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Fordham University

Fordham University
Contacts:
Msgr. Joseph G. Quinn, J.D. J.C.L.
Vice President for University Mission and Ministry
Phone: 718.817.3012
Fax: 718.817.3005
Email: jgquinn@fordham.edu

Jennifer M. Mussi, Ph. D.
Assistant to the Vice President for University Mission and Ministry
Phone: 718.817.3012
Fax: 718.817.3005
Email: mussi@fordham.edu

Mission Statement
The mission statement reads in part:
“Founded in 1841 as the first Catholic institution of higher learning in the northeast, Fordham is an independent university in the Jesuit tradition. In the future, as in the past, Fordham will continue to affirm the compatibility of a Catholic, Jesuit identity and respect for diverse religious and philosophical convictions within its educational community. It is in this spirit that Fordham encourages its students to develop an individual commitment to others and explore those themes which are central to the Jesuit tradition: the dignity of the human person, the advancement of the common good, and the option for the poor.”

The complete university mission statement can be found at the following web link:
http://www.fordham.edu/discover_fordham/mission_26603.asp

Structure
The Vice President for University Mission and Ministry
 Reports to the President
 Serves on the University’s Administrative Council
 Acts as liaison to the Board of Trustees Committee on Mission and Identity
 Oversees mission activities on three campuses: Rose Hill in the Bronx, Lincoln Center in Manhattan, and the Westchester campus.

The following offices report to this area:
 Office of Campus Ministry
 Office of Community Service
 Office of Global Outreach
 Office of the Alumni Chaplain

The Center for the Study of Religion and Culture (Margaret O’Brien Steinfels and Peter Steinfels, co-directors): This center, begun in 2004, aims to position the University in the forefront of public discussion of religion and culture in New York City, sponsoring at least eight annual public seminars on a host of ethical, religious, political and cultural issues.

The Archbishop Hughes Institute (George Hunt, S.J., director) sponsors two annual seminars, one on Jewish-Christian dialogue (The Nostra Aetate Dialogue) and one on other cultural issues (The Russo Lecture).
Orientation Programs

The faculty mentoring program, which was established a number of years ago through a Lilly grant, carries on its efforts in the formation of faculty in the tradition of Jesuit and Catholic education at Fordham College at Rose Hill, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, Fordham College of Liberal Studies and the School Law. The Office of University Mission and Ministry works closely with the Vice President for Academic Affairs in forming new faculty.

The Office of the Vice President for Mission and Ministry schedules several “in service” seminars with other vice presidential area administrative staffs to discuss Fordham’s educational mission and Jesuit identity and assists with new staff and has a visible presence at new student orientation programs and year-long student programming.

Ongoing Faculty and Staff Educational Programs
The Vice President for University Mission and Ministry sponsors faculty, staff and student lunch-time discussions during the seasons of Advent and Lent-Easter on readings of religious interest and spirituality, such as Archbishop Timothy Dolan’s To Whom Shall We Go? and Rev. James Martin’s The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything.

Each semester, the office sponsors programming celebrating the heritage of St. Ignatius Loyola. Various activities, including breakfasts, dinners, tours of special buildings, social gatherings and special Liturgies take place on each of the three campuses.

Publications, Audio-visual Materials Developed and/or Used publishes:
The office 
The Heritage of Jesuit Education, a brochure distributed to the members of the University community
Faces of Faith at Fordham, a brochure featuring various members of the Fordham Community reflecting on their faith
University Mission and Ministry, a brochure highlighting the programs and services offered through the Division of University Mission and Ministry

Recent Developments
In October 2009, Fordham University welcomed His Holiness Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch to the Rose Hill campus for the conferral of an honorary Doctorate of Laws.

University Mission and Ministry has been working with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs in the development of Integrated Learning Communities within residence halls.   In September 2010, Fordham University will open Campbell Salice-Conley a new apartment-style residence hall and Mission and Ministry has been involved in planning of programmatic elements for this new residential college.

In November 2010, Fordham University will host the annual Opus Foundation awards ceremony.

Posted 7/26/2010