 |
 |
President Stephen A. Privett, S.J. said during his spring convocation address April 17 that the university should focus on the poor and those seeking support in their faith.
|
|
President Says USF Should Advocate for Humanity
USF President Stephen A. Privett, S.J. emphasized the university’s role as a wellspring of progressive, faith-centered education during his spring convocation address April 17. He also used the occasion to announce the establishment of a faculty housing fund and discuss other campus and Church-related issues. School of Education Dean Paul Warren and Admissions Director Bill Henley were also honored for their dedicated service on the eve of their departure from those positions.
In his address to faculty and staff, Fr. Privett said USF must work to help the poor, lead the way in seeking faith in God, and educate its students to recognize their own humanity.
“The university is where we can be contemplative but it is also where people can inure themselves to the voices of the poor,” Fr. Privett said. “Should they mean as much to us as our ranking in U.S. News and World Report?” The magazine publishes an annual list of the top schools. This year, USF ranked among the top 20 most diverse U.S. universities.
The poor are not the only group that should be a focus of USF, Fr. Privett said, but also people “turning to God after September 11.”
His charge, to “give an answer back, however faint, to the questions that arose after September 11,” is also at the core of USF’s mission, he said. As a Catholic university, USF should seek to support faith in God. “It’s not only OK, it’s expected that you talk about God,” he said.
Fr. Privett also used the occasion to address some current issues. He announced the development of a housing fund for faculty in lieu of selling them units in Loyola Village (see “Faculty Contract Ratified” story). In response to incidents of sexual abuse by priests across the country, he announced a review of the university’s sexual harassment policies. And he expressed strong opposition to the organization of Campion College by former members of USF’s St. Ignatius Institute.
“We will be opposed to any institution or individual who questions the Jesuit Catholic character (of USF),” he said.
Paul Warren, dean of the School of Education for the last 13 years, and Bill Henley, admissions director for the last 14 years, were given thanks and appreciation for their years of service. Both men will leave their positions at the end of the semester.
“This is an institution that has sought to make a difference,” Warren said. “It’s certainly made a difference in my life.”
Henley was credited with “transforming the university’s student body” and with building “an admissions team that reflects our student body” by B.J. Johnson, dean of academic services. “It’s been an incredible 14 years,” Henley said.
The full text of the convocation address may be found at: www.usfca.edu/president/speeches/ConvSpring.html
|
