Ignatian Values Lecture
The purpose of the Ignatian Values in Action Lecture is to introduce students and the larger community to the mission and core values of the University. Initiated in the fall of 2012 under the leadership of Dr. Brian Conniff, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the lecture has brought men and women of international prominence to the University to speak about meaningful service to the world, particularly as understood within the tradition inspired by Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits.
Invited Ignatian Values lecturers are almost always also authors, and their books are made available to members of the University community before their arrival. The “first-year read” (see below) is correlated to their visit, which is usually scheduled in the 3rd week of the fall term. Since lecturers have interesting and challenging lives and work closely with and for others, they sometimes bring special guest with them who are able to interact with students and relate the stories of their lives, which are often both heart-breaking and inspiring.
The Ignatian Values in Action Lecture is a large event that invites the entire University community together for an enlivening discussion of what following the Christian call to action and service in the world can bring about if it is fully heeded. Jesuit education aspires to form “men and women with and for others”; the Ignatian Values in Action Lecture is an important occasion at the beginning of the academic year for this vision of education to be considered and reaffirmed. The lecture is held in the Byron Center to accommodate the more than 2000 attendees who come each year.
First Year Seminar students are required to attend the Ignatian Values in Action lecture. Stations are set up at the door so students can “swipe in” with their ID. The lecture and the “first year read” associated with it is discussed in FYS classes. Students are also encouraged to attend other smaller events associated with the lecture where the speaker and his or her guests are able to share their story more intimately and informally.