By Deanna I. Howes, Director of Communications, AJCU
This fall, four Jesuit institutions hosted inaugurations for their new presidents. We are pleased to welcome these men as the newest members of the AJCU Board of Directors!
Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, S.J. with former Creighton presidents Rev. Timothy Lannon, S.J.(left) & Rev. John Schlegel, S.J. (right). Photo by Creighton University.
Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, S.J., Creighton University
Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, S.J. is the 25th president of Creighton University. A Nebraska native, Fr. Hendrickson earned his B.A. in psychology and theology from Marquette University in 1993 and entered the Society of Jesus in 1994. He received his M.A. in philosophical resources from Fordham University, a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Columbia University.
Earlier this month, Creighton University produced a video about a poem that holds great significance to Fr. Hendrickson, and served as the theme for his inauguration: “As Kingfishers Catch Fire, Dragonflies Draw Flame” by the celebrated Jesuit poet, Rev. Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J. Click here to watch the video online, which features the full text to the poem.
Fr. Hendrickson referred to the poem toward the end of his inaugural address on Friday, October 2nd: “Allow me to end with the concluding words of our inaugural theme. They come from the Jesuit priest and poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins who, faith-filled, passionate, and personal, and recognizing our call to greatness, simply says of any one of us, “I say more.”
It is something Creighton has always said: “I say more.” As a student, a teacher, and a trustee, this is quite clear – Creighton keeps saying, “I say more.” And today, in my new role, and as your new president, I do likewise. With the faculty, staff, and students of this prestigious place of higher learning, and joined by alumni and longtime friends of this institution, and for these groups and individuals and how Christ plays in ten thousand places, lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his, through the features of Creighton faces, ‘I say more.’”
Click here to read Fr. Hendrickson’s full biography on the AJCU website, and here to visit the Creighton inauguration webpage.
Dr. Timothy Law SNyder, Ph.D. Photo by Loyola Marymount University.
Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D., Loyola Marymount University
Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D. was named the 16th president of Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in March 2015 and assumed his responsibilities on June 1, 2015. Dr. Snyder has been a professor and administrator for more than 20 years at Jesuit institutions, most recently as vice president for academic affairs at Loyola University Maryland from 2007-14. He was also dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield University from 2001-07, and dean of science at Georgetown University from 1995-99.
Dr. Snyder was inaugurated on Tuesday, October 6th. Click on the titles below to view webcasts of the ceremony, Mass of the Holy Spirit and pre-inaugural lecture:
Inauguration Ceremony
Mass of the Holy Spirit
Inauguration Lecture: Science, Religion and the Cosmic Future (by John F. Haught, Distinguished Research Professor, Georgetown University)
Other highlights from Dr. Snyder’s inauguration included a welcome from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations, and video greetings from LMU students and alumni across the country.
Click here to read Dr. Snyder’s full biography on the AJCU website, and here to watch a video about his life and career in Jesuit higher education.
Dr. Mark C. Reed, Photo by Saint Joseph’s University.
Mark C. Reed, Ed.D., Saint Joseph’s University
Dr. Mark C. Reed served for 15 years in progressive senior leadership roles at Fairfield University – including senior vice president for administration and chief of staff, interim vice president for university advancement, vice president for student affairs and dean of students – prior to being named the 28th president of Saint Joseph’s University in 2015. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Fairfield University, a master’s degree in secondary educational administration from Boston College, a MBA from Fairfield, and a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.
In his inaugural remarks on Friday, September 18th, Dr. Reed suggested that the Saint Joseph’s community look to Pope Francis as an example of someone who personifies the Magis in all his actions. He said, “Francis appears – at least to me anyway – to reject or stymie attempts to be typecast or forced into a set of only binary choices on many important topics and questions. Said another way, he is a leader who embodies symbolism, does nuance well, and is sincerely authentic.
“So what does all of this mean for us as a Saint Joseph’s University community? In the interest of brevity and expediency, let me suggest three things: First, as we move forward as a University community, let’s commit to following Francis’ example individually and collectively. Second, we must challenge ourselves to be open to the possibilities – however energizing or unsettling – to which the examination of our individual and collective consciences can lead.
“Third, let’s explore together key questions about our individual and collective motivations, pledge to approach institutional problems with a sense of personal detachment from the outcome (asking primarily then what is for the greater good of Saint Joseph’s University), and test our assumptions so that we do not confuse the means with the end.
“Let these three things be defining characteristics of SJU’s culture and community. Let these be our way of proceeding.”
Click here to read Dr. Reed’s full biography on the AJCU website, and here to visit the Saint Joseph’s inauguration webpage.
Chairman of the Spring Hill College Board Michael Coghlan presents Dr. Puto with the SHC presidential medallion. Photo by Spring Hill College.
Christopher P. Puto, Ph.D., Spring Hill College
Dr. Christopher P. Puto assumed the office as the 37th president of Spring Hill College on June 1, 2015. Dr. Puto graduated from Spring Hill College in 1964 with a degree in economics. He earned a MBA in marketing from the University of Miami and a Ph.D. in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Duke University. He served Spring Hill College as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2012.
In his inaugural address on Thursday, September 17th, Dr. Puto reflected on his position as the first non-Jesuit president to lead Spring Hill, and the direction in which he plans to take the College. He said, “The values I experienced as a student here in 1964: That the purpose of a Jesuit education is to provide knowledge to be put to use Ad majorem Dei gloriam inque hominum salutem – for the greater glory of God and the well-being of humankind – these were the same values in place here in 1864 and will be firmly in place for those who graduate from here in 2064.
“We will continue to educate the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – what we all know as Cura Personalis. We will use technology – not to deliver education – but rather to enhance the educational experience that is unique to a Catholic, Jesuit, Liberal Arts Residential College.”
Click here to read Dr. Puto’s full biography on the AJCU website, and here to read his full inaugural address online.