Bridging the Dominican Cultures Kathleen Hickey, Ed.D. Associate Professor of English, Dominican College of Blauvelt, NY Laura Shea Doolan, Ed.D. Professor, Division Education, Molloy College, Rockville Centre, NY 1
Bridging the Dominican Cultures • Dominican College of Blauvelt, NY and Molloy College in Rockville Centre, NY are two diverse institutions, separated by expansive rivers and bridges, yet there are common elements in both. • We examined how Service, Spirituality, Scholarship, and Community contribute to the Dominican spirit and make our institutions unique in comparison to others, as we each live our respective missions. • We then reflected on some of St. Dominic’s quotations and discussed them in relation to our work. • Finally, we reached out to students and faculty, at our institutions, who visited Fanjeaux and we received insights from them, as to what it means to be a Dominican student or faculty member.
In 2010, Division of Education Professors Laura Shea Doolan and Ingrid Spatt were selected as Molloy College delegates to attend the Dominican Seminar in Fanjeaux, France. Molloy also was represented by: the Modern Languages Department’s adjunct instructor Marie Guillet, undergraduate students Jillian DiBlasi and Oragan Rangruangviechakul, and Director of Development Cathy Tully Muscente.
It was during this time that Kate and Laura met. It turned out to be a “Keen” meeting. KEENS CHOPHOUSE 72 WEST 36 ST., NYC , 1-800 KEENS NY www.keens.com
During our “Keen” meetings we discussed the privilege of being exposed to the realms of St. Dominic himself, and the opportunity to visit the convent of the Sisters of Prouille, which was established in 1206.
Molloy College’s Mission Statement • Molloy College, an independent, Catholic college rooted in the Dominican tradition of study, spirituality, service and community, is committed to academic excellence with respect for each person. Through transformative education, Molloy promotes a lifelong search for truth and the development of ethical leadership.
Dominican College’s Mission Statement • The aim of Dominican College [similar to Molloy College] is to promote educational excellence, leadership, and service in an environment characterized by respect for the individual and concern for the community and its needs. Founded by the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt, the College is an independent institution of higher learning, Catholic in origin and heritage. In the Dominican tradition, it fosters the active, shared pursuit of truth and embodies an ideal of education rooted in the values of reflective understanding and compassionate involvement.
Dominican College’s Mission Statement • Committed to building its programs upon a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, the College maintains a student- centered climate and serves a diverse community of students in undergraduate and graduate programs. The college empowers this community of learners to excel, lead and serve with integrity and to engage responsibly in the pursuit of a more just, ethical and sustainable world.
Dominican College’s Mission Statement • Dominican College is dedicated to the principle that its educational programs and services must be both challenging and supportive, distinguished both by high standards and by attention to the needs and potential of the individual student. Affirmed and engaged by these standards and values, graduates are prepared for purposeful lives and for the careers and professions they choose to pursue.
Four Pillars of the Dominican Tradition THE PURPOSE OF THE DOMINICAN ORDER WAS APPROVED IN 1216
The Pillar of Spirituality and Reflection • respecting all faith traditions’ diversity • compassion and kindness towards others • open-mindedness with respect to differentiated opinions • reflection enabling us to be seekers of truth; encouraging one another by example • importance of promoting spirituality
Under the pillar of spirituality, by meeting each time and discussing differing views, we contemplated our varying views and enriched our teaching and scholarship.
The Pillar of Research and Teaching • exchanging ideas in search of “TRUTH” • capacity to: • listen deeply; allowing a wide variety of thoughts, questions, and concepts to be part of the conversation process • move beyond ourselves and embrace the global community • to be non-defensive in the midst of disagreements and debates • be a flexible thinker
Under the pillar of research and teaching, we have had the capacity to listen deeply; allowing a wide variety of thoughts, questions, and concepts to be part of the conversation process that have led to using different teaching strategies to better enhance our students’ learning.
The Pillar of Community • building relationships at all campus and broader community levels • inclusivity by celebrating differences and building relationships • listening with understanding and the flexibility to compromise • communicating the importance of respect and dignity to all providing a welcoming environment to all
Under the pillar of Community, we have had the capacity to build a relationship at the broader community level, as we have met every year to discuss how to enhance our capacity to build relationships with all our Molloy and Dominican Colleges’ stakeholders
The Pillar of Service • reaching out where there is a need and recognizing each one has a part to play in creating a better world • encouraging transformative learning • being responsive and helpful • realizing the importance of sharing individual gifts and talents • being motivated by compassion
Under the pillar of service, we have shared our talents and collaborated to present at this 2016 Dominican Colloquium .
St. Dominic DOMINIC GUZMAN WAS BORN IN CALERUEGA, CASTILE, (SPAIN) c. 1170 – 1221 THE TIME OF: MONARCHIES, CITIES, UNIVERSITIES, REFORM
Sr. Ann Willits, OP • When Dominic saw people, he always saw potential.
St. Dominic’s Words • We must sow the seed, not hoard it.
St. Dominic’s Words • You are my companion and must walk with me. For if we hold together, no earthly power can withstand us. Assassin's Cross
St. Dominic’s Words Arm yourself with prayer rather than a sword; wear humility rather than fine clothes.” St. Dominic’s Cross
The following testimonials portray what Dominican stakeholders revealed about the Dominican experience in Fanjeaux.
Sitting with peer institutions and comparing makes me see how alike we all are. It is invigorating in many ways. We all face the challenge of meeting the students "where they are" and challenging the mind. "Veritas" is every one of our missions. Seeking the truth - through learning. It is crazy how alike we all are! Right down to the biggest majors at the present time. Peg Mulligan, MS, Math faculty
That trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, as I’m sure it was for everyone who traveled to Fanjeaux before and after I did. I still remember the various places we visited and traipsed (or hiked, or swam) through. For some reason, images of the poppy fields and the luscious, ripe and colorful fruit and flowers in the markets can still be visualized. Most of all, though, the sense of shared purpose and mission all the participants brought to Fanjeaux, resonates with me to this day; the community of Dominican College has become that of Dominican Colleges. Ann Vavolizza, Ed.D. Associate Dean
It was a very enriching experience for me personally. I more deeply appreciate Dominic's mission and his emphasis on the "shared pursuit of truth." As a result, I see and appreciate how we do things as a Dominican college. I think I'm a better faculty member as a result. Kathleen Hinge, Ph.D Science faculty
Mainly, I keep in contact with my Fanjeaux cohort through social media. We catch up occasionally, and it's nice to see how everyone has grown since the experience. I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to study abroad in France. As an educator, it is a unique experience that I have been able to reference in class and use to teach my students. The experience also has helped me to create a network among my peers; I am still in touch with many of the members of my cohort, Oragan and Jillian, from Molloy College in particular. Courtney McManus, DC graduate 2011, now teacher.
Interacting with and learning from the national and international Dominican scholars provided me with a deeper understanding of the Dominican tradition and a deeper appreciation for the religious, who affect positive care and reform worldwide. It was a deeply transforming experience. This was such a special pilgrimage, and I will aspire ever more to fulfill the Dominican’s endeavors. I am thankful to have been chosen for this international experience. Ingrid Spatt, Ph.D. Molloy College
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