DONNA HAUER, DIRECTOR, MULTICULTURAL AND INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
As the director of Multicultural and International Programs and Services at St. Kate's, I feel conflicted about the change to "university": potential growth versus trusted tradition.
On the international side it carries more prestige and increased potential for recruitment worldwide. On the multicultural side, I'm concerned that "university" carries a connotation of being large and impersonal, certainly not the image we want to project to communities of color that are entrusting us to value each student for her or his unique characteristics.
Upon reflection, however, I realize this is not an "either/or" proposition but rather a "both/and" opportunity. Regardless of our name, this community will continue to be guided by the steadfast values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, addressing the needs of our time, hospitality and caring, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.
When I ask myself, WWMAMD ("What would Mother Antonia McHugh do?"), I trust she would push us beyond the safe harbor of what has always been and toward the potential a university can offer.
As the director of Multicultural and International Programs and Services at St. Kate's, I feel conflicted about the change to "university": potential growth versus trusted tradition.
On the international side it carries more prestige and increased potential for recruitment worldwide. On the multicultural side, I'm concerned that "university" carries a connotation of being large and impersonal, certainly not the image we want to project to communities of color that are entrusting us to value each student for her or his unique characteristics.
Upon reflection, however, I realize this is not an "either/or" proposition but rather a "both/and" opportunity. Regardless of our name, this community will continue to be guided by the steadfast values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, addressing the needs of our time, hospitality and caring, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.
When I ask myself, WWMAMD ("What would Mother Antonia McHugh do?"), I trust she would push us beyond the safe harbor of what has always been and toward the potential a university can offer.
I am reminded of the story of her building the chapel. Upon completion of the building, Archbishop Austin Dowling commented, "Mother Antonia asked to build a chapel, but she built a cathedral!" What an apt analogy for this transition. I trust we will still be that hospitable, humble "chapel" with all the accoutrements and resources of a powerful, grace-filled "cathedral."
Still St. Kate's, both/and.
Still St. Kate's, both/and.
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