Zenon Cardenas

The event was a celebration and march for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 21st, 2019. A significant change for this year was suspending activities to ensure all employees and students could attend. The discussion highlighted the legacy of Dr. King, the importance of continuing his work for justice and human rights, and the theme of unity. Sister Marianne Barrett spoke about the historical connection of Dominican Sisters to social justice movements, citing figures like St. Dominic de Guzman, Bartolome de las Casas, and contemporary advocates. Following the address, attendees were instructed on the campus march route. Emma Robertson, Director of the Center for Diversity Inclusion and Equity, introduced the keynote speaker, Pastor German Glenn, who spoke on Dr. King's speech titled "The Blueprint," focusing on identity, purpose, and leadership through service. The speakers emphasized that individuals must discover their blueprint and contribute to history rather than just celebrate the past.

The document details the dedication mass for the Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel. The proceedings included introductions of key personnel involved in the planning and construction, such as the design architect (David Coleman), architects of record/engineering architect (Bjorn Green), contractors (Nick Hagelin from Earhart Construction), construction overseer (Jim George), foundation office representative overseeing donors (Trish Constantly Owning), locksmith (Ryan Went), and the spiritual oversight representative (Dr. Kevin Quinn). The event featured readings from the Book of Nehemiah/Ezra and the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, highlighting themes of the community as God's temple and the importance of the newly dedicated structure as a place of worship, sacrament, and spiritual nourishment. The homily reflected on the Rite of Dedication symbolizing baptism and sacrifice, relating the chapel to the Body of Christ and the Holy City of Jerusalem. The proceedings concluded with Eucharistic prayers.

The event featured the annual Aquinas Lecture with Dr. Brian Kemple, who discussed concerns regarding current societal trajectory, emphasizing issues related to artificial intelligence, technological impact, and human freedom. Key discussion points included the dangers of AI acceleration leading to potential obsolescence or destruction of humankind, cognitive impairment from over-reliance on technology, and the erosion of social interactions. Dr. Kemple argued that the root cause of present despair is a carelessness regarding the nature of the human mind, rather than solely technology. He contrasted the despair-driven 'deaths of despair' with the growing 'path of optimization' trend seen among younger audiences seeking to improve physical and mental health through rigorous protocols.

Dr. Alicia Córdoba introduces herself as the ninth president of Aquinas College, outlining her vision for the institution. Her strategic priorities include making education accessible by minimizing student costs and debt, redefining the educational experience, and strengthening commitments to inclusion, equity, sustainability, and service in line with Catholic traditions. She emphasizes responsible stewardship of resources for financial stability and aims to fulfill the college's vision of becoming a premier Catholic college in the Midwest.

The content is an announcement regarding the selection of the ninth president of Aquinas College, Dr. Alicia Córdoba. The process involved input from the community through in-person and Zoom interviews with finalists, whose feedback was seriously considered by the board. The board met in a special session on April 22nd to select the final candidate. Dr. Córdoba previously held leadership roles at St. Mary's University and Benedictine University and holds degrees from the University of Illinois and the Juilliard School.