Fr. Privett Shares USF Vision at Town Hall Meetings
USF President Stephen A. Privett, S.J., discussed everything from coed dorms to the future of Jesuit education during a recent series of town hall meetings with alumni.
The meetings, held throughout the country and the San Francisco Bay Area, were an opportunity for Fr. Privett to get to know the USF family personally. They were also designed to engage alumni in discussions about the future direction of the university. Specifically, Fr. Privett shared his proposed university vision and mission statement, which articulates where the university wants to go in the next five years. Its focus is on establishing USF as a premier Jesuit, Catholic, urban university that educates students to change the world.
At a town hall meeting at the Marin County Country Club on Feb. 27, more than 150 North Bay alumni gathered to hear about Fr. Privett’s vision for the university and to offer ideas of their own. One alum wondered what the future holds for Jesuit education in light of the shrinking number of Jesuits. Fr. Privett said he is optimistic.
“The Jesuit mission is shared more broadly than with just Jesuits,” he said. “It is shared with all of our colleagues. I think the future is in very good hands. Part of our focus at USF is on recruiting faculty and staff that share our vision.”
Others pushed the question further, asking how they as alumni could help carry on the tradition of Jesuit education.
“One way you can help is by constantly challenging us,” Fr. Privett answered. “Also by sending us students who will benefit from the kind of education we offer.”
Others talked about changes that have taken place at USF over the years. One alumnus asked about the introduction of coed dorms.
“It’s healthy because gender differences are real life differences,” Fr. Privett said. “Those are the kinds of differences we need to live and work with.”
Most of all, alumni were interested in the president’s strategy for ensuring the continued success of the university.
“The best strategy is to live the mission and pursue the vision,” Fr. Privett said. “It is to be who we are and let people know who we are.”
Remaining town hall meetings with the president are scheduled for March 20 at the Crowne-Plaza Cabana in Palo Alto and March 21 at USF.
|
