Latest Announcements - News Links

Click any of the following links to access AFCU news and information in a specific category: press releases, institutional magazines, student newspapers, RSS, employment opportunites, institutional contact information and forum topics. This website was updated on Thursday, January 26, 2012. 

2012 Annual Membership Meeting

The 2012 Annual Membership Meeting for the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Washington, D.C. at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.  A continental break will be available.  The room location of the meeting will be announced at a later date.  Materials for the meeting will be sent electronically. A dinner meeting for the AFCU Board of Directors will held on Friday, January 27th beginning at 6:30 PM.  AFCU’s annual meeting will be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.  Click here to access the ACCU’s preliminary schedule. 

Call for Papers -- AFCU Symposium 2012

The planning committee for the 2012 AFCU Franciscan Symposium invites administrators, faculty, staff, and students to submit proposals for break-out sessions at the June 2012 Symposium to be held June 12–14, 2012 at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis.  Click here for details.

Franciscan University Launches New Philosophy Journal

With the high unemployment rate for new college graduates, it may not seem like the best time to launch a philosophy journal with a quaint Latin title and rarified references to Thomism, Neo-Platonism and phenomenology.  Yet Quaestiones Disputatae, the new journal at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, may represent just what some students need today to become competitive in a difficult job market, suggests editor Paul Symington.

Anonymous Quincy University Challenge Donation

An anonymous donor has made a generous Christmas gift to an Endowed Scholarship Fund, a commitment of $100,000 if other alumni and friends donate a total of $200,00 to any existing or new Endowed Fund by May 31, 2012 (fiscal year end).

St. Bonaventure University Launches Museum-based Art History Program

A $600,000 grant from the John R. Oishei Foundation in Buffalo will allow St. Bonaventure University to launch an art history program and transform The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts into a leading “teaching museum” in the state and the Northeast.

Marian University Medical School Receives $100,000 Investment from Hospital

Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana, joined the ranks of five other hospitals across Indiana who have pledged their support to the university’s new College of Osteopathic Medicine. The hospital has invested $100,000 in the project. To recognize their generosity, the café area in the Michael A Evans Center for Health Sciences will be named in their honor.

Cardinal Stritch University Dedicates New Chapel

A long-held dream of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi was finally realized Oct. 4, when Cardinal Stritch University formally dedicated its modern new worship space -- Saint Francis of Assisi Chapel. The Most Rev. Jerome Listecki, Archbishop of Milwaukee, presided over the Mass, which was followed by a reception. The new chapel was constructed within space located in the southern wing of the second floor promenade/hallway of Bonaventure Hall, which is the University’s main administration building. The chapel is able to accommodate 160 people, which is four times the capacity of the former space.

Lourdes University Awarded Nearly $2.1 Million in Grant Funding

Lourdes University's College of Nursing was recently awarded nearly $2.1 million in grant funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Bernardine Franciscan Sister On A Mission

Sister Roberta A. McKelvie, OSF, Ph.D., has been appointed Special Assistant to the President for Mission and will join the president’s cabinet this fall, President Thomas F. Flynn announced recently. In this role, Sr. Roberta will lead campus-wide mission education and integration efforts. She will serve part-time during the fall 2011 semester, assuming the role in a full-time capacity beginning in January.

Conventual Franciscan Is New Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah

The new bishop of the Diocese of Savannah is a Conventual Franciscan.  Click here to learn more about this important Franciscan leader.  

Online Certificate Program in Franciscan Studies

Four-course program focuses on Franciscan origins, spirituality — The University of St. Francis (USF) Solutions Resource Center will offer a four-course, online certificate program in Franciscan Studies beginning Sept. 26.  Click here for more information.

Groundbreaking and Naming of Marian University's New Medical School

Marian University will officially break ground for the new building on campus that will house the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the School of Nursing. The building will be named in honor of the generous individual who will be introduced during the ceremony.

World Youth Day

World Youth Day (WYD) is being held in Madrid, Spain from August 16-21, 2011.  Click here to access the official website.  We look forward to publishing information about WYD from AFCU institutions. 

Franciscan Colleges in Brazil, Columbia and Mexico

Twenty-one representatives from Franciscan colleges in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico have come to Siena College to learn about American culture. “This summer program has been a total immersion in the Franciscan tradition in another culture,” said Jennifer Osorio, who works in the International Relations Office of San Buenaventura University in Colombia.

Osorio is among the senior administrators, faculty and students from San Buenaventura, Universidad Franciscana in México and FAE Centro Universitario in Brazil who are spending three weeks on campus as part of a new program designed to build connections between Siena and other Franciscan colleges across the world.

25th Anniversary of the Day of Prayer for Peace, Assisi

October 27, 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the historic Day of Prayer for Peace that took place in Assisi, Italy.  Throughout the last 25 years, many celebrations have been conducted around the world to acknowledge the Spirit of Assisi.  Plans to commemorate this most special 25th anniversary have been underway by the Conference of the Franciscan Family for over a year.  Click here to visit the website that has been prepared to assist all who wish to remember, celebrate and be transformed.

WSBU Hits Top of the Charts Again

St. Bonaventure University’s student-run radio station, WSBU-FM 88.3 The Buzz, has once again reached the top of the charts.

Just four years after being ranked No. 1 in the “Best College Radio Station” category, WSBU hit the top spot again this year in The Princeton Review’s annual college guide, which ranked St. Bonaventure as one of the nation’s “Best 376 Colleges.” The station previously held the top spot in 2007 then dropped to No. 2 in 2008 and 2009, and to No. 4 in 2010.

Web-based Radio Station a First at Hilbert

Hilbert College’s debut this summer of Hawk Radio, a 24-hour Web-based streaming radio station that potentially can be heard anywhere in the world, marks the college’s first campus-wide broadcasting endeavor. 

Stritch Receives National Recognition for "Model" Student Teacher Program

The Cardinal Stritch University College of Education and Leadership was recently named one of only 10 colleges/universities nationwide as a “model” institution for its student teacher program, as determined by the National Council on Teacher Quality.

Franciscan Feast of the Portiuncula

Today is a solemn feast day in the Franciscan Order. It is known as the feast of “The Portiuncula, Our Lady of the Angels.” The word means “little portion” and refers to a small Church in Assisi which Saint Francis himself re-built and repaired. Blessed Pope John Paul II referred to it as “caput et mater” (“head and mother”) of the Franciscan Order when he visited it. Special blessings are attached to the celebration of the feast day. Click here for more information.

August 1, Proclaimed "President Daniel J. Elsener Day" in Indianapolis

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, Sponsors of Alvernia University, Elect New Leadership

The Bernardine Franciscan Congregational Leadership Team was elected on July 8, 2011 at the General Chapter in Reading, PA. From left to right: SS. Rosemary Stets, Councilor; Mary Joseph Tirpak, Assistant Congregational Minister; Marilisa da Silva, Congregational Minister; Christen Shukwit, Councilor; Antoinette Keiser, Councilor.

A New Pentecost: Inviting All To Follow Jesus

Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Boston, has issued a new Pastoral Letter on Evangelization entitled "A New Pentecost: Inviting All to Follow Jesus."  Cardinal Sean is a prominent Roman Catholic, Franciscan leader whose voice and values inspire and give hope to the people of the United States and to people around the world. 

Neumann Is A University "Forever"

Ronald Tomalis, Secretary of education for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, granted Neumann University approval to operate as a university within the state on May 10, 2011.  Neumann was first granted provisional status on April 24, 2011. 

Briar Cliff University - Receives National Recognition for Community Service.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) recently recognized Briar Cliff University as a leader among institutions of higher education for Briar Cliff’s support of volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.  BCU was named to the 2010 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for engaging its students, faculty and staff in meaningful service that achieves measurable results in the community.  

Our Lady of the Lake College - First Campus Minister Named

Sister Martha Ann Abshire, a Franciscan Missionary of Our Lady, will be the Our Lady of the Lake College Campus Minister, effective July 2011. Sister Martha Ann has served in a variety of capacities at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. Since 2004, Sister Martha Ann has served as the U. S. Director of the Haiti Project.

Franciscan University - Summer Conferences "Rich In Mercy"

Franciscan University will commence its 36th year of summer conferences with the theme "Rich in Mercy."  Over 41,000 youth and adults will attend faith-sharing conferences in Steubenville and in 10 other states and Canada.  "Mercy, many say, is God's greatest attribute," said University President Father Terence Henry, TOR, "and there is nothing for which we should be more thankful. That mercy, after all, is our hope and our salvation. It's what enables us—fallen, broken sinners that we are—to have life and life abundant. I can't think of a more important theme."

Father Andre Cirino Speaks about Heroic Men of Assisi

Father André Cirino, OFM, Franciscan author and pilgrimage guide, spoke about the seldom discussed heroics of three men from the city of Assisi – one who helped save the city from destruction and the other two saving the lives of between 250 and 300 Jews from the Holocaust - for the 15th Annual Yom Hashoah Holocaust Remembrance Day event on April 28 at St. Francis College.  Click the link to view the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QJ1mvnAiJ7E

Lourdes College Launches MBA Program

Lourdes is pleased to announce the launch of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, beginning fall semester 2011. The MBA at Lourdes is designed for individuals who have recently completed an undergraduate business degree and is a full-time, daytime degree program that can be completed in just one year.

Hilbert College Accounting Majors Receive Top Awards

Two Hilbert College accounting majors received two of the top student awards presented at the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants Buffalo Chapter’s education night dinner held in April.

Franciscan University Students Earn Fulbright Scholarship

Thanks to hard work and the help of several professors, Franciscan University of Steubenville senior English major Bernadette Recznik will be off to Germany on a Fulbright grant this coming school year. 

Franciscan University Nursing Students Wins Pro-life Award

A Franciscan University of Steubenville nursing student who is active in the pro-life movement was recently awarded a $1,000 national scholarship. Celine Talbot, a junior, is the second Franciscan University nursing student in as many years to receive the award from the National Association of Pro-Life Nurses (NAPN).  

Marian University - Smoke-Free Campus

Marian University (Indianapolis, IN) is now a smoke-free campus. 

Siena College - $1 Million Endowment

“Community building is part and parcel of a Franciscan education,” said Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen ’75, O.F.M., Ph.D. during the celebration of a $1 million endowment from the Bonner Service Leaders Foundation and Siena Trustee John Dawson ’68.

Marian University Receives Pre-Accreditation Status for Osteopathic Medical School

Marian University has received pre-accreditation status for its college of osteopathic medicine from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association.

University of St. Francis Spring Commencement Includes First Doctoral Graduates

University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL, will graduate its first doctoral class during commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 7, 2011.  USF launched its first doctoral program--Doctor of Nursing Practice--in Fall 2009.  Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., President of St. Bonaventure University, will be the commencement speaker. 

Neumann University's Student Newspaper Receives First Place Award

The Joust, Neumann University’s student newspaper, received a First Place award from the American Scholastic Press Association. Headquartered in College Point, New York, the ASPA oversees an annual, national contest and review service for student publications. This year nearly 2,000 schools from across the nation submitted entries. 

Graduate in Philosophy from St. Bonaventure University has Films Selected for Cannes Film Festival

Emma Riley didn’t take long to make a name for herself after graduating from St. Bonaventure University last May. Riley, a 2010 graduate from Berkeley, Calif., was instrumental in two short films selected for the world’s most prestigious film festival. The 64th annual Cannes Film Festival runs from May 11-22.  Riley earned her bachelor’s degree in philosophy. 

Brian McAllister, Assistant Professor of Business, Named Interim Business Dean

Brian C. McAllister, assistant professor of accounting, will serve as the interim dean of St. Bonaventure University’s School of Business . Dr. Michael Fischer, provost and vice president for academic affairs, made the announcement today. McAllister previously held the position in 1986-87 and again in 1990-91.

“I know that Brian will provide us a steady hand for the next several weeks, and months, while we evaluate our longer-term options for filling the position of dean after the sudden passing of Dr. John Watson last week,” said Dr. Fischer. “I’m very grateful to Brian for taking on this responsibility.” Dr. Watson collapsed and died April 17 while visiting friends in York, Pa.

Father Michael Scanlon Renewed Catholic Identity of Franciscan University of Steubenville

The Franciscan University of Steubenville has announced that Father Michael Scanlon, chancellor and past president, will retire on June 30, 2011. Theology Professor Dr. Alan Schreck reflects on how Father Scanlon renewed the university's Catholic identity. Click here to learn more .  

Hilbert College President Cynthia Zane To Receive Education Award

Hilbert College President Cynthia Zane, Ed.D., has been selected by the Western New York Network for Women Leaders in Higher Education to receive the 2011 Bernice Poss Award, which will be presented at the group’s spring conference being held May 6 at the University at Buffalo’s Center for Tomorrow.  Presented annually, the award honors women in higher education who exemplify noteworthy involvement in organizing and planning activities for the advancement of women professionals, are committed to community services and programs for women, and show support and compassion for colleagues in their daily conduct.

"The Genius of Catholic Higher Education" at Neumann University

Neumann University's 46th Charter Day celebration included a panel discussion entitled "The Genius of Catholic Higher Education: The Legacies of Pope John Paul II, Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman and Saint John Neumann."  Panelists were Dr. Michael Galligan-Stierle, Dr. Edward Jeremy Miller and Rev. Richard Boever.

Neumann University Hosted Cyberbullying Summit

Neumann University, in collaboration with the Delaware County District Attorney's Office, hosted a free Cyberbullying Summit. The program was designed for educators, school administrators, wellness professionals, law enforcement personnel, high school student leaders and chaperones, and all individuals interested in curbing the current problems associated with cyberbullying. 

Hilbert College WIll Celebrate 50th Commencement with Class of 2011

The Hilbert College Class of 2011 will be part of a historic moment for the Franciscan institution as the college marks its 50^th annual commencement ceremony planned for 1 p.m. May 7 in the Wesleyan Church of Hamburg at 4999 McKinley Parkway. 

St. Bonaventure University Saddened by Death of Dr. John G. Watson, Dean of the School of Business

Dr. John G. Watson, 67, dean of the School of Business and a member of the St. Bonaventure family for more than 35 years, passed away Sunday. 

Retirement of Fr. Michael Scanlon from Franciscan University

Franciscan University of Steubenville announced the retirement of Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, chancellor and past president, effective June 30, 2011.

A Franciscan Meditation on Creation

Jerry Vigna, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Theology at Alvernia University, has posted on YouTube an excellent video he prepared entitled "A Franciscan Meditation on Creation." This short video could be used by instructors in various disciplines to teach about an important aspect of Franciscanism. A great undergraduate assignment would be to have students watch the video, write a short reflection on it and discuss the video and their reflections in class.  Share your reflections about the video with Dr. Vigna in AFCUForum.

Alvernia University Receives $1.5 Million Bequest

Sen. Mike O'Pake, the Reading, Pa. native who died last December after serving nearly four decades in the Pennsylvania state senate as a champion for all those in need, left Alvernia University a bequest in excess of $1.5 million, the largest bequest received in the institution’s history.

150th Anniversary Campaign Raises More than $95 Million for St. Bonaventure University

Pope Will Attend Assisi Gathering For World Peace

Pope Benedict XVI will call people of goodwill to join him in working for peace during a "day of reflection, dialogue and prayer for peace and justice in the world" to be held in Assisi on Oct. 27.  Click here to learn more. 

Siena Alumna Named To Federal Judgeship

Siena College alumna Mae D’Agostino ’77, Esq. has been named the United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York.

Neumann University to Host Cyberbullying Summit

Neumann University, in collaboration with the Delaware County District Attorney's Office, will host a Cyberbullying Summit on Tuesday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program is designed for educators, school administrators, wellness professionals, law enforcement personnel, high school student leaders and chaperones, and all individuals interested in curbing the current problems associated with cyberbullying.

St. Francis College Hosts Philosophical Conference

Philosophy scholars from almost 20 institutions in and around New York City and as far away as Israel and Ukraine will be descending on St. Francis College for the Spring 2011 Meeting of the Long Island Philosophical Society (LIPS) on Saturday, April 16 beginning at 9:00am.

Director of Franciscan Center for Global Studies Heads to China

Dr. Pierre Atlas, associate professor of political science and director of The Richard G. Lugar Franciscan Center for Global Studies at Marian University, will travel to China with a delegation from Global Indiana interested in exploring educational opportunities with Chinese institutions.

Stritch Names New Dean of Arts and Sciences

Daniel J. Scholz, Ph.D., has been named the next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Cardinal Stritch University.

Franciscan School of Theology Names New President

 Franciscan friar, Father Joseph P. Chinnici, OFM, will serve as the next president of the Franciscan School of Theology (FST) in Berkeley, Calif. Father John Hardin, OFM, chair of the trustees of FST, announced the appointment on March 30, 2011.  Fr. Hardin is also the chief executive officer of the Province of St. Barbara, an administrative region of the Franciscan friars in the western U.S.  Fr. Chinnici is scheduled to take office on July 1, 2011 upon the retirement of Father Mario DiCicco, OFM, current president of FST. Fr. DiCicco has held the position since 2004.

“We are very pleased and excited about Joe’s appointment,” Fr. Hardin said. “He’s clearly the right person at the right time. We’re looking forward to the school’s growth, both in terms of educating ministers to serve in the church and in promoting scholarship in the Franciscan intellectual and spiritual traditions. We see this appointment as a very positive step and believe Joe is uniquely qualified to lead the school in this direction.”

Briar Cliff University's Apple iPad Program

Click on the link provided here to access an interesting podcast from South Dakota Public Radio’s feature this week on Briar Cliff University's Apple iPad program.  Briar Cliff is one of only three colleges/universities in the U.S. with a program like this.  Congratulations to BCU!

Video Tutorials for AFCUForum

Two short training videos are now available on the AFCU website that are designed to help users (1) learn how to register for AFCUForum and (2) use AFCUForum effectively for communication with colleagues at other AFCU institutions. The first video is entitled “How to Register for AFCUForum.” The second video is entitled “How to use AFCUForum.” These valuable internet resources constitute an important step in the AFCU’s effort to build a vibrant network among AFCU institutions that will secure the future of Franciscan higher education. Please take advantage to the two videos available for your use.

14th Annual National Franciscan Symposium: "Franciscans in the Public Square"

The Franciscan Center at Washington Theological Union will host its 14th Annual National Franciscan Symposium entitled "Franciscans in the Public Square" on April 8-10, 2011 in Washington, DC. Attendees from across the nation will gather to hear and discuss presentations from renowned speakers in Franciscan Spirituality. The following presentations will be featured: "The Public Vocations of Francis and Clare of Assisi,” "From Public Square to Global Sphere: Franciscan Life-Work Today,” "Following the Footsteps of Christ in Today’s Public Squares: Prophets or Reconcilers?" and "Living the Franciscan Message in the World – Tools and Actions for Integral Social Transformation.” 

Flagler University Co-sponsors Franciscan Conference

Flagler College (St. Augustine, Florida) and the Academy of American Franciscan History (AAFH) co-sponsored a Franciscan conference March 24-26, 2011 entitled “From La Florida to La California.” The conference was held at Flagler College. The AAFH is a research institute affiliated with the Franciscan School of Theology at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA. It is dedicated to the encouragement of the study of the Franciscan Order in the Americas. Flagler faculty member Dr. Timothy J. Johnson, an internationally-known Franciscan theologian and historian, was a conference coordinator and keynote speaker.

Franciscan Worldview on AFCU FORUMS

There is a Franciscan worldview and the AFCU wants to ensure that people have access to it! Share your thoughts on important Franciscan topics such as environment, peace-making, service, justice and advocacy. To do so, click on Forums and scroll down to “Special Topic Forums.” Get a username and password by clicking on Register for Forums. What Franciscans can do to help the world is amazing!

Marian University Professor Pierre Atlas Heads to China as Part of an International Delegation - 3/29/2011

Dr. Pierre Atlas, associate professor of political science and director of The Richard G. Lugar Franciscan Center for Global Studies at Marian University, will travel to China with a delegation from Global Indiana interested in exploring educational opportunities with Chinese institutions. Atlas is a board member of Global Indiana. The delegation, which includes Diane Thomas, president and CEO of The International Center of Indianapolis, and Weilin Long, director of the Asian Learning Center, a program of The International Center, will visit Beijing, Shanghai