-President Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D.
The 2010-2011 academic year is a very special one for Marianists worldwide and for us here at St. Mary’s University. On April 8, 2011, we celebrate the birth date of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, the Founder of the Society of Mary and the source of the guiding vision of St. Mary’s. This academic year can be seen as one wherein the founding purpose of this University conjoins in recognizing the wisdom and precepts of Chaminade’s vision. St. Mary’s is a part of the educational efforts of the more than 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States. Founded 158 years ago, the University is, however, distinctive as an institution sponsored by the Society of Mary. Thus, as this year begins, it is important for us to reflect upon and learn from the living tradition of the Catholic and Marianist foundation of St. Mary’s. Chaminade’s life story informs us in this regard.
Living through the violent upheaval of the French Revolution, Chaminade developed innovative and successful approaches to living his faith, while inspiring and organizing others to follow their faith under threat of imprisonment or death. This experience taught Chaminade and teaches us an important and enduring insight—that changing times require new approaches to be effective and successful – “new times call for new methods”. While today we are not in the maelstrom of a revolution, we educate in the midst of a highly polarized and divided world. Like Chaminade, we are called to recognize the signs of our times and develop new approaches derived from living Marianist values and charism. We are called to a mission of building communities of faith, learning, and service. What can we learn from the Chaminadean vision as we work to fulfill the University’s mission? First, let us examine the Marianist educational vision.
Blessed Chaminade realized early in his adult life the primacy of education as a means to guide young people to maturity and development in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. Education then gives purpose and meaning to all aspects of life in a Marianist university. Marianists educate in the context of community, emphasizing education in a “family spirit”. We learn from each other, supporting and nurturing the God-given talents that each community member possesses. In community, as in our families, we celebrate the achievements of each member as each achievement contributes to the whole. Marianists educate the whole person, developing the mind, the heart, and the body. This holistic approach to education informs the organization of the university community that the equality and dignity of each of its members takes precedence over formal, hierarchal organization. Periodically, the entire community gathers to enjoy and celebrate an institutional culture of inclusion. Chaminade’s vision calls for us to place the needs and aspirations of the community ahead of hierarchical structure.
The quality of St. Mary’s teaching and learning emphasizes a key principle of education—we educate and are educated by “every thought, word, and action.” On a Marianist campus, deeds, what we do, takes precedence over words, what we say we will do.
We understand, as did Chaminade, that maturation and development is life-long. Life’s journey is rarely without detours and some failures. As an extraordinary educator, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade advised us, as educators, to exercise patience with the human process of development. He also suggested an approach that underscores a “prudent disposition towards leniency” for those we guide and teach and that compassion and love should gird the bonds of a community of learners. Finally, Marianist education insists upon an evidenced commitment to excellence in all that is undertaken.
Life in community is one of the most prominent aspects of the Marianist charism. As described in the Rules of Life, community is the chief means through which we live a faithful life and fulfill our mission. On this campus, building community and working in community provides a means to enrich our professional and social lives to achieve the University’s mission. In the University’s strategic plan, Vision 2012, outreach to communities beyond St. Mary’s gives a special purpose to our existence.
The early members of the Society of Mary came from diverse backgrounds. On this campus, we have reason to celebrate the rich diversity of personalities, talents and contributions of the community members. Our success as an educational institution derives from the contributions each of us makes to the whole. One of the most distinctive characteristics of Marianist communities is the commitment to serve others. The St. Mary’s community is extraordinary in fulfilling the virtues of service. Faculty, students, staff and administration provide over 100,000 hours of service each year. We enrich our own lives and contribute to the University’s mission in the numerous acts of selfless giving and serving others.
This year is special – St. Mary’s has much to celebrate as a community of faith, learning and service. Viva Blessed William Joseph Chaminade’s vision!