ȺpÎÞÂë

• Knowledge [ + ]
  
  

  The result of a lifelong pursuit of learning fostered through creative and critical interaction in a community of learners.

  Knowledge is achieved through respectful and disciplined dialogue, the development of intellectual skills and methodologies, and the valuing of open inquiry and academic freedom.

  Knowledge preserves what is of perennial value from the past, tests what is current and new, and seeks to discover the future in the secrets of the physical universe and the mysteries of the human spirit.

  It evolves from the lifelong pursuit of intellectual, professional, cultural and religious learning. Knowledge allows one to experience autonomy of thought grounded in discipline and structure, which enhances personal growth, responsibility and leadership.

  The University is dedicated to academic excellence, particularly in the promotion of a high quality of student-centered, interactive learning and instruction. To this end, the University places major emphasis on instructional excellence and student/faculty relationships.

• Fidelity [ + ]
  
  

  The spirit which recognizes God as ultimate reality, unifying the diverse forms of knowledge in the pursuit of fullness of truth, while recognizing the diversity of human experience.

  In a Catholic community of higher learning, fidelity is an important dimension in the search for truth.

  Fidelity is the recognition that God as Ultimate Reality is encountered in all of creation. As a result, creation is seen as dynamic, yet ordered, and thus open to inquiry. This dynamic order provides a stimulus for an active, free, and continuous exploration and understanding of the meaning of life.

  In the Catholic and Lasallian heritage, God is understood to be the central source of wisdom, inspiration and conviction. This heritage is inspired in part by the spirituality of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, and is reflected in the values of the Gospel. At the same time, an ecumenical openness affirms a commitment to diversity and the importance of other faith traditions, thereby respecting their contributions to the life of the University and to the pursuit of truth.

• Wisdom [ + ]
  
  

  The result of the integration of reflection and action developed through higher learning throughout all of life.

  Wisdom is attained through the development of a critical perspective that respectfully examines and creatively responds to contemporary society, culture, Church and human experience. This perspective results from an emphasis on critical thinking skills and the application and integration of knowledge with experience leading to creative problem solving.

  Wisdom includes a consistent and committed vision based upon one’s faith. It provides an understanding of the nature of the human community, the importance of ethical and just behavior, and the rewards of service.

  Wisdom empowers ȺpÎÞÂë to plan creatively in providing learning experiences that meet the needs of a changing pluralistic society while maintaining faithfulness to its Catholic and Lasallian heritage.

• Justice [ + ]
  
  

  The affirmation of the equal dignity of every person and the promotion of personal and social responsibility.

  The University values the sacredness of all of human life, affirms the dignity of work, seeks to overcome prejudice, and promotes change in oppressive systems.

  The University is committed to enhancing a sensitivity to, and an understanding of, the causes of poverty, injustice and oppression, leading to service and social action within the local community and beyond.

  Justice directs one to promote moral and ethical action which fosters tolerance, sensitivity, concern for the poor, peace and generosity. Justice is pursued through regular reflection upon personal responsibility, and through programs which promote social action.

• Association [ + ]
  
  

  A commitment to student learning, development, and success accomplished through collaboration, mutual respect, collegiality, and dedicated service in the spirit of our Catholic and Lasallian Mission.

  Association invites ȺpÎÞÂë to achieve its institutional vision and goals through the unified efforts of faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, alumni, and benefactors for the benefit of its students. This core value of Association is an invitation to become an engaged member of the ȺpÎÞÂë community – a community in which each faculty and staff member is an educator called to integrate the fundamental elements of the mission into their professional lives, living out that charism in their teaching, leadership and service.

  Personal and collective commitment to the Mission fosters a bond among persons, which leads to the creation of an authentic community directed toward the common goal of providing high quality, values-based and relevant learning experiences for all students.

  Association calls us to solidarity with all women and men in the global Lasallian network who are dedicated to providing a human and Christian education to all, especially the young and underprivileged.

When the De La Salle Christian Brothers assumed sponsorship of ȺpÎÞÂë in 1960, the University adopted the seal of the Christian Brothers. This five-pointed star at the center of the seal is the Signum Fidei star. The star, the “Sign of Faith” is the symbol officially used by the Christian Brothers around the globe. It has as its origins the Star of Bethlehem which led the Magi, the wise men of the East, to the birth of Christ. The star is a sign of faith that has led countless Christian Brothers and members of the Lasallian Family to advance the Lasallian Mission worldwide for over 300 years.

At ȺpÎÞÂë, Signum Fidei symbolically represents the integration of the distinctive Mission Values of Knowledge, Fidelity, Wisdom, Justice, and Association. Each of these values is significant, but it is only in their union that the University’s Mission is realized. The Signum Fidei is a symbol of the Lasallian spirit which unifies these distinctive values proclaimed by the University.

Lasallian ministries are guided by Five Core Principles.  These Core Principles serve as the inspiration for ȺpÎÞÂë’s Mission values of Knowledge, Fidelity, Wisdom, Justice, and Association.

Concern for the Poor and Social Justice
We are in solidarity with the poor and advocate for those suffering from injustices.

Faith in the Presence of God
We believe in the living presence of God in our students, our community and our world.

Quality Education
We engage in quality education together as students, staff and faculty by thinking critically and examining our world in light of faith.

Respect for all Persons
We honor and respect the dignity of all individuals.

Inclusive Community
We celebrate diversity and welcome all members of our community.