ALUMNINEWS
more closely and achieve greater synergies,” said Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D, president of St. Bonaventure, and Cynthia Zane, Ed.D, president of Hilbert College, in a joint statement.
Click to play video message from Presidents Carney and Zane
“It is the right time to embrace new thinking and collaboration in higher education, and to consider changes that will serve our communities presently and in the years ahead,” the Presidents said. “The purpose of this study starts – and ends – with students who deserve the very best higher education experience we can provide.” Presidents Carney and Zane noted that the higher education landscape in Western New York and throughout the eastern U.S. is bound for change, and they want to position their institutions to embrace that change. “Higher education has to do more to create synergies between institutions to drive program and curriculum innovation, attract top students and faculty, keep rising costs in check, and offer life-changing educational opportunities,” they said. “Leading U.S. colleges and universities are turning to new models and initiatives,” Raymond Dee, chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Bonaventure said. “We owe it to our institutions and the people we serve to stay out in front of higher education change, and be relevant, innovative and competitive.” “We must and will be prudent, inclusive and thorough in our considerations,” Gretchen Wylegala Board Chair of Hilbert College stated. “We are eager to identify opportunities to expand our longstanding and successful partnership with St. Bonaventure.” -HC
Behind the Feasibility Study Students Need and Deserve Expanded Opportunities. The reason for this feasibility study starts – and ends – with students, who deserve the very best higher education experience we can provide, and access to the great minds and energy in both institutions. Feasibility Study Will Examine Whether a Closer Alliance Will Benefit Both Institutions. At this point, St. Bonaventure and Hilbert College are exploring ways we might build on a 20-year successful partnership. We are looking at whether both schools will benefit from closer alliances and achieving greater synergies, and do so with open minds. Higher Education Requires New Thinking, Approaches. Higher education has to do more to create synergies between institutions to drive program and curriculum innovation, attract top students and faculty, keep rising costs in check, and offer life-changing educational opportunities. A Proven Partnership That Works. The 20-year St. Bonaventure-Hilbert partnership has been a successful one, guided by our common Catholic and Franciscan heritage. We’ve expanded over the years to include sharing of facilities, curriculum development and a complementary culture. This relationship has blessed our students with extraordinary learning opportunities they never would have experienced otherwise. Some Things Need Changing, Some Don’t. As we move forward and consider options, we will keep in mind the importance of the college years for our students, and the need to preserve the heritage, culture, and closeknit Franciscan communities that make us unique.
HC Magazine | 2013
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