THE STATE OF THE CAMPAIGN SPRING 2012
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A GREAT UNIVERSITY AND A GREAT CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY? At the beginning of each academic year, the faculty attend the University’s Opening Convocation address, delivered by University president Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C,S.C. The following text was excerpted from his speech. “It is not buildings or books or endowments that distinguish a university. Those
the lenses of many disciplines. Philosophy and theology are given privileged
things cannot explain what we value or what is distinctive about us. Instead,
status among our intellectual concerns so that students can form a more
it is the unwavering belief that this community is here to help students move
complete and coherent world view.
beyond themselves, to learn about the world, to develop a sense of respon-
sibility and a desire to contribute to the larger society. It is during students’
We are committed to service and a concern for those whom society has
undergraduate years—more than any other time in their lives—that the es-
left behind. This philosophy occupies the heart of our mission so that it will
sential qualities of mind, heart, and character are formed.
occupy the hearts of our graduates. What we do, through our actions and
We believe that life’s most important lessons—the ideas that shape
In a world of rampant individualism, we emphasize the common good.
words, speaks volumes about us and what we value.
and mold minds and hearts—are best learned in a community of mentors
and peers, and one of the greatest strengths here has always been the close
are sought in an environment of freedom and responsibility; where young
relationship our students have with their professors. Learning takes place
people learn the power of ideas; where the values of justice, charity, truth,
We are a university where all essential questions are asked and answers
throughout campus, not just in classrooms and labs, but in offices, residence
and beauty are taught and exemplified; where a sense of deep compassion
halls, meeting rooms, chapels, and on campus paths.
and a love of creation is nurtured; and where character and moral imagina-
tion are a part of our everyday lives. What we teach, what we believe, who we
In a world that asks students to master so much technical knowledge,
questions of meaning and purpose are becoming crowded out. We recognize
are—the world is starving for exactly these energies.
that faith and reason are both ways of knowing and understanding, and thus
place both at the heart of our academic enterprise. This is the essence of the
Only a score have been recognized as among the very best, and we are one of
Catholic intellectual tradition—the long search for understanding and wisdom
those schools. But now is the time to bring our message of hope and healing
in a complex world.
to a wider world. The success of our RISE campaign will allow us to have a
real, immediate, and stunning effect for good in America and abroad. Work-
In a world that is fragmented and incoherent, we stress whole thinking
There are 244 Catholic colleges and universities in the United States.
and coherence. Our core of liberal arts—studied by all students, including
ing together, the University of Portland community can change what is into
those in our professional schools—allows questions to be addressed through
what can be.”
Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C., President
The Campaign for the University of Portland · Spring 2012 · Issue One
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