Expertise and Morals

NAPLES DAILY NEWS, Dec. 14 — Ave Maria University in Naples, Fla., is adding science and pre-med degrees to its course offerings for fall 2004.

The programs will go beyond other schools’ science and pre-med programs, giving students a look at bioethics, dignity-of-life situations and issues such as suffering, the newspaper reported.

“Some of these things are not offered in other universities’ programs,” said James Peliska, professor of chemistry and biology who is setting up the new programs. “Our graduates will have not only expertise but morals.”

Ave Maria University opened in September with 100 students and expects to have 300 next year, 400-500 in 2005 and up to 1,000-1,200 when the school's permanent campus opens in 2006.

New School?

ARIZONA REPUBLIC, Dec. 14 — Bishop Thomas Olmsted, who was scheduled to be installed Dec. 20 as the new bishop of the Phoenix Diocese, has big plans for his new diocese — including a Catholic university.

The Phoenix-area daily said cultural changes in the diocese could include a greater emphasis on the bishop's part on religious institutions, including a university. Plans for such a school have been in the works for years, the newspaper said, with little progress.

Currently there is no Catholic college or university in the state of Arizona.

Inmate Grads

THE LEAVENWORTH (Kan.) TIMES, Dec. 14 — Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kan., held its first graduation ceremony Dec. 13 for inmates in the Lansing Correctional Facility.

The three-year-old program, involving the prison, the Catholic college and private industries, is believed to be the only one of its kind in the country, the paper reported.

The industries pay half of each of its inmate employee's tuition. It's up to each inmate, who earns minimum wage, to pay the other half.

“Thank you for believing in all of us,” said Michael Bess, one of the seven graduates. “Thank you for shedding a little light in this dark area of society. “

Honored Franciscan

FRANCISCAN UNIVERSITY, Dec. 5 — Third Order Regular Franciscan Father Terence Henry, president of the Steubenville, Ohio, university, has been elected vicar provincial for the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Father Henry will remain president of the school while he serves as vicar provincial, which is second only to the minister provincial in governing the Franciscan province. His term begins Jan. 7.

The Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is the largest Third Order Regular province in the world, with more than 150 members.

Essay Contest

THOMAS MORE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS, December — Students applying to the Merrimack, N.H., college as full-time freshman or transfer students for the 2004-2005 academic year are invited to enter an essay contest.

Up to four winners will receive a four-year, half-tuition scholarship.

In their essay, students must explain how Thomas More's death affirms his life's work of unifying faith and reason. Essays must be postmarked by Feb. 4, and winners will be notified by March 4.

For more information visit www.thomasmorecollege.edu.