Fairfield University establishes Center for Faith and Public Life Advisory Board of leaders from the corporate world, civic life and religious organizations

Fairfield University establishes Center for Faith and Public Life Advisory Board of leaders from the corporate world, civic life and religious organizations

Fairfield University has announced the formation of an Advisory Board to the Center for Faith and Public Life that has been charged with guiding the Center's strategic initiatives, and helping to secure the financial resources necessary to achieve its long-term growth. The board is made up of 15 distinguished Fairfield alumni, parents of University students, and prominent individuals from the corporate world, civic life and religious organizations. Rosellen Walsh Schnurr, '74, a member of the University's Board of Trustees, chairs the Advisory Board.

Rev. Richard Ryscavage, S.J., director of the Center for Faith and Public Life, said, "In putting together the external advisory board we were looking for energetic, highly accomplished and successful individuals with a strong commitment to the Catholic social values that undergird the Center for Faith and Public Life. At this early stage in the Center's evolution, we are in particular need of advice in the area of organizational development and program selection, as well as help in building up the Center's endowment."

The Center is an academic forum where students, faculty, scholars, policy makers, and community and religious leaders are able to explore the intersection of faith and civic life. The Center works to help students understand how to participate in building the global, national, and local common good: creating those social conditions that allow for the full flourishing of the human person in the political community.

The Center's many projects have focused on such important subjects as immigration and refugee policies, international and domestic humanitarian assistance, academic freedom, and Catholic social thought, to name just a handful. Additionally, the Center's Office of Service Learning facilitates connections between focused academic learning that meets disciplinary standards for rigor, with meaningful and appropriate service that addresses needs identified by and with communities.

Board members will bring their expertise to the Center to help champion its strategic direction, expand outreach, participate in events, enhance existing resources, and spearhead fundraising, among other objectives. Fr. Ryscavage said, "The new board is a dynamic mix of persons who have a direct Fairfield connection and others who are involving themselves with the University for the first time. I think that they all will become strong and effective 'ambassadors' for the Center as we move forward."

The Advisory Board is:

Posted On: 03-17-2009 10:03 AM

Volume: 41 Number: 253