Added Value of Catholic and Jesuit Education Discussed at Lecture

Nov 21, 2013
The University of Scranton's 125th Anniversary Lecture Series began with a presentation by University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Nov.14.
The University of Scranton's 125th Anniversary Lecture Series began with a presentation by University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Nov.14.

University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., discussed the “value added” through a Catholic and Jesuit education in his lecture “Engaged, Integrated, Global: Jesuit Education in the 21st Century,” which be presented Nov. 19 on campus. The presentation was part of the University’s 125th Anniversary Lecture Series.

Father Quinn acknowledged higher education is facing close scrutiny over cost, access, value and other issues.

“Given the quality and creativity of our institution, these challenges, while real and serious, need not be understood as negative,” said Father Quinn. “Rather, they present an opportunity to re-examine closely our mission and the presumptions and practices with which we approach that mission.”

Father Quinn said a Catholic and Jesuit education involves teaching students more than “to think critically, reason analytically, solve problems, and communicate clearly,” which he said “is necessary, but not sufficient, for Catholic and Jesuit universities.” He said these universities “should ask more of its students by educating and forming them to become men and women of faith and of service to their communities. This is the ‘value added’ of Catholic and Jesuit education.”

 “As we educate students we aim to invite them into a broader formational experience that will enable them to grow into human beings of a certain kind, blessed with gifts of heart, mind and soul. It is this human formation that provides the context within which our students’ education takes on its proper perspective, its deeper purpose and its true meaning,” said Father Quinn.

A full text of Father Quinn’s remarks can be viewed here. (Link http://www.scranton.edu/about/presidents-office/images/Schemel-Forum-Lecture.pdf)

Father Quinn’s presentation was the first of a series of lectures planned to celebrate the University's 125th anniversary. The lecture was presented in collaboration with The Schemel Forum, The Jesuit Center and the Weinberg Memorial Library.

The University’s year-long 125th anniversary celebration will include exhibits, lectures and other events. For additional information, visit 125th.scranton.edu.

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