As Lourdes University’s founder and sponsor, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania have given so much to the institution over the years. Now, they have given another priceless gift – a $500,000 sponsorship that has given Lourdes the opportunity to establish an endowed chair and scholarship in Franciscan Integration.

The establishment of the Franciscan Integration chair and scholarship program seeks to deepen the understanding of Lourdes University as a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis. As the University carries forward the mission and heritage of its sponsor, it is imperative that knowledge of and reflection on the traditional four core Franciscan values – contemplation, conversion, minority, poverty – and their current embodiment in the four core values of Lourdes – community, learning, reverence and service – be integrated into the curriculum and life of the University in meaningful ways.

Patricia O’Connell, PhD, Associate Professor of Business & Leadership has been named as the first endowed chair in Franciscan Integration. She began her post this semester and will continue through spring of 2014. 

“At Lourdes, we’ve always tried to infuse our Franciscan values into the educational process – and the establishment of the Franciscan Integration chair and scholarship program provides a formal way for us to do this,” offers Keith Schlender, PhD, Interim Provost. “We’re eternally grateful to our founders the Sisters of St. Francis, for instilling within us these Franciscan values and through their new sponsorship, granting us the opportunity to truly incorporate these values throughout our institution.”

The Sisters of St. Francis Endowed Chair in Franciscan Integration ($400,000):
Up to two faculty members from two different academic departments will be named to this Chair on a biannual rotation. Qualified faculty will demonstrate a deep commitment to integrating Franciscan thoughts and values into the University curriculum. These faculty will emphasize the Franciscan character of Lourdes University. The faculty members will present the annual “Sisters of St. Francis Endowed Lecture in Franciscan Integration,” (inaugural lecture planned to occur sometime in February 2013)

The Sisters of St. Francis Endowed Scholarship in Franciscan Integration ($100,000):
Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded annually beginning in 2013 to students demonstrating a commitment to integrating Franciscan thought and values into their lives. Examples may include students who volunteer in care for the environment or who give of their time in community service to underserved populations.Recipients will be expected to continue to model the Franciscan values throughout their time at Lourdes.

In April, the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) announced its newly elected Board of Directors and Board of Commissioners. Among the leaders is Dean Ludwig, PhD, Dean of Lourdes University’s College of Business & Leadership, who will serve as Secretary on the IACBE Board of Directors.

Ludwig commented, “With Recognition from the Council for Higher Education (CHEA), IACBE has become an important force in accreditation for mission driven business schools that are intent on assuring excellence in outcomes for their students. I am honored to be selected to serve on its board as IACBE continues to expand its influence in business education in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.