The University of Notre Dame will host the 2012 Association for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASACCU) Conference July 24 to 27 (Tuesday to Friday).
Founded in 1999 and affiliated with the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, ASACCU membership includes student affairs professionals from 149 Catholic colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. ASACCU promotes an understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition and its relevance for student affairs professionals working at Catholic colleges and universities. This annual conference provides opportunities for professional growth, networking and increased collaboration and communication among staff from member institutions.
“It is truly our pleasure to welcome ASACCU members to campus for an engaging and insightful series of discussions,” said Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., Notre Dame’s president. “By serving as host for this important event, the Division of Student Affairs is providing an invaluable forum for dialogue on the matters that are of greatest concern to student life professionals at Catholic institutions of higher learning today.”
This year’s conference theme, influenced heavily by the Congregation of Holy Cross charism, is “Renewing Our Zeal: Informing, Forming, and Transforming Catholic Higher Education.” Featured keynote speakers include John Allen Jr., senior correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter and the senior Vatican analyst for CNN; Carolyn Woo, president and chief executive officer, Catholic Relief Services; and Rev. David T. Tyson, C.S.C., former Provincial Superior of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers. Liturgies will be celebrated in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart by Father Jenkins and Most Rev. Kevin C. Rhoades, D.D., bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend.
The planning committee, which comprises staff members from student affairs divisions at Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College and Holy Cross College, anticipates hosting close to 300 attendees from more than 40 Catholic institutions of higher education around the country to enjoy campus and learn from this conference.
“Notre Dame’s Division of Student Affairs is honored to host our colleagues from across the country, united in our shared mission of student development in the Catholic tradition,” said Rev. Tom Doyle, C.S.C., vice president for student affairs. “The conversations and presentations that will take place during this conference will form, inform and transform the attendees, allowing them to share the fruits with colleagues and students at their home institutions.”
Contact: Karen Kennedy, senior advisor to the vice president of student affairs, karen.kennedy@nd.edu