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New Partnership of Dietrich von Hildebrand Legacy Project with Franciscan University
April 24, 2013
We often speak of the importance of cultural renewal. This renewal happens in many ways and in many places, but
one place is absolutely essential: the university. I have long aspired to expand the Legacy Project’s scope by
developing a presence within a university setting; for there is no equal to the university in forming the future
shapers of our culture. Thus I am immensely happy to announce a new partnership between the Dietrich von Hildebrand
Legacy Project and Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Franciscan University is a natural partner for the Legacy Project, having become one of America's leading institutions
for the study of personalist philosophy and early phenomenology. Their philosophy faculty has presented numerous
books, articles, and conferences exploring the thought of Dietrich von Hildebrand, Edith Stein, Karol Wojtyla,
Max Scheler, John Henry Newman, and others.
But Franciscan University is also more than this. As an institution, it is deeply shaped by its commitment to the
exploration of reality in its fullness, both as given in reason and in faith. This has given rise to a philosophy
faculty deeply versed in the Christian philosophical tradition, with particular competence in the Augustinian,
Thomistic, and Franciscan traditions. Philosophy was also the first department at Franciscan University to receive
an endowed chair, which led to the creation, under the leadership of Prof. Patrick Lee, of the Institute for Bioethics.
Our very own Senior Fellow, Prof. John F. Crosby, who was himself a student and close personal friend of Dietrich
von Hildebrand, is the founder and chair of the MA Program in Philosophy at Franciscan University. He and his colleagues,
Prof. Mark Roberts, Prof. Michael Healy, and Prof. James Harold, have introduced a generation of students to the
thought of von Hildebrand. Moreover, the John Paul II Library at Franciscan University houses one of just three
complete copies of Dietrich von Hildebrand's papers, so we are sure to feel right at home.
There is also a significant human link between Dietrich von Hildebrand and the niversity, namely that his widow,
Alice von Hildebrand, whose 90th birthday we celebrate this year, served on Franciscan University’s Board of Trustees
with distinction from 1987-1999.
Our partnership with Franciscan University will provide us the opportunity to build upon our current programming
and to develop many new and exciting programs, which only the resources of a university could allow.
We will begin by giving special attention to programs that are uniquely suited to a university environment. Thus,
I am happy to announce that our annual Summer Seminar will be held at Franciscan University this summer. Additionally,
we will be launching a graduate level fellowship program at Franciscan University in the fall of 2013. And of course,
there are numerous other potential avenues for collaboration with Franciscan University, including conferences
and co-sponsored lecture series.
With our new partnership, I am the grateful recipient of an invitation to become a Visiting Fellow at Franciscan
University. The intellectual life of the Legacy Project is greatly enhanced through this new status, which grants
us greater access to the dynamic academic community of Franciscan University. The University has graciously provided
me with an office in the Philosophy Department, which provides me regular interaction with my new colleagues and
with the students when I am in Steubenville.
I have every hope that our initial cooperation in 2013 will pave the way for a lasting, mutually enriching partnership
between the Legacy Project and Franciscan University, and, in time, a sure model for future cooperation with other
distinguished institutions.
John Henry Crosby
Founder & Director
Media Inquiries:
Contact John Henry Crosby, 703-597-8773
jcrosby@hildebrandlegacy.org
Links:
Franciscan University's Press Release announcing the partnership
Franciscan University's MA Program in Philosophy
Further details on the partnership: www.HildebrandLegacy.org/Franciscan
Copyright © John Henry Crosby
Version: 27th April 2013
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