|
In September 1995 the Office of the Dean of the College
launched the Religion and Modernity Lecture Series, its stated
aim being "to explore the place of religious and spiritual
life in the context of a world that is in many ways at odds
with it." Since that time the Series has become a "signature
Holy Cross program" according to vice president for academic
affairs and
dean of the College, Stephen C. Ainlay.
Since its inception, the Lecture Series has brought an outstanding array of speakers
to Holy Cross, including: Scott Appleby, director of the Cushwa Center for American
Catholic Studies at the University of Notre Dame; Robert Coles, the James Agee
Professor of Social Ethics at Harvard University and Pulitzer Prize winner; Louis
Dupre, professor emeritus of the philosophy of religion at Yale University; and
Cornel West, professor of Afro-American studies and philosophy of religion at
Harvard University. Dean Ainlay says, "We want these people to pose the difficult
questions, not necessarily
answer them."
The Dean's Office has tried to bring two or three speakers to campus every year
for the Series. Some lecturers, like Robert Coles from Harvard, have attracted
overflow crowds to the Hogan Ballroom. Ainlay points out that the Series serves
the Worcester community as well as students, faculty and alumni, affording all
the chance "to think about questions that are
hard to ask in the modern world."
The continuation of the Religion and Modernity Lecture Series has been
called "critical to the work of the newly established Center for Religion, Ethics
and Culture." Given the success of the Series and the end of the temporary grant
that supported it, the College was looking for a donor to endow it permanently.
Holy Cross found its answer in the generosity
of John V. Deitchman '70.
Deitchman endowed the Series, which will now be called The Deitchman Family Lectureship
in Religion and Modernity, because, he explains, "I am personally convinced that
our society critically needs much more reflection on the key role of religion
and ethics in forming cultures and truly civil societies. I am also convinced
that a host of current issues beg for reflection from
this type of perspective."
Deitchman's gift ensures that the exploration of fundamental religious and philosophical
questions will remain an integral and permanent feature of intellectual life
at Holy Cross.
Deitchman was motivated by thoughts of the past and thoughts of the future in
making this gift. "I very much appreciate the gifts I continue to receive from
my faith and education," he says. "As a result I want to help others have similar
opportunities for growth. Holy Cross, by its name and its mission, is positioned
to make a unique contribution to our society. I am thrilled with the new Center
for Religion, Ethics and Culture and the possibilities it represents. The Series
can help make that concrete by highlighting meaningful topics for both Holy Cross
and the broader community." J. O'C. D.
|
