The Corpus Christi Current - Fall 2013

5935 Iona Drive, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1J7 • 604-822-6862 • www.corpuschristi.caFALL 2013 NEWSLETTER

THE CATHOLIC LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE IN VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIACURRENT

T H E

IN THIS ISSUE:

Meet Our First “Step Into Leadership” Scholarship Winners • Corpus Christi Launches Three New Programs • Northern Service Trip Inspires Students • President of Top US Catholic College Visits Corpus Christi

2 CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE • FALL 2013 NEWSLETTER

Based in Vancouver, BC, and situated on the UBC campus, Corpus Christi College is Western Canada’s only Catholic liberal arts college. To fi nd out more, visit corpuschristi.ca.

From the Offi ce of the President

� e past year at Corpus Christi has been a story of growth and expansion. We have expanded our academic programs — including adding a new full undergraduate program in collaboration with Saint Mark’s College, more merit-based scholarship award programs, and more student leader-ship opportunities. We’ve also added to our valued faculty and sta� . Here are just a few of the highlights:

Enrolment Continues to GrowCorpus Christi College continues to see increased interest in its Associate of Arts degree programs. � is year, we introduced � ve academic streams to guide students through the right degree track: Business

and Commerce; Science and Environ-ment; Global Studies; Faith and Culture; and, most recently, an Education track for aspiring teachers interested in entering a Bachelor of Education program at UBC.

Expanding Student Life and Leadership Opportunities� e strongest mentors in my own life were persons of strong virtuous moral character who provided me with direction and op-portunities to learn and grow as a person called by God to develop all my gi� s to be a ‘servant leader’. � e College continues to make student leadership development a priority. We are very excited about our new “Step Into Leadership” scholarship award

program (meet our � rst group of recipients on page 2), and have expanded our student leadership and service opportunities (see page 9 for more details on our new INSPIRE leadership certi� cate program, and page 7 for a story on our Northern Service Trip).

Strengthening Community SupportOf course, this growth depends on strong donor support. � e College receives no government funding, and thus relies on revenue from tuition and donations. We ended our third consecutive year with a balanced budget, and achieved our fund-raising target thanks to ongoing support from the Archdiocese of Vancouver and our benefactors. We continue to expand international student support, most re-cently through information sessions to 17 Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

On the HorizonKey priorities for the College this coming year are continued expansion of student scholarships and bursaries, and strength-ening our liberal arts programs. We also continue to plan for building and facility expansion.

We look forward to many more gains this coming year. While there is still much work to be done, we are moving forward.

Rev. Dr. Mark Hagemoen

With our remarkable progress over the past year, there is growing excitement at Corpus Christi College for what we see on the horizon.

GREETINGS STUDENTS, ALUMNI, FACULTY AND SUPPORTERS

3CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE • FALL 2013 NEWSLETTER

MEET OUR

“Step Into Leadership” Scholarship Recipients FOR 2013-14

Clare-Anne QueenanSINGER, ACTOR, YOUTH MENTOR, SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE.

High school: Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School

Career goal: Earn a Master’s degree in occupational therapy and eventually specialize in pediatric care.

My biggest passions: Singing, acting, and social work – whether serving soup on the Downtown Eastside or traveling to mentor children living in poverty.

Two of my proudest accomplishments: Playing a young girl who survived the Ho-locaust in my school play, which strength-ened my acting and emotional skills, and travelling to the Bronx with my grade 12 social justice class to mentor children at an a� erschool program.

Leadership means: Inspiring others to step up and make a di� erence.

I’m most inspired by: My parents who le� family and friends behind in South Africa to immigrate to Vancouver so their children could have a better future. � ey’ve shown me leaders must persevere.

Gelsey LatonioVOLUNTEER, MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMER, SPOKEN WORD POET, VOLLEYBALL COACH.

High school: Little Flower Academy

Career goal: Earn a Linguistics degree and become a speech pathologist.

My biggest passions: Travel, musical theatre and spoken word poetry. I also volunteer at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, � ailand, and as an assistant volleyball coach at LFA.

Two of my proudest accomplishments: Being selected to participate in a YMCA Student Exchange and live in Montreal for seven weeks, and receiving the Dean’s Scholarship for Academics from LFA.

Leadership means: Guiding others towards a common goal and inspiring con� dence within them.

I’m most inspired by: Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a woman of conviction, indepen-dence, and wit back when women had a smaller voice. My favorite quote of hers is something I remind of myself everyday: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”Continued on next page

New Scholarship Program Invests in Young Leaders

Recipients of Corpus Christi’sinaugural Step Into Leadership Nominated Excellence Award will assume “inspirational leadership” roles at the College.

A new school year always brings a sense of renewal, hope, and optimism. � is is particularly true for the nine Lower Mainland students who were selected to be part of the College’s � rst cohort of Step Into Leadership Nominated Award scholarship recipients.

� e focus of the award stems from the College’s ongoing focus on developing ‘in-spirational leadership’ skills in its students, with the goal of graduating exemplary corporate and civil leaders for today and tomorrow.

� e College selected one winner per school. As part of their commitment to the program, scholarship recipients will participate in the College’s ambassador

program, leadership training, and volunteer opportunities.

“On behalf of the entire Corpus Christi community, welcome to the College,” said Corpus Christi College President Rev. Mark Hagemoen. “With your established track records as leaders in your schools and the community, you have already inspired others, and I’m con� dent you will continue to do so while you complete your academic program at the College.”

“It is our hope that in your time spent with us, you will further discover yourself, further develop your gi� s, and, most im-portantly, continue to discover how you can be of service to God and others and make a di� erence,” added Rev. Hagemoen.

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MEET OUR

“Step Into Leadership” Scholarship Recipients FOR 2013-14

Heather BarlowSINGER, ACTOR, YOUTH MENTOR, SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE.

High school: St. Patrick’s Regional Secondary School

Career goal: Earn a Bachelor of Public A� airs and Policy Management at Carleton University, and pursue an inter-national relations career with the United Nations or Foreign A� airs.

My biggest passions: Competitive swimming, travelling (17 countries so far), and volunteering for Free the Children (Youth Ambassador for Free the Children’s We Day in 2013).

Two of my proudest accomplishments: Becoming a certi� ed lifeguard and swimming instructor. Being accepted into the St. Patrick’s Chamber Choir in Gr. 12.

Leadership means: Setting a good example for others to step out of their comfort zone and take on a leadership role themselves.

I’m most inspired by: Olympic swimmers Brent Hayden and Michael Phelps. � e amount of commitment it takes to get to that level is inspiring.

Rannylo ReyesCREATIVE WRITER, ALTAR SERVER, RETREAT LEADER, ASPIRING PSYCHOLOGIST.

High school: Vancouver College

Career goal: Earn a Ph.D. or M.D. leading to a specialty in Psy-chiatry from UBC.

My biggest passions: Psychology and creative writing.

Two of my proudest accomplishments: Achieving First Honours since Gr. 8 and being assistant rector of VC’s Encounter retreat program. I have also been an altar server at Holy Name of Jesus Parish for the past eight years.

Leadership means: Someone who li� s people up to their potential, regardless of whether or not the spotlight is on them.

I’m most inspired by: I have many role models, but if I had to choose one - Nobel Prize winner John Nash. Despite su� er-ing from paranoid schizophrenia, without treatment or medication, he also revolu-tionized the world of mathematics, eco-nomics, and biology. His “beautiful mind” and incredible mental fortitude make him an inspiration.

Camille PorcionculaPHOTOGRAPHER, TRAVELLER, YOGA ENTHUSIAST, STREET MINISTRY VOLUNTEER.

High school: St. � omas More Collegiate

Career goal: Earn a BA, with a major in linguistics with a minor in French from UBC.

My biggest passions: Travelling, learning languages, photography, and yoga.

Two of my proudest accomplishments are: Helping in the kitchen at Agape Street Ministry, and being part of the Spirit Team at Spirit Day.

Leadership means: Looking for the good in others and helping them become their best selves.

I’m most inspired by: Mother Teresa. She was a charismatic leader who showed the value of service to others and how onedoes not need to accomplish big feats to make a di� erence, but to do everything with “great love”.

Competitive swimming, travelling (17 countries so far), and volunteering for Free the Children (Youth Ambassador for Free the Children’s

Two of my proudest accomplishments:Becoming a certi� ed lifeguard and swimming instructor. Being accepted into the St. Patrick’s Chamber Choir in Gr. 12.

Setting a good example for others to step out of their comfort zone and take on a leadership role themselves.

nomics, and biology. His “beautiful mind” and incredible mental fortitude make him an inspiration.

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE • FALL 2013 NEWSLETTER

Continued from previous page

5

Irene De SouzaPEER COUNSELOR, WRITER, PRO-LIFE ADVOCATE, ASPIRING TEACHER.

High school: Holy Cross Regional High School

Career goal: To be-come a teacher and high school counselor. My high school teachers made me who I am today. If I can impact someone’s life in even the smallest way, then I will have had a success-ful career.

My biggest passion: � e pro-life movement and peer counseling. I became a peer coun-selor in high school. A� er � nding joy in helping my fellow students, I have wanted to be a counselor ever since.

Two of my proudest accomplishments: Winning the Religion, Writing, Compara-tive Civilizations, and Literature Award in Gr. 12 and having my writing published.

Leadership means: Not a career, but a life commitment. Leaders who lead through their actions inspire others.

I’m most inspired by: Stephanie Gray, a pro-life activist and co-founder of the Canadian Center for Bioethical Reform. She has dedi-cated her career to defending the sanctity of human life.

Samantha GoodsellBLOGGER, KOREAN ENTHUSIAST, YOUTH MENTOR, CLUB FOUNDER.

High school: Saint � omas Aquinas Regional High School

Career goal: Earn a BA at UBC, followed by a teaching certi� -cate, with the goal of teaching English as a foreign language in South Korea.

My biggest passions : Blogging, learning about the Korean alphabet (Hangul), cul-

ture, and travelling. In Gr.12, I travelled to the Bronx to mentor grade-three students.

Two of my proudest accomplishments: “Co-founding a “By Girls, For Girls” club, and converting to Catholicism in 2012.

Leadership means... Less about a group with an instructor, and more about contri-butions made by everybody.

I’m most inspired by: Internationally re-nowned Korean artist G-Dragon, leader of a seven-year strong boy group, songwriter, and fashion icon. He symbolizes dedication, humility, perseverance, and courage.

Johan RegoJAZZ MUSICIAN, MULTI-SPORT ATHLETE, CAMP COUNSELOR, BUDDING SCIENCE TEACHER.

High school: Seminary of Christ the King

Career goal: High school or college science teacher

My biggest passions: Guitar, alto saxophone, sports and outdoor activities. I have also been a camp counselor at ‘Bosco Days’ for the past four years.

Two of my proudest accomplishments: Play-ing on the senior basketball team, jazz band in Gr. 11, and achieving honor roll status every year in high school.

Leadership means: Someone who leads by example – not by command.

I’m most inspired by: � ough a � ctional character, Batman is an extremely inspi-rational character in my life. He � ghts for truth, and believes doing what is right are always the best thing to do.

Mayumi Joy A. RousBASKETBALL PLAYER, YOUTH MINISTRY VOLUNTEER, BAND MUSICIAN, ASPIRING DOCTOR.

High school: Notre Dame Regional Secondary

Career goal: Medi-cal doctor (either a General Practitioner or Sports Medicine)

My biggest passions: Basketball and Youth Ministry. My love for basketball actually opened up a second family for me at my Parish, as leader of our Youth Ministry program’s basketball team.

Two of my proudest accomplishments: Mak-ing it into the AA BC basketball Provincials during my senior year with the team I started with in grade 8, and receiving the Band Award during commencement, along with one of my good friends from high school, a� er a great � ve year run.

Leadership means: Leadership is nothing if words aren’t put into action.

I’m most inspired by: A former Youth Minis-try assistant coordinator, who didn’t seem to like me at � rst. She ended up being my ‘big sister’ and leading me towards God.

I’m most inspired by: Stephanie Gray, a pro-life activist and co-founder of the Canadian Center for Bioethical Reform. She has dedi-cated her career to defending the sanctity of human life.


From le� , front row: Irene De Souza, Clare-Anne Queenan, Gelsey Latonio, Mayumi Joy A. Rous. Middle row: Rannylo Reyes, Heather Barlow, Gabrielle Mustapich, Camille Porcioncula, Johan Rego. Back row: Wendy Yang, Samantha Goodsell, Mark Christopher Vaz. Ed. Note: All pictured are Step into Leadership Scholarship recipients, except for Wendy Yang (Mitton Family Scholarship), Gabrielle Mustapich (Archbishop J. Michael Miller Scholarship), and Mark Christopher Vaz (Archbishop Exner OMI Scholarship).

6

On every family road trip, David Sylvester’s father, Dr. Gerald Sylvester, made a point of visiting universities and churches along the way.

“My Dad always used to say that you can tell a lot about a community by seeing how it educates and how it worships,” recalls David.

But these visits were about much more than just satisfying a passing curiosity.

“From early on in his academic career, my Dad has always had this dream to see a Catholic university thrive in BC,” says David.

Jerry Sylvester began his academic career at Notre Dame University in Nelson, BC, teaching there until 1967, when the family moved to the Lower Mainland so he could pursue doctoral studies at the newly opened Simon Fraser University.

By the time Notre Dame was turned over to the provincial government in 1977, Dr. Sylvester had established himself as a faculty

member and administrator in BC’s emerging public college system. He served as a depart-ment chair and Dean of Studies at Langara and President of Malaspina College (now Vancouver Island University), before closing out his career as Dean of Vancouver Com-munity College’s King Edward campus.

But throughout his four decades in edu-cation, Jerry Sylvester could never shake the idea that something was missing.

“He found it deeply troubling there was no Catholic university in Vancouver,” remarks David. “He just couldn’t understand why a city with such a large and dynamic Catholic population was lacking such an important institution.”

In the early eighties, the long-time dream to launch a Catholic liberal arts univer-sity in Vancouver began gathering steam. Retired educators and supporters of Catholic education – many of the same individuals

who had fought for provincial funding of BC’s Catholic elementary and secondary schools – began attending planning meet-ings. Initially held at St. Michael’s parish in Burnaby, BC, these ‘kitchen table’ gatherings soon became a regular occurrence at the Sylvester home.

“For my parents, it was a labour of love,” remembers David. “My Mom was secretary of the group, so she took minutes. She also fed everyone. My Dad was able to o� er wis-dom from his years of experience at Notre Dame and in higher education in general.”

By 1996, Corpus Christi College was incorporated. � ree years later, the College opened its doors to students. Jerry served on the College’s � rst Board, and soon became its � rst Executive Director.

To both honour and recognize their parents’ passion for Catholic higher educa-tion and their tireless support of Corpus Christ College, the siblings recently decided to endow a scholarship fund in their parents’ names.

“Our parents remain Corpus Christi’s biggest champions – they just love the place,” says David, noting that his parents continue to support the College by attending events, and donating time and money whenever they can. “� ey also instilled in all of their children the importance and value of Catho-lic education. All of us feel strongly that Vancouver needs Corpus Christi.”

Supporting Corpus Christi a Family Affair for the Sylvesters

Gi� to Corpus Christi College from the Sylvester family recognizes their parents’ un� agging contribution as College founders and supporters.

Corpus Christi College’s social justice programs, rooted in Catholic social justice teaching, are an essential part of a Catholic university education because they link the classroom with the real world. They are signature programs at the College, and attract well-rounded, gifted students who want to make a difference for the Church and for society.

The Dr. Gerald and Marian Sylvester Social Justice Award was designed to assist these students in their studies.

Established in 2013 by a donation from Dr. David Sylvester and Allyson Larkin, the Sylvester family, and other supporters, the award honours Dr. Gerald and Marian Sylvester and recognizes their commitment to Catholic higher education and social justice. Chosen recipients must demonstrate a commitment to Catholic social teaching in their studies, and leadership in the promotion of justice within the College and wider community.

THE DR. GERALD AND MARIAN SYLVESTER SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD


Dr. Gerald and Marian Sylvester

Love ought to manifest itself in deeds rather than words. – St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Last July, a delegation of nine Corpus Christi College students and sta� partici-pated in a two-week ‘friendship mission’ with First Nations people in northern BC. Coinciding with Truth and Reconciliation Commission events staged across British Columbia this year, the trip – the � rst of its kind for the College – aimed to facilitate encounter and understanding in the wake of the legacy of the residential schools in Canada.

During the two-week expedition, the group stayed in host homes and joined 800 native and non-native people for the annual three-day Rose Prince Pilgrimage near the town of Fraser Lake. Rose was a

young member of the Carrier First Nation, who attended the school as a student and later worked at the school. Recognized as a � gure of reconciliation and peace, she died at the age of 34 in 1949, her body is believed to be incorrupt, a theological sign in the Church of the resurrection.

During the event, students participated in sessions where they listened to the stories of elders, some who had attended residential school, and others who had known Rose Prince or had been impacted by her life and witness. � e seminars were organized by the Winnipeg-based “Build-ing Bridges” project and the Service Learn-ing o� ce at Corpus Christi College.

Some of the delegation later went on to attend the BC Elders Conference at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) in Prince George, joining nearly

3,000 native men and women. � ey acted as volunteers for the conference, and par-ticipated in the singing and dancing.

In anticipation of the trip, the students raised funds and were enrolled in a three-week spring-semester course that looked at Catholic social teaching, aboriginal history, and a philosophy of friendship and service. Taught by a variety of instructors, the course was meant to prepare students for an encounter with cultures di� erent from their own.

A video retrospective of the trip can be seen at: www.corpuschristi.ca.

John D. O’Brien, SJInstructor, Communications and Film Studies, and Coordinator of Service Learning

Fraser Lake Friendship Mission Builds BridgesCorpus Christi service trip aimed to “facilitate encounter and understanding in the wake of the legacy of the residential schools in Canada”.

Corpus Christi unveiled a new brand identity this past spring. Inspired by a 1957 Lionel Thomas bronze sculpture, the new logo exemplifi es the qualities of strength, determination, and confi dence, as well as nurturing – the characteristics of inspirational leadership. Logo elements include a winged lion, the traditional representation of Saint Mark the evangelist, and the sun, symbolizing the Light of Christ.

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE • FALL 2013 NEWSLETTER 7

WELCOME

Corpus Christi Welcomes New Faculty Members

Dr. Bettina StummAssistant Professor of English and Student Life Coordinator

Education: • Ph.D., University of British Columbia,

2010 (Dissertation: “Witnessing Others:Ethical Responsibility in Relational LifeWriting”)

• M.A., McMaster University, 2003• B.A. (honours), Brock University, 2002

Career Highlights:• Has taught in UBC’s English Department

and Coordinated Arts Program for thepast three years.

• Co-wrote A Long Labour: A DutchMother’s Holocaust Memoir with survivorRhodea Shandler.

• Reviews editor of the internationalacademic journal, Life Writing

Dr. Stumm’s research centers on the nature of ethical responsibility in life writing and collaboration. In her teaching, she invites students to examine how literature reveals our fundamental human concerns, chal-lenges our thinking, and acts in the world. In her spare time, Bettina can be found enjoying the great outdoors (preferably not in the rain), volunteering on the Downtown Eastside, playing music, making art, reading incessantly, and eating chocolate.

Dr. Peter E. BaltutisAssistant Professor of � eology/Religious Studies and Service Learning Co-Coordinator

Education: • Ph.D., History of Christianity, University

of St. Michael’s College, University ofToronto, 2012

• M.A., Th eology, University of St. Michael’sCollege, University of Toronto, 2006

• M.A., History, University of Toronto, 2003• B.A. (honours), History, University of

Richmond, 2001

Career Highlights:• Specializes in the history of modern

Catholicism, North American religioushistory, Catholic social teaching, and theSecond Vatican Council

• Past instructor in the undergraduateChristianity and Culture program at theUniversity of Toronto, and the graduateToronto School of � eology

• Articles published in The Ecumenist,Historical Studies, and a chapter in VaticanII: Expériences canadiennes – CanadianExperiences.

During his time in Toronto, Dr. Baltutis was a part of the pastoral team at the Newman Centre (the Catholic Chaplaincy and Parish at the University of Toronto). He is a lay member of the Order of Preachers (the Do-minicans), and currently serves as a member of the Executive Board of the Canadian Catholic Historical Association. An athlete and an outdoor enthusiast, Peter lives with his wife and two young children.

Dr. Mazen Maurice GuirguisAssistant Professor of Philosophy & Coordina-tor of Curriculum and Program Development

Education: • Ph.D., University of British Columbia• M.A., University of Waterloo• B.A. (specialized honours), York

University

Career Highlights:• Areas of specialization include cognitive

science, philosophy of mind, metaphysicsand epistemology.

• Has taught at Kwantlen PolytechnicUniversity, UBC, BCIT, Columbia College,and a number of other institutions.

• Published in a variety of journals, includ-ing Discourse, Metapsychology, Philoso-phy in Review, � e Review of Metaphysics,Anthropology and Philosophy, Dialogue,� e Journal of Mind and Behavior, andReason Papers.

A former philosophy department Chair and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Kwantlen, Mazen brings considerable experience in academic administration and program development. His research interests focus primarily on the philosophy of mind – in particular, issues surrounding conscious-ness, mental content and intentionality – but also branch into socio-political philosophy and the philosophy of religion. When he’s not thinking about philosophy, Mazen can o� en be found on the trails behind his resi-dence with wife Pavlina and dog Zeno.


FACULTY & STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS

DR. PAUL BURNS - Dean of Liberal Arts Studies. Expanding his role of oversee-ing the development of our liberal arts program, Dr. Burns brings several decades of experience to this new role, including extensive involvement in the liberal arts programs at both UBC and Quest University.

GABRIEL PILLAY - Dean of Student Services and Registrar. Formerly Direc-tor of Student Services, Mr. Pillay greatly contributed to our success within the

province’s higher education transfer sys-tem, and continues to guide us in student services and leadership development.

DR. PETER BALTUTIS, DR. MAZEN GUIRGUIS, DR. BETTINA STUMM & LAURA LEVERA. Their addition represents a signifi cant step for the College, as we continue to expand our academic programs with qualifi ed professorial appointments. These new faculty members will also assist with our student leadership and service programs. JOHN O’BRIEN, a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and a communications and fi lm studies

specialist, will complete the second of a two-year regency at the College. We have been very fortunate to benefi t from his enthusiasm and skills as an educator.

We recently expanded our recruitment team with the addition of ASHLEY WAN. We also welcome KRISSY CHUA(Corpus Christi, 2007) to the role of Campus Ministry Coordinator, TERESA DOMINGO as Executive Assistant to the President, and ANDREW PEARSON as Director of Finance & Operations..

New ProgramsLEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE

NEW: Corpus Christi Launches INSPIRE Leadership Certifi cate ProgramExperiential course will help students reach their leadership potential

Corpus Christi has launched a new Leader-ship Certi� cate program to help students hone their leadership skills and reach their leadership potential – whether they’re new to leadership or seasoned youth leaders.

� e non-credit, two-term course was de-signed to engage students in activities to help them understand and apply various leader-ship skills, which will serve them as students and as citizens. � e two-term course is also open to all current Corpus Christi students, as well as students from other institutions.

“Developing leadership skills and qualities allows us to a� ect our environment, gives us a sense of empowerment, and enriches our lives and those of others around us,” com-mented Gabriel Pillay, Corpus Christi’s Dean of Student Services and Registrar.

Students will examine leadership within a personal and professional context, explore leadership qualities and skills, and the role leadership plays both locally and globally. Classes will be a combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, guest and student presentations, small group activities, research, and a service-learning project.

BA IN THEOLOGY AND CULTURE

NEW: Corpus Christi Students Can Earn a BA at Saint Mark’s College Calling all prospective teachers: Saint-Mark’s College collaborates with Corpus Christi to o� er new Bachelor of Arts degree

Corpus Christi has introduced a new two-year program aimed at prospective teachers. � e new “Education Track” is an immersive two-year Liberal Arts program that confers an Associate of Arts degree.

A� er completing the new program, Cor-pus Christi students now have the option of transferring to Saint Mark’s College to com-plete a Bachelor of Arts in � eology, with dual concentrations in English and History.

� is new program targets prospective teachers – who can apply to UBC’s Bachelor of Education Program and eventually qualify to teach in both Catholic and public schools throughout BC.

Along with the new Education Track, Corpus Christi also o� ers four other As-sociate of Arts interdisciplinary concentra-tion streams: Faith & Culture, Science & Environment, Business & Commerce, and Global Studies.

COORDINATED ARTS SCHOLAR PROGRAM

NEW: Easing the Transition Between High School and UniversityCreating a smoother transition between high school and university for � rst year students

� e transition from high school to universi-ty can be tough. Suddenly, students face big-ger classes, new routines, more independent study, and increased academic demands.

To ease the transition and help ensure students are successful in their � rst year, Corpus Christi has launched the Coordinat-ed Arts Scholar Program. � e program gives students the opportunity to be a part of a limited dynamic multidisciplinary � rst-year program that will focus on helping students develop critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills

Along with smaller classes, strong aca-demic and advising support, and social and community events, the program will feature a new cohort approach: students will be part of a group that enters the program together, and completes their courses in tandem.


Q & A

“We Aim to Help Transform the World Through Our Graduates”, Says President of Top US Catholic College


Boston College’s 25th president, Father William P. Leahy, SJ, was invited to deliver the keynote address at Corpus Christi and Saint Mark’s annual fundraising breakfast.

You could say Boston College has come a long way. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1863, the College opened its doors with an enrollment of only 22 students. Since that time, it has grown into one the most es-teemed and dynamic national universities in the US, conferring more than 4,000 degrees every year in more than 50 � elds of study through eight schools and colleges.

In 1996, Father William P. Leahy, S.J., became Boston College’s 25th president. Under his tenure, the College has experienced tremendous growth, including a 75 percent increase in undergraduate applications and doubling of the University’s endowment to 2 billion.

Yet, despite this success, the College has never strayed from its commitment to maintain and strengthen its Jesuit, Catholic mission – especially its goals of integrating intellectual excellence and religious commit-ment, advancing the personal, ethical, and religious formation of students, and encour-aging volunteer service.

Contacted for an interview prior to his visit to Vancouver, Father Leahy was asked to comment on the general state of Catholic higher education, what it can o� er students, and what advice he has to o� er a younger Catholic liberal arts college seeking to grow and � ourish.

How does Catholic higher education differ from secular, post-secondary education?

Catholic higher education di� ers in its ori-gins, curriculum, and atmosphere. It’s rooted in an apostolic vision and purpose – to help people understand the place of God in their lives, what they believe, and why. It seeks to provide an intellectual underpinning of our Catholic faith.

From its earliest days, the curriculum in Catholic colleges and universities was focused on undergraduate liberal arts – help-ing people becoming more human, more whole, and more free. Intellectual excellence

was integrated with religious commitment. � is is still true for Catholic higher educa-tion today.

In the US, schools have moved away from exploring the connection between faith and understanding. For example, I attended Stanford, which is a great school with many people of strong faiths, but there isn’t a focus on exploring this connection.

� e atmosphere of a Catholic university is distinctive – you might see towers and gothic architecture. You might hear church bells ringing and see signs for Mass and retreats. But it’s more than that. You see people doing ministry in a variety of ways; you see people caring about individuals. A Jesuit who taught philosophy at Marquette University for years used to say, “Being in a Catholic university is like being in a mist – stay in it long enough and you get soaked.” I think he was so right. A Catholic educational experience should permeate those in its midst.

Many people talk about the “Catholic Intellectual Tradition”. Why is this tradition important?

I liken the Catholic Intellectual Tradition to how memory functions in an individual. A person without memory lacks a sense of identity and personal history. � e Catholic intellectual tradition engages the perennial questions that have occupied the world’s greatest thinkers, all the way back to the Greek and Arabic philosophers. It not only helps students explore life and meaning, it impels them toward engagement and service.

In the Catholic context, we look at life in all its aspects – and that can also mean debate, disagreement, and di� erences of opinion. It’s not about indoctrination or coercion, but about inquiry. To be true to its roots, a Catholic university has to explore all sides of an issue.Why should a student consider attending a Catholic post-secondary institution?


Students want to become competent so they can earn a living. But they also want to � nd a purpose and meaning in their lives. At a Catholic university, education happens in an atmosphere of caring and faith. Students become part of an intellectual and faith community that allows them to become the person they fully are, and to develop their gi� s so they can go out and do good.

What are some of the major challenges fac-ing Catholic higher education today?

� e main challenges are lack of a compelling, clear sense of mission; di� culty in attracting committed personnel; and stretched � nances. We have fewer priests, nuns, brothers, and committed lay people in Catholic institu-tions, so we have a shortage of people who are knowledgeable about the purpose and heritage of Catholic higher education.

Can you share any specifi c insights from Boston College’s sense of mission?

We are committed to o� ering a quality undergraduate education emphasizing the liberal arts, as well as select graduate and professional programs, all provided in an at-mosphere of caring and faith and consistent with our Jesuit, Catholic roots. We believe that information plus formation can result in transformation of students. We aim to help transform the world through our graduates.

How does student life contribute to higher education in the Catholic context?

Students may spend time in the classroom and the lab, but more time is spent outside these places. It’s important for students to take su� cient time to integrate personal re-lationships and community service into their lives. Students will o� en doubt themselves, and bene� t from others pointing out their gi� s. We urge our students to spend time re� ecting each day – away from technology like phones and other devices – on what is happening in their lives and what they are experiencing, so they can more readily listen, engage, and give.

Can you offer some words of advice as Cor-pus Christi continues to grow and expand?

Stay the course and keep evolving, but above all take the time to plan. At Boston College, every 10 years we engage the community – that means students, faculty, sta� , alumni, and senior administration – to help us assess where we’ve come from and develop our goals for the next ten years. We’re always looking back as we look ahead.

Boston College and Corpus Christi were founded 132 years and many miles apart, but it’s important to remember that Boston Col-lege was once a very small, young Catholic liberal arts college, just like Corpus Christi is today. We’ve been where you are now. � ere’s no telling how far you can go.

After entering the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus in 1967, Father William P. Leahy, S.J, received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in United States history from Saint Louis University. He later studied theology at the Je-suit School of Theology in Berkeley, California, earning a master’s degree in divinity and a master’s degree in sacred theology. Ordained a priest in 1978, he completed doctoral studies in United States history at Stanford University in 1985. Author of Adapting to America: Catholics, Jesuits, and Higher Education in the Twentieth Century, Father Leahy joined Mar-quette University’s history department in 1985, becoming a tenured associate professor six years later. In July 1991, he was named executive vice presi-dent at Marquette, where he served until being named president of Boston College in 1996.

Hear Father Leahy share insight and advice on how Boston College grew into one of the world’s top Catholic Liberal Arts and Jesuit Universities. Watch a video of his lecture online at www.corpuschristi.ca.

“Catholic higher education di� ers in its origins, curriculum, and atmosphere. It’s rooted in an apostolic vision and purpose – to help people understand the place of God in their lives, what they believe, and why.”

12 SAINT MARK’S COLLEGE • FALL 2013 NEWSLETTER

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Message from Our Development Offi ce DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

Highlights from 2012-2013 Liberal arts education is central to a Catholic philosophy of education. As Father Stephen

Rowan noted at the Colleges’ fundraising breakfast, a liberal arts education is a visionary enterprise that seeks to nurture the leaders of today and tomorrow.

Our students would not be able to bene� t from the value of a Catholic liberal arts educa-tion without our donors’ support. We owe a tremendouse amount of gratitude to all of our esteemed supporters. We also acknowledge the valued support of the Archdiocese of Vancou-ver’s over the past many years.

Here is a sampling some of our recent development e� orts:

Corpus Christi College - Catholic Undergraduate Liberal Arts Program

• Th ree new full-time faculty appointments in English, � eology, and Philosophy

• Associate of Arts degree off ering fi ve concentration streams: Global Studies; Business & Commerce; Faith & Culture; Science & the Environment; and the Education Track (for prospective teachers – new for 2014)

• Coordinated Arts multi-disciplinary program for � rst year students, to smooth the transition between high school and university

• Nine major fi nancial awards off ered for excellence in academics and service

• Rose Prince Pilgrimage and Service Learning Trip (First Nations exchange project in Fraser Lake)

Hilda Abou-RachedJohn AuerspergBlenheim TrustThe BoardwalkPamela BrammallVern & Linda BrownellElizabeth CamposDr. Raul & Christine Carvalho CGL Investments Ltd.Michelle Chang & Lawrence ChanAnonymousAnonymousCongregation of St. BasilJohn & Susan CordonierRuby & Gary CourtlandRob & Laura CruickshankThe Cullen FamilyBruno & Dianne De VitaDr. Felix DurityDr. Marcel & Sue DvorakNeysa Finnie & Gordon BrownGail FosbrookeLinda Fung

Magdalen Fung ChiuReverend Mark HagemoenThe Harris FamilyJohn & Donna HerbJohn & Marylyn HorsmanChris & Rita IrelandJAK Investments Ltd. Marjorie KlassenSophia LuiHenry ManWPJ McCarthy & Co. Ltd. D.I. McDonald Holdings Ltd.Margot MicallefMaria MicallefArchbishop J. Michael Miller, CSBOliver CapitalLiam & Joya O’LoughlinPatric & Patricia OueletteOur Lady of Perpetual Help ParishDr. Charles ParisGuido & Laura PelaPontiac Holdings Ltd.Angus Reid Foundation

Alenka RenerRobco Developments Ltd.The James & Penny Rogers

Charitable FoundationDale & Lynnis RondeauReverend Stephen RowanSt. Augustine’s ParishSaint Mark’s Parish Fleming ShenDonald ShumkaAnnerose SimsThe Sook Ching FoundationAnonymousDavid & Anastasia SumDr. Gerald & Marian SylvesterJoseph & Elizabeth Tan TELUS - Employee matching

programThe Tsui FamilyTino Varelas Don VicicDr. Gernot & Norma Wieland

We wish to recognize the following dedicated donors, who gave $1,000 or more to Corpus Christi and Saint Mark’s Colleges during the 2012/13 fi scal year:

CORPUS CHRISTI ALUMNI: We want to hear from you!

Drop us an email to let us know what you’ve been up to – in your studies, your career, your life in general. Our goal is to eventually post our alumni info online, so you can stay connected with former classmates.

In your email, please take a minute to answer the following questions:

1. When did you attend Corpus Christi’s?2. How did your studies with us impact

your career?3. Which aspects of Corpus Christi’s

programs are our greatest strengths?4. Please share the highlights of your

Corpus Christi’s experience with us.

Send your answers to [email protected]. With your consent, your comments can serve as an affi rming student testimonial for Corpus Christi’s advancement efforts.

Did you attend Corpus Christi College? It doesn’t matter if you attended for one term or two years – we want to hear from you!

The Corpus Christi Current - Fall 2013

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Transcript of The Corpus Christi Current - Fall 2013