Saint Mary’s faculty, staff participate in summer Lasallian formation programs
WINONA, Minn. — This summer, 14 members of the Saint Mary’s University faculty, staff and administration will participate in national and international Lasallian formation programs sponsored by the Christian Brothers and the larger Lasallian network of educators. This participation is one way Saint Mary’s is responding to the university priority of enhancing the Lasallian Catholic mission and culture.
This summer’s participants are the first beneficiaries of a gift to the university specifically designated for Lasallian education and formation for faculty and staff. At the Founder’s Day Convocation in February, Brother William announced this gift in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Christian Brothers at Saint Mary’s. Although there are fewer Brothers present in Lasallian schools today, including Saint Mary’s, the Lasallian network is committed to the formation and empowerment of lay colleagues, who are truly partners in continuing the work begun by Saint John Baptist de La Salle over 300 years ago.
Seven people will participate in the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies from June 28-July 10, at St. Mary’s College of California. The Buttimer Institute provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Lasallian charism through in-depth study of John Baptist de La Salle’s personal journey and the Lasallian spirituality and pedagogy. Two-week sessions are held for three consecutive summers. Attending Buttimer I are Dr. Mark Barber, associate dean of humanities and associate professor of philosophy; Dr. Patrick Barlow, director of college assessment; Gena Bilden, dean of enrollment management and student services - SGPP; and Elizabeth Childs, associate dean for curriculum and assessment - SGPP. Attending for their second summer in Buttimer II will be: Timothy Gossen, dean of students for the College; Linka Holey, associate vice president/academic dean - SGPP; and Mary Thole, coordinator of student services - SGPP.
Four administrators will begin the Lasallian Leadership Institute, a three-year program consisting of a one-week session during the summer (July 19-24) and weekend sessions in the fall and spring. The Lasallian Leadership Institute integrates and promotes the Lasallian heritage in the personal and professional lives of ministry leaders as future catalysts of the Lasallian mission. Beginning Cohort V of the LLI are: James Bedtke, vice president – SGPP and the College; Chris Kendall, vice president for student development; Merri Moody, director of the Graduate School of Health & Human Services - SGPP; and Joseph Sweeney, vice president for development and alumni services.
Saint Mary’s will also have three people in the third International Lasallian University Leadership Program, which will be held June 7-20 at the international center of the Christian Brothers in Rome. The theme of this year’s conference is “Partners in Catholic Lasallian Higher Education: Enhancing Understanding & Eliciting Commitment.” The program is specifically designed to assist universities in their ongoing programs of faculty formation and enrichment. Attending the Rome program are: Dr. Daniel Bucknam, assistant professor of psychology; Rebecca Hopkins, dean of the Graduate School of Education and MAI program director; and Dr. Jack McClure, assistant professor - SGPP. Dr. Roxanne Eubank, SGPP professor and director of the Lasallian Studies Program, is the coordinator of the 2009 IALU Rome program. Dr. Mary Catherine Fox, professor of interdisciplinary studies, is also a member of the IALU staff this summer.
