11 a.m.–noon
The Circle of Life
The original Lion King film illustrates the message of Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures. Mufasa teaches Simba about the “Circle of Life,” emphasizing stewardship and respect for all living things. This reflects the sacred balance of creation and aligns with God’s presence in the natural world. Like Francis, Mufasa sees all creatures as valuable, deserving love and protection. We are called to live with compassion and responsibility toward creation. At Lourdes University, this belief is reflected in efforts inspired by Laudato Si’, encouraging mindfulness in caring for the Earth and the creatures that share our environment.
Presenter: Nina S. Wright, Lourdes University
Location: NRC 101
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and the Meredith March
FSPAs arrived in Canton, Miss., in May 1948, to staff Holy Child Jesus School. They provided social services and quality education for Canton’s Black community. In June 1966 FSPAs supported the Meredith March for voter registration. When James Meredith was shot, Martin Luther King and Stokely Carmichael continued his campaign. On June 23 marchers arrived in Canton. They camped on Holy Child grounds. FSPAs fed the weary troops and treated injured marchers. A few Sisters and students attended the concluding rally in Jackson.
Presenter: Fr. Paul Murray, Siena College
Location: NRC 207
Prospects for the European Union to Lead the West
In 1940 the U.S. embraced the principle that international borders should not be changed by force. After World War II U.S.-led construction of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs helped provide western allies peace and prosperity. This established the stability and security necessary for European national governments to integrate into a peace-building apparatus, the European Union. The Russian attack on Ukraine’s territorial integrity as well as the newly installed American presidency of Donald Trump now threatens this entire structure. Is the EU capable of counterbalancing American power to construct a new version of the West?
Presenter: Keith Knutson, Viterbo University
Location: NRC 207
The Financial Impact of COVID-19 on Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities, 2019 to 2024
This paper will use public data such as audited financial statements, retrieved from the Federal Single Audit Clearinghouse and enrollment and retention data retrieved from the College Board, and Data USA to demonstrate how colleges and universities were impacted by Covid-19. The paper will identify and summarize key financial and operational statistics such as, tuition revenue, federal relief funding, and retention, in a graded (A to F) “report card” for all the AFCU Institutions. These universities will be benchmarked against a set of smaller, recognized Catholic colleges and universities. A conclusion will include opportunities for collaboration among AFCU member schools.
Presenters: Michael L. McLanahan, CPA (co-author), Joe Coate (co-author), St. Bonaventure University
Location: NRC 104
Servant Leadership Lessons: From Awe to Action
Through short stories that weave in research, Boehm will emphasize the importance of going for a walk, letting your mind wander, and being open to awe. She will draw from her newly published book, Just Keep Growing: 25 Servant Leadership Lessons, and reference St. Francis’s Canticle of the Creatures, which beautifully expresses his sense of awe with all that God has created and the roles they play in our world. Leave with practical takeaways and resources for furthering your journey with servant leadership that can inspire individuals and educational communities.
Presenter: Martha Boehm, Viterbo University
Location: NRC 104
The Canticle of the Creatures and the Purpose of a Franciscan University
This presentation will discuss the idea of a Franciscan spirituality, the importance of the Canticle of the Creatures as an expression of Franciscan spirituality (along with other examples from Francis’s writings), and the issue of a distinctively Franciscan form of university education. The central argument is that Franciscan spirituality is focused around praise of God, that the Canticle provides an excellent example of such praise (especially given its context at the end of Francis’s life), and that the goal of a Franciscan education is to form students who will praise God and lead others to praise God.
Presenter: David Whidden, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Location: BRC 123
Leadership Through the Lens of Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching is a rich framework guiding the faithful through complex issues of social justice and societal challenges. This research seeks to survey the effectiveness and ramifications of leadership by those guided by the tenets of the Church. Catholic Social Teaching incorporates seven main themes. Life and Dignity of the Human Person, Call to Family, Community, and Participation, Rights and Responsibilities, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers, Solidarity, and Care for God’s Creation. The authors propose that incorporating the teaching of the Church by those entrusted as stewards enhances societal welfare.
Presenter: Michael Gallagher, St. Bonaventure University
Location: BRC 123
Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference: Join Us in D.C. for “Love in Action”
Join Franciscan-hearted people from across the country this Oct. 18–20 in Washington, D.C. Together, we will learn, grow, and connect, empowered to make an impact in our communities and beyond. Rooted in the Franciscan tradition, we will amplify our collective voices on pressing national and global issues. Come to a short presentation to learn more about this transformative annual event, which is brought to you by the Franciscan Action Network and AFCU.
Presenters: Michele Dunne, OFS and Nora Collins, Franciscan Action Network
Location: BRC 124