Schmidt, Edward W., S.J.

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epublications@Marquette

Conversations on Jesuit Higher EducationVolume 48 Article 2September 2015From the Editor: Daunting Challenges as We MoveAhead in Jesuit EducationEdward W. Schmidt S.J.Follow this and additional works at: http://epublications.marquette.edu/conversationsRecommended CitationSchmidt, Edward W. S.J. (2015) "From the Editor: Daunting Challenges as We Move Ahead in Jesuit Education," Conversations onJesuit Higher Education: Vol. 48, Article 2.Available at: http://epublications.marquette.edu/conversations/vol48/iss1/2Conversations 1From the EditorDaunting Challenges as We Move Aheadin Jesuit EducationJuly 1. In many settings, it marks a new beginning, a newstart. Financially, of course, a new fiscal year often startshere. In our schools, too, we start gearing up for what is tocome at the end of August when students return, class-rooms come alive, and the empty in-box starts to fill. July 1marks a lot of passages from the old to the new: a quick andinformal survey of when new presidents begin their terms inour schools shows a great leaning towards July – at least 13 ofthe 28. (Some websites give only the year.)A big news story from the Omaha World-Herald in Junewas brimming with optimism over the arrival of Daniel S.Hendrickson, S.J., as the new president of Creighton U. begin-ning on July 1 of this year. The writer, Kate Howard, had goneto Marquette, where Daniel was coming from, and interviewedstudents and colleagues about what they thought Creightoncould expect in its new president. Students said that “he has anenergy about him” and that he is “incredibly approachable” and“incredibly intelligent.” Colleagues noted “his commitment toJesuit ideals” and “his ability to connect with people,” seeingthese as “strong assets” for the new president. They said therewould be a learning curve but trusted that Daniel was up to it. The optimism was great, and I am sure similar reports andsentiments filled other campuses and local news outlets as newleadership took over. On July 1 St. Joseph’s welcomed MarkReed as its new president; he had been serving at Fairfield. Andon the same day, long-time faculty member John Pelisserobecame interim president of Loyola Chicago. And at LoyolaMaryland, Susan Donovan, already serving as executive vicepresident, began a six-month term as acting president. A month earlier, on June 1, Christopher Puto took over aspresident of Spring Hill College. He had graduated from SpringHill in 1964 and brought with him experience as a faculty mem-ber and administrator at other universities. And LoyolaMarymount welcomed its new president, Timothy Law Snyder,who moved there from Loyola Maryland.On July 1 I was sitting at my desk in New York, poundingaway at my computer, doing final edits to this issue ofConversations. Its title, “Daunting Challenges,” well representsthe content of the articles. From 11 of the 28 AJCU schools,authors write to describe the challenging reality of universityeducation today and the tough issues we face as we moveahead. What is technology doing to our traditional education:can one teach/learn deep values from a screen? How do weinclude those left behind or left out of the great experience ofintellectual, social, and moral growth we propose to offer? Whatis the proper response to the ever growing shadow of collegesports? How can schools manage exploding expenses, and howcan students work out strategies to pay off staggering debt builtup over four years and find a job equal to what they can dowith their education? To balance all the questions and toughtimes, we present two stories of new initiatives – Georgetown’sRed House and Loyola Chicago’s new Arrupe College. These issues are just some of what these new presidentswill face as their days fill up with conferences and meetings andreports. And these questions are pertinent likewise for all facul-ty and levels of administration. They have come to our attentionbefore, of course, but seeing them published together is some-what daunting. But that is why we explore and analyze andhold conversations. Moving ahead with the great mission ofJesuit education is not beyond us. It simply demands our aware-ness of what is happening, determination to move ahead, andgratitude for the opportunities that our great students embody.These students trust us, and their families trust us. And we willserve them with all the immense talent our schools represent.One day not long after Daniel Hendrickson’s presidency wasannounced, I ran into him briefly in passing. I caught his glance,and all I could think to say was “thank you!” We moved on, but Ithink he knew what I meant. I’ll be more explicit here, and I say“thank you” to Daniel again, to Susan Donovan, to John Pelissero,to Christopher Puto, to Mark Reed, and to Timothy Law Snyder.And I extend a sincere “thank you” to all the other presidents, long-term or recent, who lead us in facing the great challenges we men-tion in this issue. That “thank you” moves outward to all the facul-ty and administrators, support staff, boards, and benefactors. Thework you do for our students and their future is beyond descrip-tion, but it well deserves all the gratitude we can express.And thank you, students, for the challenge you eagerlypresent, for the trust you show, and for the future you promise.You’re the greatest!  ■Edward W. Schmidt, S.J., editorvvvMore thanks are in order. Thanks to Mark Scalese, S.J., whodesigned the magnificent cover for this issue, a twisting pathindeed. And thanks to Diana Owen, who was a great part oflaunching our new website.Please note that in this issue you will find a letter from our sem-inar chair, Patrick Howell, S.J., which directs you to this newwebsite and has other important things to say!1Schmidt: From the Editor: Daunting Challenges as We Move Ahead in Jesuit EPublished by e-Publications@Marquette, 2015

From the Editor: Daunting Challenges as We Move Ahead in Jesuit Education

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From the Editor: Daunting Challenges as We Move Ahead in Jesuit Education

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