perhaps more importantly, it inspires the student to gratefully welcome those opportunities. n
WE TAKE PRIDE IN OUR ALUMNI RACHEL LEACH : DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS : AQUINAS COLLEGE : 615.297.7545 EXT. 492 : leachr@aquinascollege.edu We are proud of the accomplishments of all our Alumni and we want to know what happens in each Alumnus’ life. If you have a life event you would like us to know about — a new job, marriage, children or any other exciting event — please let us know. You can update your contact information or send news to us by phone, email or by filling out the form on page 29.
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www.aquinascollege.edu
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
“The Writing Center” To Be Understood or Misunderstood, That is The Question Aaron Urbanczyk, Ph.D. Director of the Writing Center
Writing well is an art that never goes
out of fashion. In one regard, it matters little what the next revolutionary transformation in technology will be: society and civilization still require men and women to be adept at the art of clear expression. In a unique way, Aquinas College is addressing the rhetorical component Aaron Urbanczyk of its educational mission through the Write Reason Plan. This initiative seeks to strengthen the literacy, writing, and critical thinking skills of Aquinas students of every major, from the moment they arrive at the College to the moment they graduate.
One important feature of the Write Reason Plan has been the establishment of a dedicated Writing Center. The Writing Center at Aquinas College was established in the summer of 2011 and is open every day school is in session. Any student from any class working on any written assignment can come to the Writing Center for oneon-one individualized tutorial help. While I developed the Write Reason Plan and direct and manage the Writing Center, experienced tutors actually help the students with their writing. Coming to the Writing Center helps students realize the benefit of editing, reworking, and revising their essays. After several tutorials, students learn to become their own editors, which helps them express clearly what they have to say. The Writing Center’s impact upon the Aquinas community has been extraordinary. Since opening in the summer of 2011, the Writing Center has performed 645 individual tutorials. Students from
virtually every class requiring written work have come to the Writing Center to seek help with all stages of the writing process, from getting started on a paper to editing the final draft. The Writing Center also helps students with the various research and citation methods utilized in the humanities, social sciences, and health care disciplines. The Writing Center has also helped students who are writing internship applications as well as cover letters and resumes related to job searches. Skill in the art of written expression has always been the hallmark of a liberally educated person. The Aquinas College Writing Center augments the instructional efforts of the faculty in providing individualized writing support to any student who seeks it. Our goal at the Writing Center is to produce students who personify the maxim of Quintilian, the great Roman rhetorician, who famously wrote “write not so that you can be understood, but so that you cannot be misunderstood.” n
Will you teach us caring? Continuing to transform the culture of health care continued from page 7
35 to 40 million citizens enter the health care system, many for the first time. The Faculty of the School of Nursing, committed to addressing these historic challenges, identifies the value of developing imaginative programs. These new initiatives will make a positive difference in our moral responsibility for caring with dignity and compassion through nursing education and through the formation of the human person in the theology and the art and science of human caring. This vision states: “The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing and the Post-Master’s Certificate Programs in nursing education, consistent with the Mission and Core Values of Aquinas College and the philosophy of the School of Nursing, is to prepare registered nurses in the specialty role of nurse educator for faculty positions in schools of nursing and as clinical educators in health care facilities, in community settings and
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in other health care organizations. The programs are founded on beliefs in a moral community of learners committed to protecting and defending the dignity of every person in a contemporary era of listening, encounter, dialogue, collaborative partnerships, transformation, technology advancement and global interactivity required to promote caring, integrity, diversity and excellence in nursing practice through nursing education.” In this noble center of learning, the School of Nursing at Aquinas College is much more than a physical space, a collection of buildings, or an array of programs. It was and remains today and for the future an experience in loving and learning how to care for others especially those who are sick, alienated, and in great need. It is a center that is committed to caring and healing of all persons regardless of the circumstances of their lives or the reason for their illness. It provides the experience in coming to understand and the embrace the Lord’s unwanted, those special persons living in our communities and on
our streets who are stigmatized by their station in life or by the illness that afflicts them. They too have a rightful claim on the same intrinsic human dignity that belongs to all persons. The School of Nursing at Aquinas College is a center committed to promoting human flourishing where students come to value the personhood of those in the healing relationship: the one who is in search of care and hope and the one who promises to help and to heal with compassion. No, we cannot easily teach caring. But we can show one another and our students caring with dignity and compassion and then help students create the caring communities in our world where healing and hope are given to all regardless of the circumstances of their lives or the reason for their illness. This is transformative and moral leadership in nursing. This is the heart of the mission and charism of Aquinas College that will be spread far and wide in our world through the graduates of the programs in the School of Nursing. n
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Aquinas Is The Perfect Fit Daniel Donnelly, Ph.D. Dean, School of Business
It was with great pleasure and anticipa-
tion that I joined the Aquinas faculty as Director of the Business Program on January 9th of 2012. The first time I visited the Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of the St. Cecilia Congregation I immediately knew this is where I wanted to be. The spirit of joy that my family and I sensed there convinced me that it would indeed be a pleasure to become part of the Aquinas family and I have definitely not been
disappointed. In terms of anticipation I would first like to refer to the following quote from an interview in the National Catholic Register (N.C.R.) with the new president of Aquinas, Sr. Mary Sarah Galbraith, O.P. It summarizes what makes Aquinas different: “Aquinas is not as well-known as it should be. But the curriculum at Aquinas combines the best of both worlds. It has a strong liberal arts component at its center. Specifically, our students are formed in
the trivium: grammar, rhetoric and logic in all courses. In addition, this is wedded to practical programs of teaching, nursing and business, so that we form students first as persons, and then give them the necessary skills and competencies to be ethical business men and women as well as great teachers and nurses.� In addition, a comment in response to this interview on the National Catholic Register website by the mother of one of continued on page 31
Dr. Donnelly began his career as a process engineer in the organic chemical industry and then spent over 25 years with the US Environmental Protection Agency. After completing his Ph.D. he entered academic life as Director of the Environmental Science and Management Program at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Prior to joining the Aquinas faculty Dr. Donnelly spent six years as Associate Provost/Associate Academic Vice President for Administration at Duquesne University.
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www.aquinascollege.edu
SCHOOL OF NURSING
ASN students wait to receive their pins at the ASN pinning ceremony on December 15, 2011
Reflections of a nursing graduate Spencer Ledford, ‘11
After the nursing pins were distributed to each member of my class, Mrs. Daniel spoke of the St. Catherine of Siena Award (the winner being selected by a majority of the nursing faculty) and listed the essential qualities of the person who receives it. She said that the recipient is someone who is a “leader as well as a team player, who is generous in giving of self and evidences caring with dignity and compassion for others, someone who has excelled academically and professionally, and who has provided excellence in representing the Catholic-Dominican Tradition of Aquinas College.” After hearing all of these things, I thought to myself that these qualities could describe many of my classmates. Mrs. Daniel paused for a moment and then called out my name.
“Nurses are professionals in the health
care field who combine the fine art of caring with scientific skills and knowledge.” Many times during my two years of hard work and dedication to the Aquinas nursing program, it seemed that graduation would never come, but on December 15, 2011 it did. My classmates and I arrived at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, in Nashville, Tennessee, in our white scrubs to be together for the last time, as one whole and united class. With everyone gathered together, you could not only see, but also feel the relief and happiness throughout the church from the students and their families. After Mass, the pinning ceremony began. As our names were called, we went to the front of the church and were pinned by members of our nursing faculty. The pin is a replica of the school’s coat of arms, and I believe that it represents everything that Aquinas College stands for, believes in and teaches its students. It is an honor to be a graduate of this nursing program, and I know that each of us
Spencer Ledford receives the St. Catherine of Siena award at the pinning ceremony in December from the Director of the ASN program, Peggy Daniel
felt this way that night. If it wasn’t enough to graduate from this incredible program and receive the nursing pin, what happened next was a total surprise.
To this day I am overwhelmed with pride and gratitude to have been chosen as the recipient of this award, and I want to thank everyone at Aquinas College for helping me to become the nurse and, more importantly, the person I am today. n
Editor’s note: The pinning ceremony is a nursing school tradition which commemorates the completion of all nursing degree requirements. Nursing graduates often feel the pinning ceremony is more meaningful than the actual graduation commencement ceremony. www.aquinascollege.edu
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AQUINAS GRADUATION 2012
Aquinas College Celebrates 50th Commencement
Commencement speaker, former president of Aquinas College, Sister Mary Evelyn Potts, O.P.
Baccalaureate Mass
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Graduates, School of Arts and Sciences
Bryan Joyce, ’11, and wife Sarah Joyce, graduate, School of Education www.aquinascollege.edu
AQUINAS GRADUATION 2012
OFFICE OF CATECHETICS
The Truth Will Set You Free continued from page 13
St. Augustine of Hippo Award recipient Kevin Thomas Page with Dr. Bill Smart
St. Dominic, Teacher of Truth Award recipient Sarah Elizabeth Joyce with Sister Mary Anne, O.P.
St. Joseph the Worker Award recipient Paige Anderson with Dr. Dan Donnelly
problems. But they’re not choices.” Kreeft followed this to its logical conclusion, that if love is only a feeling, Jesus’ command to love God and our neighbor is impossible, because you cannot command a feeling. Drawing from St. Thomas Aquinas’ definition of love which is “willing the good of another” Dr. Kreeft pointed out, “The alternative notion, that love is a feeling, makes love no longer something you are responsible for.” This lack of responsibility, which finds a direct link to the rejection of truth, has led to multi-faceted societal ills: abandoned children, abortion, divorce, contraception, the push to legalize same-sex unions, the corruption of politics and the exploitation of the worker. Dr. Kreeft pointed out that when a person rejects truth, he inherently rejects the truth about himself and the virtuous life he is called to live.
Sister Mary Sarah O.P. and Teacher of the Year Tammy Legge
BSN Cohort 609: St. Martin de Porres Award recipient Laura J. Valdez with Brother Ignatius, O.P.
The 2012 St. Thomas Aquinas Forum provided its participants a clarity regarding the relationship between faith and reason while offering very practical examples of why such is necessary. As Catholics and Americans, we simply cannot continue to “agree to disagree” on fundamental philosophical and theological truths about the nature of the human person, the nature of the marital embrace, or the nature of the Church and her authority to guide us in matters of faith and morals. Truth, goodness and beauty are not products of our intellect nor are they mere evaluations of feelings, these transcendentals call us to embrace a reality greater than ourselves and in doing so enable us to discover the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. n 7th Annual St. Thomas Aquinas Theological & Catechetical Forum, February 15-16, 2013 to be hosted on the Dominican Campus
ASN: St. Catherine of Siena Award recipient Holly T. Anderson with Peggy Daniel
www.aquinascollege.edu
BSN Cohort 608: St. Martin de Porres Award recipient Sister Ruth Marie Kendrick, O.P. with Brother Ignatius, O.P.
To hear podcasts of all 2012 Forum talks please go to the Office of Catechetics web-site: www.aquinascollegecatechetics.org
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FACULTY NEWS BRIEFS NOVEMBER
Sister Mary Angelica, O.P. successfully defended her dissertation at La Pontificia Università San Tommaso D’Aquino (the Angelicum) in Rome, Italy, and will receive the Doctor of Sacred Theology degree. Sister’s doctoral thesis, directed by Papal Theologian Fr. Wojciech Giertych, O.P., is entitled “Discovering Freedom: Aquinas and Pinckaers on the Nature of the Will.” President Sister Mary Sarah, O.P. also defended her dissertation at the University of Sydney in Sydney, Australia and will receive a Ph.D. in the History of Philosophy and Science, in the near future. Her dissertation is entitled “Utiles et Necessarias: Early Modern Science and the Jesuit’s Campaign for Credibility” and was under the direction of Dr. Ofer Gal. Sister Elizabeth Anne presented a lecture, “On the Dignity of Teaching,” at Saint Matthew School, Nashville. Dr. Urbanczyk was invited to present his paper “Reconciling Religious and Cultural Difference: The Thought and Art of Shusaku Endo as a Response to Secular Humanism” at the Center for Ethics and Culture at Notre Dame University. Dr. Katherine Haynes published an article, “Prayer is a Desire to Communicate with God,” in The Tennessean.
DECEMBER
Brother Ignatius contributed to the book Nursing Leadership: a Concise Encyclopedia with his article “Human Dignity and Ethical Decision Making.” Dr. Katherine Haynes published: “Christian
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Prayer Has Deep Roots in Old Testament,” in The Tennessee Register. Julie Petcu has been associated in the past year with the Millard Oakley STEM Center and the NASA Educational Resource Center (ERC) which are housed at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville. The STEM Center and the NASA ERC provide professional development for teachers in the surrounding counties through hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, and math. Julie presented several teacher workshops specifically aimed at introducing robotics to school age children.
FEBRUARY
The Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education (AILACTE) invited Sister Elizabeth Anne, O.P., Sister Mary Anne, O.P., Sister Matthew Marie, O.P., and Sister Margaret Andrew, O.P. to present at their conference in Chicago. The sisters presented on the assessment of candidates’ professional dispositions as they progress through the education program, an area which was cited as a strength during the state Board of Examiners visit last year.
APRIL
Dean of Nursing Brother Ignatius Perkins, O.P. was the inaugural recipient of the St. Catherine of Siena Endowed Chair in Catholic Health Care Ethics at the Pontifical Faculty of Theology of the Immaculate Conception (PFIC) in Washington D.C. Brother was formally honored with the chair at a celebration on April 30 at the Church of St. Catherine of Siena in New York City.
The Office of Student Affairs showcased the talents of students, faculty, and staff with an art exhibition in the Carriage House and an open mic on the patio.
MAY
Mrs. Peggy Hazel retired after 23 years of service as professor in the English department. In addition to the gratitude for her dedication to Aquinas, the College would also like to congratulate Mrs. Hazel on her marriage in June to Mr. Ken Tempelmeyer. Dr. Rebecca Peters also announced her retirement from the College, after 13 years of service to the School of Education. Theology professor Rich Bulzacchelli received his Doctor of Sacred Theology through the University of Dayton’s Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute.
UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Dr. Katherine Haynes is working on a larger project stemming from last year’s presentation at Villanova University’s Patristic, Medieval, and Renaissance (PMR) Conference on the topic “Marian Devotion in Late Medieval English Writings: Laity Crossing Space and Place through Prayer.” A paper that philosophy professor Dr. Peter Pagan delivered at a previous American Maritain Association meeting held at the University of Notre Dame has been selected for inclusion in a forthcoming volume edited by Dr. Nikolaj Zunic at St. Jerome’s University.
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AQUINAS DEVELOPMENT
AQUINAS COLLEGE ANNOUNCES YEAR OF FAITH SOCIETY RECOGNIZING FAITHFUL ANNUAL FUND DONORS Jeanne (Rickey) Chick Schuller ‘77
Director of Development and Community Relations
The newly established Year of Faith Society recognizes faithful donors to the Aquinas College Annual Fund. These benefactors, to whom we are deeply grateful, contribute in a very special way to the Mission of Aquinas College. Their generosity supports the college as it transforms lives and culture through truth and charity. This Society, is so named to mark its beginning during this the Year of Faith. By doing so as a Catholic college Aquinas seeks to recognize that through the collective generosity of this faithful group, the college is empowered in a unique way to help others appreciate the gift of faith, deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their commitment to sharing faith with others. Gifts of any amount, given for two or more consecutive fiscal years are deeply appreciated and earn the donor membership in the Year of Faith Society. It is recognized that the Year of Faith Society members are a special community of donors whose loyalty shapes the future of Aquinas College. These donors make a difference to the quality of education offered at Aquinas College as well as the contributions that Aquinas College has made and continues to make to the community at large. These collective gifts are a powerful resource for the college. These donors are also encouraged to participate in very special ways in the daily masses on campus, the lecture series and the volunteer efforts of the college both on and off campus. For a schedule and list of those events please visit: www.aquinascollege.edu HOW TO BECOME A PARTICIPANT When any amount is given two fiscal years in a row, you will be recognized for your generosity by membership in the Year of Faith Society. To sustain participation and achieve new recognition levels, you simply renew your gift every fiscal year without interruption. Longevity is recognized by the levels of membership in the Society as follows: 2 years Founder Member 5 years Advancement Member 10 years Sustaining Member 20 years President’s Circle Member RECOGNITION Aquinas College is deeply grateful for the generosity and faithfulness of the members of the Year of Faith Society. Recognition of these faithful donors includes: Year of Faith Society participation card Year of Faith Society window decal Recognition in campus publications Year of Faith Members who give at the following amounts each year will receive the following additional recognition: $250 per year $500 per year $750 per year $1000 per year
Reserved seating at the Aquinas College lectures series Reserved seating at the Aquinas College lecture series Invitation to the pre lecture reception with the speaker Reserved seating at the Aquinas College lecture series Invitation to the pre lecture reception with the speaker Invitation to the Annual President’s Coffee All of the above and an invitation to the Evening of Excellence
CONTINUING PARTICIPATION Participation is sustained as long as gifts are made to Aquinas Annual Fund every fiscal year without interruption. The fiscal year begins on July 1 and concludes on June 30. Those wishing to buy back years for any fiscal year missed, have the opportunity to join the Year of Faith Society though buying back giving years that may have been missed and resuming annual giving. Years may be bought back at a rate of $25.00 per year. For more information about the buyback program please contact Jeanne “Rickey” Chick Schuller ‘77, Director of Development and Community Relations at (615) 383- 3230 ext 398 or e mail: schullerr@aquinascollege.edu.
www.aquinascollege.edu
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Welcome the newest addition to our team, Rachel Leach, Director of Alumni Relations. Joining the team in February 2012, Rachel was, literally, the answer to a prayer. She has a B.A. in Liberal Arts, from Middle Tennessee State University, and an M.A. in Learning and Teaching, from Lipscomb University. She is a native of Paris, Tennessee and has lived in Nash-
ville for seven years. Rachel is a member of the Cathedral of the Incarnation parish where she serves as an RCIA sponsor, Eucharistic Minister and is a Member of the Legion of Mary. Rachel came to know Aquinas College through her two sisters who are alumni of Aquinas College’s liberal arts and nursing programs. She was drawn to the college’s unique environment of education infused with the spirit of charity and
a passionate commitment to the mission, all of which contributed to her decision to accept this position. Rachel is already at work on a variety of projects in her new role. Alumni can expect to hear from her, if they have not already, in the very near future. In the meantime, please feel free to contact Rachel, leachr@aquinascollege.edu or at 615-383-3230 X492, she would love to hear from you n
If you would like to receive electronic communication about happenings on campus, contact Rachel with your email at leachr@dominicancampus.org.
Planning the Future of Aquinas College Timothy Stransky Vice President of Advancement
Greetings of Peace from Aquinas College. The Catholic Church and Aquinas College have touched all of us in so many ways. You may remember many special, personal moments such as marriages, baptisms, First Communions, Graduations and, most importantly, the sacraments of Mass and Reconciliation. All of these precious moments together make a lifetime of faith and reveal the overwhelming goodness of God…even in difficult times. Estate Planning offers an opportunity to be a responsible steward of God’s blessings and to show our appreciation for all He has given to us. Once loved ones have been provided for, consider offering support to organizations that have generously enriched your life. We hope that you will consider Aquinas College and the impact it is having on so many individuals who are giving to a world in great need. Aquinas College is seeking support for significant projects. Thanks to the generous support of caring alumni, friends and benefactors like you, estate planning has provided funding for the many programs at the College such as: • Scholarships • Campus Ministry
• Sisters Education • Faculty development • Capital projects as designated Estate Planning allows you to properly manage your estate at the present time and to arrange for its orderly transfer to others in the future. A well designed estate plan also has the benefit of enabling you to deal with the emotional and financial impact your death will have on your loved ones. Even if your estate is rather modest in size, it’s in the best interest of you and your survivors for you to spend at least 1/20 as much time with a professional in this area as you do planning your vacation. Some final thoughts to share: If you have made a plan for your financial future through a will or trust, congratulations! It guarantees that your wishes will be carried out exactly as you’ve intended, and it ensures that your family is provided for in the future. If you have not made an estate plan, you are among the 56 percent of Americans who do not have a will or trust. If you die without executing either one of these documents, your assets will be distributed in the state where you legally reside based on a legal formula, not according to your preferences.
To help you with your planning, the following is suggested bequest language your attorney may use in preparation of your will and Estate Plans: “I give, devise and bequeath
(detail the gift to be given; for example, a cash sum, a percentage of the residue, or all of the rest, residue and remainder of the estate) to Aquinas College, Nashville, TN, (presently located at 4210 Harding Road, Nashville, TN 37205) for its general and unrestricted religious, educational or charitable purposes.” SPECIAL NOTE: As with any financial decision, you should consult with your own financial advisors. If you are considering a gift to us, please let us know so we can ensure your gift is used according to your directions.
Almost 40 percent of people who have a will or trust have either not updated it in the last five years, or have never updated these documents at all. Contact the Advancement Office to request an Estate continued on page 30
For more information on making a gift or for information on including Aquinas College in your will or Estate Plans contact: Timothy Stransky, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, (615) 383-3230 x531 or stranskyt@dominicancampus.org.
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www.aquinascollege.edu
THE INAUGURATION OF SISTER MARY SARAH, O.P. On Thursday, January 26, 2012, at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Sister Mary Sarah Galbraith, O.P., was inaugurated as the eleventh President of Aquinas College in Nashville, Tennessee. Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia was the main celebrant and homilist for the Mass of Investiture. Attendees came from all over the world, from as far as Australia and as near as around the corner. *Editors Note: The homily by Archbishop Chaput is available on the web. See link below
Tell us what’s new with you! We are interested in your accomplishments and family news. Please use this form to tell us about yourself and update your home and/ or business information as well. Photos are welcome!
SEND TO:
Aquinas College Office of Alumni Relations 4210 Harding Road Nashville, TN 37205 Fax: (615)383-3196 E-mail: alumni@aquinascollege.edu
Name:
Ladies, please include your maiden name.
Sister Mary Sarah takes the Oath of Fidelity
Class Year: Degree/Major: E-mail Address: Home Address:
Archbishop Chaput censes the altar, assisted by Deacon Mark Faulkner, Aquinas College Board Member (center) and President’s Advisory Council member Deacon George Loegering (right).
City: State: Zip: Home Phone: Company Name: Title: Business Address: City: Sister Mary Sarah’s two mothers: Mrs. Joan Galbraith and Mother Ann Marie Karlovic, O.P.
State: Zip: Business Phone:
ALUMNI NEWS AND COMMENTS: Please print clearly.
ON THE WEB
To view Archbishop Chaput’s homily, please visit www.youtube.com/aquinascollegetn or scan this code with your moblie device.
www.aquinascollege.edu
Please see reverse for more information.
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AQUINAS DEVELOPMENT CHECK ACTIVITIES WITH WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP: Alumni Association Alumni Awards Student/Alumni Service Project Medallion of Merit Scholarship Reunions for Class/Program/Student Activities Other
continued from page 28
Planning Worksheet. It will provide you with a framework for your will or trust, or to serve as a guide to amend your current estate plan. Review your documents today, and call your attorney if you feel changes should be made. A basic reality of life is that if you intend to have money or property at death – you have an estate planning issue. The role
of estate planning is to coordinate with you, your family, and your accountants, attorneys, estate planners, etc. This is a team approach. I will leave you with these two thoughts. The IRS is counting on us to do nothing! And the choices we don’t make affect those we care about the most. n P.S. Remember, there are no small gifts in the sight of God. Bequests of any size are greatly needed and deeply appreciated.
IN MEMORIAM ANDREW “DUKE” WARREN NEWS ABOUT YOU:
The Aquinas College family mourns the loss of one of its own, Andrew “Duke” Warren. A proud and loved ASN student, Duke was preparing to graduate from the Aquinas College Nursing Program in May, 2012. His untimely death saddened us all, and our love and prayers reach out to his wife Lori, his son Harrison, his daughter Sophia, his family and friends. His friends here at Aquinas College contributed memories of Duke to a keep sake being prepared for his family. These are just a few of the deep impressions left by Duke on his classmates and faculty: “…the most genuinely happy person I ever met.” — Tonya
WHAT TOPICS WOULD YOU ENJOY READING MORE ABOUT? Alumni Students Faculty Campus Departments Upcoming events Other
“I’m forever going to miss your pre-exam pep talks and post-exam humor.” — Olivia
SISTER MARY JEANNE, O.P., member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia JEAN H. JOHNSON, mother of Lesley Johnson Fuson , Aquinas College Student THOMAS A. LAWRENCE, brother of Rebecca Lawrence, Aquinas College ‘11 LIBERATORE A. “TONY” ALLOCCO, grandfather of Sarah Beach Herod, Aquinas College ‘08 CLIFTON B. SOBEL, father of Caroline Sobel Crouch, Aquinas College ‘02 WILLIAM K. JAMESON, father of Christopher Jameson, Aquinas College ‘79 KATHRYN “KITT” S. STINSON, mother of Neil Stinson, Aquinas College ‘05 MADISON ANGER, daughter of Dawn Michelle Wray, Aquinas College ‘11 KEVIN PAUL DAVIS, son of Teresa S. Davis, Aquinas College, Former Adjunct Faculty
“…we will strive to care for our patients in such a caring way as he always did.” — Kimberly
RUSSELL “RUSS” F. HACKETT, Aquinas College, ‘74
“…how proud he was of his children and how good they were at sports.” — Rob
ANN CARELL, Long-time friend of the Dominican Sisters and former Aquinas College board member Ann Carell passed away on August 20 after a short illness. Ann and her late husband Monroe Carell’s impact on the College and throughout Nashville is immeasurable.
“…he was going to make one of the best nurses the world would ever know.” — Amanda
“We all know how special Duke was. He was a fine, caring man. Thank you for sharing him with us. May God bless you all.” — Maggie (Instructor)
AQUINAS COLLEGE
JOSEPH PATRICK ABEL, brother of Cindy Abel Delvin, Aquinas College ‘67
“He was so proud of Harrison and Sophia. He lit up when he spoke of them.” — Morgan
“…I know I will be a better nurse because of him.” — Christina
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RICHARD E. SHAW, JR., father of Ron Shaw, Aquinas College ‘74
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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BUSINESS
Aquinas Is The Perfect Fit continued from page 22
our students, Susan Lee Anderson, further elaborates what I would call the Aquinas difference: “I am so proud to read this article. Our son, Scott attends Aquinas now as a sophomore and is studying Business. The Trivium is forming him as a business student with a soul. I’m impressed with how he is shaping into a man with integrity, and faith in Christ. I understand from my son that the Dominican rule is Pray and Study. How do I say it without being irreverent? Rock On!” Such observations embody my reasons for anticipating a great future for our business program. Sister Mary Sarah refers to strong professional programs with a foundation in the trivium and, to that one might add, grounded in orthodox Catholicism. Mrs. Anderson expresses more effectively than I could our goal of “forming a business student with a soul.” These attributes define the Aquinas business program. Aquinas already has a strong business program with dedicated, hard working faculty and academically talented, spiritfilled students. For 50 years Aquinas has been educating students to serve and, as Sister Mary Sarah has observed, has been “…teaching in the heart of the Church — teaching the truth with joy.” As we move forward into our next half century, the foundational principles remain the same. Graduates of the Aquinas business program will continue to exhibit the characteristics of integrity, ethical behavior, and stewardship in their careers. The world is rapidly and dramatically changing and challenges in the business profession are abundant. The rise of the global
www.aquinascollege.edu
Dean Dan Donnelly leads School of Business students both in and out of the classroom
economy and the “flattening” of the world require business professionals to function in cultural contexts that do not have the same Christian moral and ethical norms as western democracies. With its strong liberal arts core and emphasis on philosophy and ethics, Aquinas is positioned to educate business leaders with well-formed consciences who can sort through the kinds of ethical and moral dilemmas they will encounter. So what more do our students need to succeed and what will be new in the program? One thing they need is to graduate from college with less student loan debt. Toward that end we have developed and implemented the “Degree in Three” program in which students can complete their bachelor’s degree in three calendar years. A second element that will help graduates is more of a disciplinary focus within the general management major. This will be provided through enhanced offerings in the field of marketing. Third, sustainable business practices and sys-
tems thinking become more important as resource scarcity and information availability require businesses to change their systems of management. In the words of MIT’s Peter Senge: “We must learn to collaborate across boundaries and manage whole systems; social, environmental and economic.” This admonition fits well with Catholic teaching on social and economic justice and stewardship of the environment. An enhanced focus on sustainability and systems thinking will add value to an Aquinas business degree and provide graduates with a distinctive advantage in their careers. Lastly, we have truly become a global economy. Students already study international business and I see incorporation of study abroad as a possible next step in enhancing the breadth of their business education. At the Aquinas School of Business our goal is to:
TAKE YOU ANYWHERE YOU WANT TO GO — AROUND THE CORNER OR AROUND THE WORLD. n
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID NASHVILLE, TN PERMIT NO. 8
4210 Harding Pike Nashville, TN 37205 www.aquinascollege.edu
Genesis: Chance or Purpose? 7th Annual St. Thomas Aquinas Theological & Catechetical Forum
FEBRUARY 15-16, 2013 ON THE DOMINICAN CAMPUS Please join us next year as we engage in a dynamic discussion on the most fundamental truths of our Catholic Faith! Drawing from a variety of academic and professional careers, our speakers will offer us a rich and comprehensive presentation on the nature of the cosmos, man, love, sin, and grace.
GENESIS 1:1-4 - “LET THERE BE LIGHT!”
GENESIS 3:1-3 - “THE SERPENT DECEIVED ME...”
Considerations on the Big Bang Theory, Creationism & Creation
The Nature of Sin through the eyes of Dante, Milton, & C.S. Lewis
William Smart, Ph.D., Microbiology Reverend Mr. Mark Falkner, B.A., Physics
GENESIS 1:26 - “LET US MAKE MAN IN OUR IMAGE.”
The Indispensable Need for a Christian Anthropology Sr. Mary Diana, O.P.
GENESIS 2:18 - “IT IS NOT GOOD FOR MAN TO BE ALONE.”
The Nature of Love
Sr. Jane Dominic, O.P.
Aaron Urbancyzk, M.A. Philosophy, Ph.D., Literature
GENESIS 3:15 - “HE WILL CRUSH YOUR HEAD.”
The Nature of Grace
Kevin Keiser, S.T.L.
PSALM 8 - “WHAT IS MAN THAT YOU SHOULD KEEP HIM IN MIND?”
Special Dinner Speaker: Father Nicanor Austriaco, O.P.