A Message of Unity from President Schwalbach
To the Mount Mary Community:
All faiths, all cultures and all people are welcome here. This fundamental belief is - and always has been - the guiding principle we proudly uphold. Like a shining beacon of light, our rich legacy informs our current practices.
As we see others vilify the differences that set people apart, we stand together and affirm the dignity of all.
During a weekend conference in Washington, D.C., in which 80 college and university presidents met to celebrate the value of diversity within higher education, I proudly signed a statement on behalf of Mount Mary, supporting our commitment to standing as a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Part of this statement by the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities reads, "Catholic higher education was founded precisely to serve the children of Catholic immigrants who in their own time were excluded from higher education. This is a legacy that we proudly pledge to continue."
As we band together with others in solidarity, we also seek strength by turning our gaze inward to bring to light our own unique perspective to guide us at this particular moment in time. From the Mount Mary University Book of Prayers, I share with you an excerpt from the reflection, "An Invitation to Stand with Mary and SSND."
"We stand, women and men standing on the shoulders of the ones who have gone before us. We receive the legacy of those courageous in faith and far-seeing in vision. Dare we stand with them in courage, conviction and commitment? How can we do less than meet the hands held out in invitation? "Come, stand." For in the days to come it should be written of us as our greatest tribute, our epitaph, yours and mine:
"They stood."
Side by side, may we affirm our commitment to a world where all are welcome.
In peace,
Eileen Schwalbach
We stand, women and men standing on the shoulders of the ones who have gone before us. We receive the legacy of those courageous in faith and far-seeing in vision. Dare we stand with them in courage, conviction and commitment? How can we do less than meet the hands held out in invitation?
