10:30–11:45 a.m.
Stewardship of the Environment and its Creatures: Applications in Business Education
In organizations worldwide, business leaders are continuously making decisions on how to operate their business entity. Many of these decisions have a direct impact on the environment and its “creatures” (both human and non-human). Through informed education, current and future business managers can be made more aware of ways that they can be stewards of the environment and its living beings while still running their business responsibly and successfully. This session will provide many applications and considerations for this stewardship (and the added value that it can bring to a business) that can be taught to our business students.
Presenter: Carol A. Lindee, University of St. Francis
Location: NRC 104
(Session 1)
Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Actions at Neumann University
Neumann University’s values, especially Reverence and Stewardship, form the foundation of our institutional commitment to care for creation. This commitment was actualized through various actions and committees since the 1990s. Have our efforts to increase environmental awareness, knowledge, and sustainable actions been effective? Do campus community members believe they have a moral obligation or civic responsibility to care for creation? In what actions have they engaged? Have students taken environment-focused courses? Have the courses been impactful? We will share what we learned from the Neumann University responses on the AFCU Integral Ecology and Sustainability Survey from the fall 2024 and discuss our future direction.
Presenters: Etsuko Hoshino Browne and Patricia Hutchson, Neumann University
Location: NRC 104
(Session 2)
Continuing Catholic Identity with an Ecclesial Public Juridic Person
The Catholic sponsorship of Viterbo University has been with an ecclesial Public Juridic Person (PJP) for the past seven years. In 2018 the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) turned over sponsorship of Viterbo University to Viterbo Ministries (the PJP), with accountability to the local bishop. The Catholic, Franciscan charism of the university has been continued through this sponsorship model.
Presenters: Joe Kruse and Helen Elsbernd, FSPA
Location: NRC 101
Integrating Hearts and Minds: A Franciscan Collaborative Approach Between Campus Ministry and Theology
A key factor in Catholic higher education is the focus on formation of the whole person. In many universities we see that formation take place in academic, spiritual, pastoral, and human development although rarely does this work involve an intentional partnership between campus ministry and academic theology. At Viterbo we have been intentional about building a strong relationship between the two departments with the intention of mutually working to guide students in their academic, discernment, and prayer life. As a Franciscan institution, this partnership recognizes the strength of the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition as it partners with contemplation and service. Attendees will hear about practical ways that this partnership has been developed and maintained.
Presenters: Emily Dykman and Emilio Alvarez, Viterbo University
Location: NRC 205
Laudato Si’ in Action: Young Catholics Mobilizing for Climate Justice
Discover how young Catholics across the U.S. are leading the charge for climate justice. This presentation by Catholic Climate Covenant will highlight stories of youth and young adult driven initiatives, from school sustainability projects to national advocacy efforts, showing how faith and action come together to care for our common home.
Presenters: Diana Martin and Kayla Jacobs, Catholic Climate Covenant
Location: NRC 207
St. Francis the Scientist? A Song, the Science, and a Call to Responsibility
Popular presentations of science often draw in people through pointing out the deep interconnectedness humans have with the natural world. These ideas are explored in brief and then compared to the understanding of the natural world shown by St. Francis of Assisi in the Canticle of the Creatures. St. Francis’s use of fraternal language is explored through the Rule of 1221 and the Rule of 1223 to provide a moral vision of fraternal language. These understandings of fraternal relationships are extended to all creatures St. Francis calls “brother” and “sister,” and put into a modern context with Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’. Specific applications and approaches in science classrooms are presented as good practices for Franciscan-hearted science education and practice.
Presenter: Jimmy Kernan, OFM, Siena College
Location: BRC 124
Cultivating Compassionate Classrooms: A Trauma-informed Approach Inspired by St. Francis’s Canticle of the Creatures
College students face unprecedented trauma due to the pandemic, political unrest, and global crises. This session explores how educators can integrate trauma-informed practices with Franciscan values to create inclusive, resilient classrooms. Participants will examine the impact of trauma on learning and explore practical strategies such as flexible deadlines, mindful assignments, and compassionate communication. Through reflection and discussion, attendees will consider how humility, kinship, and care for the whole person can guide their teaching. The session offers actionable tools and inspiration for fostering healing, connection, and academic success in today’s higher education environment.
Presenters: Tracey Thomasey and Devon Ferguson, Neumann University
Location: BRC 123