By Deanna I. Howes, Director of Communications, AJCU
It might surprise readers to know that of the many hats that I wear at AJCU, my secret favorite is that of editor! As the daughter of a former newspaper reporter and a former librarian, I was born with a passion for the written word and a desire to tell stories. Thus, editing Connections is something that I greatly look forward to every month and this month was no exception.
The articles in this month’s issue highlight some of our incredible distinguished faculty on six Jesuit campuses. Our students are blessed to learn from these masters of a variety of disciplines, including theater, astronomy and business ethics. Of note, two of the professors featured in this issue are Jesuits who have graced nearly all of our 28 campuses as lecturers, board members or faculty: Rev. George Coyne, S.J. of Le Moyne College and Rev. Gerald F. Cavanagh, S.J. of the University of Detroit Mercy. It is not an exaggeration to say that reading these articles is a bit like taking six mini-master classes, and just might make you want to go back to college!
It is also a pleasure to share with you a story from our partners at The Beijing Center (TBC). The Beijing Center offers an incredible study abroad experience for students at our Jesuit colleges and universities, including classes covering a variety of subjects and cultural immersion trips across China. Distinguished faculty at TBC include Ian Johnson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who teaches courses on Chinese Religion and Society; you will learn more about him in this issue of Connections. For more information on TBC, visit www.thebeijingcenter.org.
In the season of Thanksgiving, we are thankful for the thousands of men and women who teach the students at our 28 Jesuit colleges and universities to be critical thinkers and to seek the Magis both inside and outside of the classroom.
All the best,
Deanna