Advancing Catholic Colleges and Universities
Catholic colleges and universities draw from a rich heritage. They are shaped by important moments in history where visionary men and women led the way in advancing the Gospel, creating educational organizations responsive to the needs of their time. Administrators, trustees and faculty continue to search for ways to shape the identity and promote the mission of Catholic institutions in our own day and time. Travel to places where important history shaped this heritage is a powerful way to stimulate learning, conversation, reflection, new perspectives and renewed commitment to the rich tradition of Catholic higher education.
Illume brings people to places of important historical and religious significance as a powerful way to inspire growth and change in individuals and groups and advance institutional mission and objectives. We delight in collaborating with our clients to create unique international events that promote institutional identity and mission.
Program Venues
Exploring Catholic Heritage in Rome
For Catholic colleges and universities, Rome is a perfect venue for meetings and seminars that explore the heritage of Catholic higher education. Through guided visits to select historical sites, participants can trace the history of the Church's efforts to integrate classical philosophy and culture with the Christian faith forging a new religious tradition and the rich liberal arts tradition of Catholic universities. Rome is a great venue for events that include worship at historical sites, meeting with leaders of sponsoring orders, and stimulating cultural activities. For Franciscan institutions, excursions or meetings are arranged to/in nearby Assisi.
Tracing Our Roots to Jerusalem
Jerusalem and the Holy Land make an excellent venue for exploring the roots of the Catholic tradition. Participants have an opportunity to trace the life, times and ministry of Jesus, underscoring the unique values and perspectives of the Gospel. Meetings in Jerusalem offer the opportunity for interfaith activities and support interfaith initiatives of Catholic colleges/universities.
Spain
Blessed with access to ancient classical works through Jewish and Muslim scholars, Spain was a forerunner in European learning. Efforts to reconquer Spain led to the establishment of fiercely Catholic institutions that had far reaching impact not only in Spain but in the Americas and other Spanish colonies. Dominican and Jesuit institutions trace their heritage back to Spain. This rich land offers a great opportunity to consider different models for thinking about Catholic higher education and the relationship between Catholicism and other faith traditions such as Judaism and Islam.
France
Many North American Catholic colleges and universities owe their existence to sponsoring orders that trace their heritage back to France. These institutions draw both on the long history of Catholic higher education in Paris and on the devotional and social justice dynamics of founding orders.
Monastic Roots
Many Catholic colleges and universities in North America were founded by Benedictine or other monastic communities. Travel to historic monasteries in Europe is an excellent way to connect to these sources and integrate them into the life of the institution and the work of the faculty.
Thematic Venues
Illume collaborates with client institutions to develop international events that support and profile important strategic initiatives in areas such as interfaith dialogue (venues such as Spain, Istanbul, Jerusalem, Bangkok and Indonesia), social justice and human development (Latin America, Africa and Asia), international business and globalization (Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia), peace and conflict resolution (Palestine and Israel). These venues allow Catholic institutions to explore collaborative relationships, to support local Catholic institutions, and to find ways to enhance the global perspectives of their own students.
To support the development of your college/university and Catholic higher education we develop effective overseas board meetings, seminars and advancement programs. These programs:
- Create a rich context for thinking about the heritage of Catholic and liberal arts education;
- Cultivate bonds between trustees, administrators and benefactors;
- Underscore the historical events that shaped the vision of people who have inspired your institution’s founding and mission;
- Foster financial support from benefactors who better understand the mission and heritage of your institution.
Activities are carefully planned to integrate business meeting needs, educational objectives and social opportunities. Special focus is placed on the institution’s mission and heritage in designing a program.
Contact our in-house religious studies scholar to explore ways to develop an effective international event to advance your mission.