Solidarity, Reflection, and Imagination

Exploring Student Formation and Community Engagement from a Faith-Based Anchor Institution Perspective

Authors

  • Leah Sweetman Saint Louis University
  • Bobby Wassel Saint Louis University
  • Stephen Belt Saint Louis University
  • Bryan Sokol Saint Louis University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/23994

Keywords:

community-based learning, Jesuit higher education, faith-based institutions, vocation, place-based community engagement

Abstract

The Catholic, Jesuit inspired mission of Saint Louis University (SLU) – “the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity” – firmly places serving humanity in line with the institution’s goal for academic excellence. Importantly, service in the tradition of Catholic, Jesuit education is embedded in a broader vocational goal of forming people to build a just and equitable society. It remains to be seen in what manner and to what degree SLU students reflect the qualities such experiences are intended to aid and develop. What follows is an attempt to identify contemporary expressions of Ignatian education, a well-educated solidarity, depth of thought, and depth of imagination, within the students who took part in community engagement activities supported by SLU’s Center for Service and Community Engagement. The present study drew upon assessment data from three distinct undergraduate experiences. Each of the three attributes were evident, either directly or in a latent form appropriate to the nature of the activity and the level of the student participants. While it is not possible to quantify a direct measure, the results indicate that the programs are generally succeeding in promoting an Ignatian inspired formation for its students.

Author Biographies

Leah Sweetman, Saint Louis University

Leah Sweetman is the Assistant Director of Service Learning in the Saint Louis University Center for Service and Community Engagement. Previously, she served as the internship coordinator for the VOICES Project, guiding students in critical reflection, community building, and leadership development. She currently assists faculty with developing service-learning courses and helps to prepare students to mindfully enter communities.

Bobby Wassel, Saint Louis University

Bobby Wassel serves as the Assistant Director for Service and Outreach in the Saint Louis University Center for Service and Community Engagement. Through his work, he helps make connections between college students and non-profit organizations in a spirit of service and justice. Additionally, he designs, facilitates and evaluates programs that help students reflect on their community service experiences, and how they impact their personal development and vocational discernment. 

 

Stephen Belt, Saint Louis University

Stephen Belt is an Assistant Professor of Aviation Science at Saint Louis University, Co-Founder of Claver House Community, and a Director of Claver House Commons. He incorporates service learning and community engaged scholarship within the boundaries of his academic discipline. His research activities include topics that explore issues related to diversity and access within professional aviation.

Bryan Sokol, Saint Louis University

Bryan Sokol is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Saint Louis University's Center for Service and Community Engagement. He is a successful scholar-practitioner with multiple academic publications and professional presentations on topics of positive youth development, faith-informed civic engagement, and assets-based approaches to university-community partnership.

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Published

2020-12-18