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Boston College’s Student Affairs division hosted 250 colleagues from 46 Catholic colleges and universities this summer for a conference that explored ongoing issues and interests among student affairs professionals in Catholic higher education.
The 2011 Association for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASACCU) conference, which took place July 26-29, also served as ASACCU’s introduction to BC, which joined the organization only a few years ago. Founded in 1999 and affiliated with the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, ASACCU includes student affairs professionals from 149 Catholic colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.
“This was a good experience for BC: We were able to introduce ourselves, and also to offer ourselves as a potential resource, especially to smaller institutions,” said Office of Student Affairs Executive Director Carole Hughes, who chaired the conference.
The conference theme chosen by the BC organizers was “Living Conversation: The Power of Dialogues in Our Community.”
BC-affiliated speakers and facilitators at the conference included Associate Professor of Theology Kenneth Himes, OFM, Senior Associate Dean for Student Development Paul Chebator, Campus Minister Daniel Leahy, Associate Professor of Law Gregory Kalscheur, SJ, Associate Director of Student Programs Mark Miceli, Founders Professor of Theology James Keenan, SJ, School of Theology and Ministry Assistant Professor Hosffman Ospino, Associate Director of Residential Life Christopher Darcy, Professor of Theology Catherine Cornille, Canisius Professor and Jesuit Institute Director T. Frank Kennedy, SJ, and Professor Emeritus of Theology Harvey Egan, SJ. In addition, Archbishop of Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley OFM, Cap., celebrated a welcoming Mass with University President William P. Leahy, SJ, Vice President for University Mission and Ministry Jack Butler, SJ, and Campus Ministry Director Fr. Tony Penna.
Hughes credited Vice President for Student Affairs Patrick Rombalski for BC’s entry into ASACCU.
“Pat really felt it was a priority for us to join. The organization is based on the idea that student affairs professionals at Catholic colleges have a different set of concerns and issues than those at non-Catholic colleges. Foremost among these is how you can put the Catholic mission at the forefront of your work.”