I have been reflecting on the blessings of serving as president for nearly a year now. Chief among them has been the support of alumni across the country — from New York to Las Vegas, North Carolina to Chicago and from Florida to Texas to Utah. Visiting each place, I came away feeling even more invigorated, uplifted and confident in Seton Hall’s future.
Hearing stories from graduates about the lasting impact Seton Hall has had on their lives — how they have found their life partners and discovered their life’s calling — has been so heartening and inspiring for me as a priest, alumnus and leader of Seton Hall. It is truly a gift!
This has impelled me to share a vision for the University we all love — a University with a great history, dynamic present and exciting future.
With the help of God’s grace, we are bringing new life to the unique Catholic mission that distinguishes us in American higher education. This means advancing Seton Hall’s identity as a community of welcome, one in which people are respected and encouraged to share their gifts, and a place of hopeful encounter, where everyone can discern God’s plan for their lives.
Grounded by our Catholic faith, we know that every person is made in God’s image and likeness. Because of this, we also know there is great value to developing the entire person — in mind, heart and spirit — so he or she can contribute to society as God would have it. This means applying our Catholic perspective to every field of study.
Rooted in our past and fixed firmly in this present moment, the possibilities for our future are limitless. To achieve that future, we are developing a robust strategic plan that builds on the success of our previous strategic plan, Harvest Our Treasures. This communal endeavor is the product of nearly two years of deliberation, and through it, we will express our Catholic mission in transformative ways.
The plan, which we expect to finalize by the end of the year, will guide us in reinforcing faith and education throughout the Seton Hall experience. It will focus on academics. It will focus on career preparation. It will focus on student life. And it will focus on our Catholic faith and values.
It will engage our community in different ways, as we are all uniquely gifted, and God calls each of us to distinct paths of growth. By embracing this wealth of experiences, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing great minds, empowering students to discern their greater purpose.
The strategic plan will arrive amid a special year for our patroness, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Last August, we celebrated the 250th anniversary of her birth. And September 14 will mark the 50th anniversary of her canonization. Mother Seton continues to offer us much wisdom, which we take to heart. In fact, the strategic plan highlights values that arise from her life and experience as an educator and a woman of faith and vision. They are:
- Faith and Hope
- Trust and Integrity
- Courage and Curiosity
- Compassion and Service
- Love and Action
- Purpose and Resilience
In watching the plan develop, I have witnessed the process grow from the ground up. It is being shaped by the hopes, goals and priorities of students, faculty, staff, priests, administrators and board members — the same individuals who will bring it to life every day on our campuses. I’ve been inspired and thrilled with the singular focus that is being brought to bear by everyone involved.
When the plan debuts, I am confident our alumni will be supportive of its precepts and goals. Everyone will have an opportunity to help elevate the University, take advantage of unforeseen opportunities and realize our sincere hopes and most heartfelt dreams.
This momentum is generating a terrific amount of goodwill and optimism on our campuses. There is more than hope; there is an expectation of Seton Hall’s bright future.
I am indebted to each of you, and grateful for the privilege of leading this singular institution. I look forward to sharing my love for the University as we continue our progress. And I am counting on your prayers and support as we realize our exciting strategic vision for Seton Hall.
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