Alumni Blog

The Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture (ICTC) continues its efforts to advance the Catholic intellectual and cultural tradition through a rich set of offerings. A centerpiece is the Catholic Heritage Lecture series, which will feature “spiritual practice” in challenging situations. “People are looking for depth of meaning in the swirl of activities and barrage of data and conflicts that hit them every day,” Father Pat Howell, S.J., the interim director of ICTC, observed.

This year’s theme will explore the importance of spiritual practice in the advancement of the intellectual life, the building of resilience in the work of activism and advocacy, and the cultivation of joy when working on the margins. By inviting the speakers to campus and reading and discussing their work, the ICTC hopes to advance participant theoretical and spiritual skills in the work for racial and social justice.

The lectures will kick off on October 25 with a public lecture and discussion featuring Dr. Andrew Prevot, associate professor of systematic theology at Boston College. Dr. Prevot will speak on the topic of “Christian Prayer and the Intellectual Life.” Modern philosophers have assumed that prayer is an irrational, irresponsible and immature activity. The history of Christian thought tells a different story, and today, prayer remains the source of much creative and critical thinking. Prevot argues that prayer contributes something vital to the intellectual and moral life. You can get details on Dr. Prevot’s lecture here.

The other topics this year include:

Winter: Spiritual Practice and Activism and Advocacy
Margie Pfeil, Notre Dame
Thursday, March 7 at 7pm in Le Roux Room (STCN 160)

Spring: Spiritual Practices and Working on the Margins
Greg Boyle, Homeboy Industries
Thursday, May 9 at 7pm in Pigott Auditorium

To learn more about the Institute of Catholic Thought and Culture and the Catholic Heritage Lecture Series, click here.

On June 18, Shane Martin, PhD, joined Seattle University as the new provost. Martin came to Seattle University from a sister Jesuit School, Loyola Marymount University, where he served as dean of both the School of Education and Graduate Studies.

Martin is a tested and proven academic leader. As dean he brought visionary thinking and a spirit of innovation to his work in building, strengthening and supporting academic programs. Under his leadership, LMU’s School of Education has come into its own as a nationally ranked and highly regarded school and, since 2012, he has led Graduate Studies in strategically setting priorities and growing its program offerings.

With the student experience always at the heart of his work, Martin is committed to enhancing learning opportunities, advancing diversity and inclusion and ensuring that faculty are supported in their work and continued development. He has deep experience in ensuring faculty voices are heard, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, harnessing the power of technology in ways that align with the university’s mission and managing complex budgets.

At LMU, Martin’s leadership has frequently been sought on a number of critical initiatives. His service has included chairing the committee that guided the university’s accreditation process as well as a committee on technology. A leader in the wider education community, he has served as chair and member of many boards, including his current service as a state commissioner to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Martin’s commitment to Jesuit higher education is integral to who he is as an educator, administrator and person. A product of Jesuit education, Martin has led a number of national Catholic and Jesuit organizations, including service as past president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities Education Deans Conference, past chair of the Association of Graduate Schools in Catholic Colleges and Universities and past chair of the American Educational Research Association Special Interest Group on Catholic Education. As he shared during his interview process, Martin understands keenly both the challenges now confronting all institutions of higher education and how Jesuit colleges and universities, in particular, are uniquely positioned to navigate and thrive in this climate.

At his core an educator and prolific scholar, Martin has authored three books and has contributed to many peer-reviewed publications on the topics of cultural diversity in Catholic schools, technology and learning, social justice in education and multicultural education. Additionally, he has received numerous awards and distinctions for his excellence as a leader and educator, including as a 2015 fellow of the Pahara-Aspen Education Fellowship.

Martin replaces Bob Dullea who provided outstanding direction for the university as interim provost for two years. Dullea was critical in ensuring we kept moving forward together in meeting our challenges and embracing opportunities.

Before his arrive, Martin shared these thoughts. “I am honored and humbled to become the next provost at Seattle University, an institution that has a strong reputation as a premier university in the Northwest and is poised to rise to greater heights. I look forward to working in partnership with the Seattle University students, faculty, staff and alumni who are making a difference throughout the greater Seattle region, the United States and the world.”