Jaspers Attend New Lasallian Formation Programs
This summer, members of the College community joined fellow Lasallians to work toward the future of the mission.
It’s a summer tradition: Members of the College community participate in Lasallian formation programs as a way to reflect and learn more extensively about the Lasallian Catholic teachings. This year, Manhattan College faculty, staff and students participated in three brand new specialized programs, designed to inspire participants as they work towards the future of the mission.
Part conference, part retreat, these annual formation events are important to the Lasallian tradition. While each program helps participants maintain their faith and practice, Lois Harr, director of Campus Ministry and Social Action, explains that it’s particularly important for members of the College to participate by quoting Br. John Johnston, FSC, former superior general of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools:
“Lasallians engaged in higher education are uniquely situated to help young people liberate themselves from all that holds them back from being the persons God wants them to be, to help them develop their God-given talents, to help them become persons—whatever their religious faith...”
Harr made history by attending the first Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) Women’s Symposium at Camp Saint Joseph on the Russian River in California, from July 8-12. She joined 33 women hailing from five De La Salle Christian Brothers schools to study the history of women in the Lasallian mission. They also examined their roles in the future of the mission with noted Lasallian scholar Brother Gerard Rummery using St. La Salle’s letters to women and Dr. Roxanne Eubank’s presentation “Lasallian Women Today.”
Kelly Alvarado, residence life area coordinator for East Hill, joined more than 35 young Lasallians and Brothers at Niagara University in New York for the VEGA Conference, from Aug. 1-4. Named for one of the brightest stars in the night sky, as well as an Italian acronym for the words Vedere, Guiudicare, Agire — see, judge, act — the VEGA retreat is a formation experience to prepare young Lasallians between ages 22-35 for the future of the Institute.
Lindsey Pamlanye ’15, a secondary education major with a concentration in English, was the first Manhattan College student to participate in the La Salle Summer Program on Leadership and Global Understanding, which was held at La Salle University in Philadelphia from July 15-27. She joined 33 students from 13 different Lasallian universities and colleges around the world, all hoping to build leadership skills and draw inspiration for the future.
“We gathered across state lines, borders, oceans, languages and majors,” Pamlanye says. “There was a resounding agreement regarding one thing: if there is anyone capable of changing the world for the better, it’s a group of Lasallians working together.”