On Friday, July 18th, 53 Lasallian University leaders were commissioned to go forth to educate in the spirit of St. John Baptist De La Salle. The ceremony took place at the Generalate in Rome and was witnessed by Bro. Alvaro Rodriguez, Superior General and Bro. Tom Johnson, Vicar General. It marked the culmination of the 4th edition of the two-week International Lasallian University Leadership Program.
Participants represented 29 Lasallian institutions of higher education from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the United States and Latin America. Their roles in their university communities included professors, support and campus life staff, and administrators, including deans, provosts and presidents. Needless to say, the cultural variety and professional perspectives created a unique and intense experience of the Lasallian world of higher education for the group.
The program has been designed to provide a greater understanding of the major components of the Lasallian heritage and the contemporary context of the Institute, particularly, its work in higher education. Members of the General Council, Generalate and Program staff offered conferences covering Lasallian History, Spirituality, Pedagogy, as well as, Lasallian Universities in Relation to Catholic Higher Education, Association for the Lasallian Mission and Envisioning the Future of Lasallian Higher Education.
Special emphasis has been given to establishing collaborative linkages, and thereby, strengthening the Lasallian higher education network. Throughout the agenda, time has been set aside for each participant or delegation to present their institution and its offerings. On this occasion, a special conference was given regarding the characteristics of successful university partnerships. During the final days of the program, poster sessions highlighted the projects proposals to be developed at home, regionally and/or internationally.
Discovering Rome, sharing meals, socials, silence and prayer afforded a wonderful opportunity of life in community, and has forged new friendships and has opened new creative possibilities for these Lasallian leaders. They certainly will be at the forefront of future initiatives that will transform the Lasallian world.
Special thanks is to be given to the Lasallian Association of College and University Presidents (LACUP), of the United States, for assisting in the organization and administration of this program and to Brother Alvaro, the General Council, the Community of Brothers and Generalate staff for their enthusiasm, support and hospitality.
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