From November 5th to November 7th, Alpha Sigma Nu (AΣN), the honor society of Jesuit colleges and universities, hosted its 36th Triennial Conference at Saint Peter’s University. Provided a vibrant backdrop of the city skylines for the momentous event, the meeting was particularly special as it marked the Society’s 110th anniversary as well as the first time the conference met jointly for a half-day with the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities’ (AJCU) mission colleagues annual meeting.
On Thursday, November 6th, the Chapter Advisers convened for a day-long session of learning that focused on the 110-year history of the honor society, characteristics of a thriving chapter, continuous improvement processes, and alumni member benefits. Chapter Advisers and Coordinator, Dr. Lester Manzano (Loyola University Chicago), Dr. Tomeu Estelrich (Boston College), and Eric Thompson (Saint Joseph’s University), served on a panel to share about their best practices in addition to presentations from Dr. Angela Patterson (Creighton University) and Dr. Aaron Willis (Santa Clara University) about their chapter program’s successes in partnership with students, University leaders, and alumni. AΣN welcomed new adviser attendees as well as representatives from its newest chapter at Saint John’s College in Belize City, Belize.
“Being in person is incomparable for learning and making connections. The day spent with the Chapter Advisers, along with members of the Board of Directors, was an invaluable experience to commit ourselves both to our respective roles with AΣN and also to the Jesuit, Catholic mission,” expressed Clara Dwyer, Executive Director of Alpha Sigma Nu.
On the evening of November 6th, the convention brought together the two concurrent meetings of AΣN and the AJCU mission colleagues for a dinner beginning with a welcome prayer by Rev. Joseph Simmons, SJ, Assistant Professor of Theology and Chapter Adviser at Marquette University.
Loving God, who called St. Ignatius, the early companions, to found the society for the help of souls and education of the young and unfettered, we ask your blessing on our meetings, our meals, and our companionship. We ask you to help us discern your will in our institutions, and corporately as collaborators of the mission of the Society of Jesus.
Enlighten our minds to the ways we can best serve those you have entrusted to us for their spiritual and intellectual formation.
Bless our meals and conversations with mirth, goodwill, sincerity, mutual affections, and truth. Help us understand and articulate the issues and opportunities our institutions face. Give us wisdom to discern your will and encourage us to see it through.
Strengthen us in mind and body and spirit to give glory to you, through the noble work of educating our students in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition, and we ask you to bless our food and friendship.
A spirited video message from Saint Peter’s University President, Dr. Hubert Benitez, DDS, followed the prayer and formal welcome from Rev. James Miracky, SJ, Saint Peter’s Vice President for Mission and Ministry.
“It is a true blessing to welcome everyone to Saint Peter’s University for the joint meeting – a gathering of hearts and minds, united in our shared mission,” President Benitez enthusiastically shared. “The gathering is an opportunity for us to reflect on how we carry forward that mission in our classrooms, in our communities, and in the lives of those we serve.” The dinner concluded with a presentation of the Alpha Sigma Nu Sargent Family Scholarship recently awarded to three Saint Peter’s student member recipients.
On Friday, November 7th, the two groups came together and the half day was a vital convergence point, blending the work of AΣN, members of the Society of Jesus, and the work of mission at the member universities in partnership with the Vice Presidents of Mission colleagues. Attendees participated in a session learning about the society’s history, focused on discerning AΣN’s role in the evolving landscape of Jesuit higher education. The conference agenda also included the crucial business of the society, notably the approval of key by-law amendments to ensure AΣN remains responsive and relevant for the next generation of Jesuit-educated leaders. Featuring Chapter Advisers directly connected to mission offices, Rev. Andy Downing, SJ, (Georgetown University), Dr. Vanessa Rotondo (Fordham University), and Dr. Ed Peck (John Carroll University) lent insights on engagement of college students and the spirit of collaboration on a final panel.
This joint gathering underscored the collective commitment across AJCU to reinforce the shared mission. By facilitating direct dialogue between the honor society’s leaders and the mission officers of the universities, the conference generated momentum and plans for collaboration on both local and national levels, demonstrating a shared vision for Ignatian spirituality in action.
The execution of the large-scale international event was a testament to the dedication of the host institution. The hospitality of the Saint Peter’s community provided a seamless and productive conference experience. Reflecting on the four-day event, AΣN Executive Director Clara Dwyer extended her appreciation of the great work at St. Peter’s, “The 36th Triennial was a success, and that is due in large part to the consistent communication and phenomenal support we received. We are incredibly grateful for the Saint Peter’s community’s tireless efforts. Their Jesuit spirit of hospitality embodied the values we, as a network, champion.”
The event was preceded by an AΣN alumni gathering at America Media featuring a presentation by Rev. Thomas Regan, SJ, “Jesuit-educated, NYC-rooted,” and the presentation of the AΣN Presidential Partnership Award to Fordham University’s President, Tania Tetlow. Read more about the event here.
See Alpha Sigma Nu’s newest informational video featuring Saint Peter’s University’s Vice President of Mission and Ministry, Rev. Jim Miracky, SJ, as well as Fordham and Marquette’s Chapter Advisers, Dr. Vanessa Rotondo and Rev. Joseph Simmons, SJ, respectively.
