HILBERTCOLLEGE Small Community, Great Opportunities
Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
St. Francis of Assisi
FRANCISCAN VALUES Compassion Hope Integrity Joy Peace Respect Service Vision
MORE THAN 1,000 ENROLLED STUDENTS
HILBERT ENGAGEMENT
HILBERT’S LEGACY
Hilbert College embraces its mission to be a place where “students from diverse backgrounds are educated in liberal arts and professional programs to become informed citizens committed to serving and strengthening their communities.” At the heart of this is an exciting vision of the complete student experience, inside and outside the classroom.
Trusting in God, Colette Hilbert, a remarkable and saintly woman, left her homeland and family at the age of 23 to respond to the needs of Polish immigrants in America.
Students achieve greater success and retain knowledge longer when they are actively engaged in their learning. This means participating in a dynamic classroom, where concepts are applied, preconceived notions are challenged, and handson experiences reinforce content presented by a highly qualified faculty. It also means providing students with many opportunities to feel connected to the college outside the classroom through clubs, athletic teams, diverse programming including study abroad, and effective advisement and counseling. Hilbert has structured its programs to allow students to start successfully and build on that beginning through an integrated series of classes and opportunities that result in broad preparation for a fruitful career and meaningful future. In their first year, all students take the Foundations Seminar to acquaint them with the college and provide them the tools they will need as they progress. As sophomores, they are expected to enroll in at least one course that includes a service learning component which provides both experiential learning in the course material and promotes engaged citizenship. The cornerstone of the third year is Hilbert’s nationally-recognized “Junior Symposium.” Centered on global current events, the course acquaints students with the world they will live and work in and allows them to engage in respectful dialogue with people who may hold very different opinions and worldviews. Finally, each degree program features a senior
In 1897 she founded the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph and extended her influence in the ministry of education in elementary and secondary schools for generations. It was in 1957 that the Franciscan Sisters founded Hilbert College where Mother Colette’s strong faith, concern for others and respect for the unique value of each person, still reflect her guiding principle “in all things love.”
A CATHOLIC, FRANCISCAN COLLEGE Franciscanism dates back to the 12th century in the tiny Italian village of Assisi from the work of one man: St Francis of Assisi. He was more than a saint - he was a prisoner and soldier who possessed a magnanimity of spirit. The son of a wealthy merchant, Francis’ prosperous, rebellious life changed one day with a chance meeting of a leper. Rather than shun this social outcast, as he and so many others had done in the past, Francis embraced him. The gesture led Francis to a life of service to God. Soon after his conversation, Francis was praying before the crucifix at San Damiano when he heard Christ speak: “Francis, go and repair my house.” A man of action, Francis began repairing chapels, financing his work by selling family possessions. Disowned by his father and jeered by the masses, Francis remained focused on his mission. He soon realized that God was speaking not of physical buildings, but the spiritual Church and souls of
capstone experience appropriate for their discipline. Through an internship, major research project, or an intensive symposium, students get the chance to integrate and reflect on their entire academic career and showcase their preparation to begin their career or further integration.
people.
With the addition of professional Master’s programs, accelerated degree-completion opportunities, and updated curricula, Hilbert College has taken the next steps in its development as an institution providing high quality, relevant education built on a strong foundation of Franciscan values.
Although Francis lived only to the age of 44, his message of a life of simplicity and the power of prayer has never faded. Today, St. Francis is a symbol of spiritual love, guidance and hope. His ideals of peace and healing live on at Hilbert.
Francis’ belief in preaching by living the gospel message attracted devoted followers whose lives were changed, eventually leading to the founding of the Franciscan Order.