What: "Transforming the World and Being Transformed" conference. Representatives from the nation's 28 Jesuit universities and colleges, and from developing countries, including Nicaragua, India, and Colombia, will discuss avenues for working together to strengthen the tradition of social justice that is the hallmark of a Jesuit education.

When: Thursday, June 18-Sunday, June 21

Where: Fairfield University campus, Fairfield, Conn.

Why: The event underscores the tradition among Jesuit universities of helping society's marginalized and service to the community. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Rev. Rick Ryscavage, S.J., director of Fairfield University's Center for Faith and Public Life and professor of sociology; British Robinson, director of Public-Private Partnerships of the Office of the United States Global AIDS Coordinator; and Rev. Charles Onyango Oduke, S.J., assistant professor of philosophy at Boston College.

Background: This is the third such Commitment to Justice in Jesuit Higher Education meeting of members of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) since 2000. A group of Fairfield faculty, chaired by Janie Leatherman, Ph.D., director of International Studies and professor of politics, and Kurt C. Schlichting, Ph.D., the E. Gerald Corrigan Chair in sociology and anthropology, have been working with the national committee in developing the program. Panels and presentations will consider service learning, diversity issues, international immersion, teaching social change, and Catholic Social Teaching, among other issues.

Posted On: 06-12-2009 10:06 AM

Volume: 41 Number: 361