Christendom College’s faculty gathered this May for an internal conference focused on the theme, “Renewing Catholic Liberal Education: Sources, Narratives, and Principles.” Held on campus and featuring nine papers presented by faculty members from across disciplines, the conference provided an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and deepened unity in pursuit of Christendom’s educational vision.
The event, open only to the college’s faculty and select staff, fostered a collegial and contemplative atmosphere in which presenters explored various facets of Catholic liberal education. While the topics ranged across the disciplines, all nine presentations shared a common thread: a desire to renew and strengthen the formative power of a Christ-centered liberal education.
Topics included an exploration of the disposition necessary for a lifelong pursuit of wisdom, liberal learning as the discernment of cultures, and suggestions from twelfth-century cathedral schools about the role of professors in Catholic liberal education. Presenters also reflected on how liberal education has evolved from the time of St. Augustine to today, what a liberal education is, the poetic diction of St. Thomas Aquinas, and more.
In addition to the formal presentations, the conference allowed for thoughtful discussion during the Q & A sessions after each presentation and in a panel discussion, encouraging greater collaboration among faculty.
“It was great to have the time, outside the normally busy schedule, to reflect on the purpose of our work in a more relaxed—but still scholarly—setting,” says Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kevin Tracy. “During the academic year, members of the faculty are focused on helping students make progress through their respective disciplines. They were looking forward to this chance to discuss the principles that underlie the work we do and the sources from which those principles are derived. For next year’s conference, we plan to shift our attention to the specific contributions that our various disciplines make to our educational endeavor.”
The conference, which is planned to return again next year, exemplified Christendom’s commitment not only to academic excellence but also to ongoing formation for those entrusted with shaping the next generation of Catholic leaders. By reflecting together on the principles and practices of liberal education, the college’s faculty reaffirmed their shared mission: to restore all things in Christ through the pursuit of wisdom and truth.