AROUND THE PROVINCE

Georgetown University Collaborates with China’s Fudan University

Georgetown University has signed a cooperative agreement with Fudan University, one of the most prominent universities in Shanghai, China, to support world class research, innovation in higher education and greater mutual understanding between the people of China and the United States.  

Under the agreement, Georgetown and Fudan will collaborate in the areas of law, medicine and journalism to provide new academic exchange and faculty research opportunities. The two universities will also work together to strengthen liberal arts education for udergraduates. The leaders of both institutions agreed higher learning is as much about developing the human spirit as about acquiring knowledge in various disciplines.

“By embracing one another as academic partners, Fudan and Georgetown will forge a collaboration that will complement our academic strengths and national prominence in our respective countries, and will allow us to play a key role in the expansion of U.S.-Chinese relations,” said Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia. “The participating faculty and students will benefit from an inter-cultural dialogue that will add a new dimension to both our university communities.”

The two universities will pursue cooperative academic activities in the areas of law, liberal education, health sciences and journalism.

SJU’s Jewish-Catholic Institute Celebrates 40 Years of Service

At the time of its inception it was among the first of its kind in the nation, and this year the Jewish-Catholic Institute at Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) celebrates 40 years of inter-religious dialogue and activity.

A public program honoring the institute was held in April. Fr. Timothy Lannon, SJ, president of SJU, gave the keynote address. Fr. Donald Clifford, SJ, director of the institute, and Charles Kahn, Jr., former president of the American Jewish Committee and principal financial supporter of the institute, received honorary awards for their dedication to the institute’s mission.

Founded in 1967, the institute has hosted conferences, exhibits, dramatic performances and trips to address religious and ethical issues that affect the current American culture. The main goal of the institute is to increase knowledge and deepen understanding between the Jewish and Catholic communities in the Philadelphia area.

During the past five years, the institute has hosted two major programs each year aimed at raising awareness and encouraging dialogue among different religious groups in the surrounding areas.

JAZZ IN THE AFTERNOON -— Students at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. take a break from studies to listen to the school’s jazz band perform in the courtyard.

New President Named at Wheeling Jesuit University

Fr. Julio Giulietti, SJ, has been named the eighth president of Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia.  He will assume his duties in August 2007.

Currently the director of the Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Boston College, Giulietti has more than 25 years of experience working with international programs and higher education. For eight years, he served at Boston College, where he taught in the theology department, helped design the inter-departmental academic minor, “Faith, Peace and Justice,” and prepared and placed graduating students for two years of service in South America and the Middle East through the Boston College International Volunteer Program.

Giulietti has also been the director at Georgetown University’s Center for Intercultural Education and Development, where he oversaw the mission to administer international programs aimed at improving the quality of life of socio-economically disadvantaged people.

LOYOLA COLLEGE COMMUNITY FORMS VT LOGO IN SHOW OF SUPPORT FOR VIRGINIA TECH -— Several hundred Loyola students, faculty, administrators and staff assembled on the college’s Diane Geppi-Aikens Field on April 20, 2007, to create a formation in the shape of the Virginia Tech logo. The gathering was in support of those affected by the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech. Freshman Tim Williams joined the formation, saying, “It’s a little bit of support that I can show. It’s such a small gesture from one person, but when everyone gets together, it’s an amazing gesture.” The photo will be framed and sent to Virginia Tech, as well as displayed on the Loyola campus. The Loyola Student Government Association, which organized the formation, also handed out ribbons throughout the day.

Will Scranton Profs Discover the Fountain of Youth?

Two University of Scranton professors received a $15,032 grant from InterHealth, Inc., to conduct research on OptiBerry, a product promoted for its optimum antioxidant and anti-aging potency.

J. Timothy Cannon, PhD, professor of psychology, and Joseph A. Vinson, PhD, professor of chemistry, are conducting an animal study with the OptiBerry extract, which contains a combination of wild blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, wild bilberries, elderberries and raspberries.  They will try to determine if the extract, which is high in antioxidants, can slow or reverse the cognition decline associated with aging.

Related Links

Georgetown University
Gonzaga College High School
St. Joseph's University
Loyola College
Wheeling Jesuit University
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops