Past Ireland Fund Programs

Brief examples of successful programs:

Pope John Paul II and the Vocation of the Professional Woman

This symposium, directed by professors from the Philosophy and Theology departments, focused on contributing to the Catholic understanding of the vocation of women and the critical role women play in the recovery of culture.  Readings and discussions were grounded in the writings of Pope John Paul II.  Twenty faculty and staff participants from across the university took part in the week long event.  Proceedings were then gathered into a collective work based on participant presentations. 

Haitian Outreach

Proposed by members of the Engineering and Classical Languages departments, this project conducted in Haiti engaged students in developing low level technologies that permitted citizens to process breadfruit into breadfruit bars.  St. Thomas Engineering and French language students developed and implemented a bread fruit shredder and dehydrator for the local community that provided income to the impoverished as extra nutrition for the children.  The project was rooted in the conviction that all Christians, through their vocation, are called to help the less fortunate.  Students were asked to reflect on their educational and career goals in light of service to others. 

Computer Science and Information Systems as a Calling

Directed by a professor in Computer Science, this project sponsored a series of guest speakers in the department who helped encourage students to broaden their understanding of vocation in the technology fields. Professionals from a variety of computer-related careers engaged students in conversations about the interdisciplinary nature of computer technology and how this field of study, like any other field, may be viewed in a larger sense, in the light of a religious call to vocation.

Integrating Christian Social Tradition with Professional Engineering 

Entitled "Designing a Passive Cooling System for Sub-Saharan Africa," this project, proposed by two Engineering faculty members, allowed students to explore vocation within the engineering field.  Grounded in Catholic social tradition, the project moved students to reflect on how engineers have the opportunity to exhibit love of God through their actions as responsible stewards of creation.  By designing passive cooling alternatives for a culture substantially different than our own, students also had the opportunity to consider the moral implications of such issues as sustainability, energy use, and the environmental impact of technology.  The project encouraged both students and faculty to experience firsthand how professional skills blend with service and may be seen in the light of Catholic social teaching. 

The Law as Vocation: A Retreat Experience

This retreat experience had two primary objectives, both grounded in Catholic social tradition. First, it sought to educate St. Thomas law students about the ways in which they can understand their work and their lives as consisting of multiple intersecting vocations.  Second, the project aimed to inspire law students to develop a greater commitment in their future profession to serve the marginalized through providing pro bono services.  

The Changing Face of Minnesota

This project, developed by a faculty member and an administrator, engaged first year undergraduate students in paired classes that emphasized active, community based learning and a commitment to the University's Catholic and urban missions.  Participation in a community's life and mission is often a key expression of God's call to the individual.  During the classes, students explored the various ways that communities shape a personal sense of calling, developed an understanding of their own membership in religious, civic, and intellectual communities, and explored how participation in these communities is central to their life choices.

Theology Bridge Courses

This proposal by department of Theology faculty members developed a number of interdisciplinary and team-taught "bridge" courses that focus on theology and other academic majors (e.g. Biology and the Christian Faith, Literature and Christian Theology, Theology and Politics, Theology and Art).  Each bridge course allows students to understand how their particular academic major relates to and can be integrated with Christian theological principles and the Christian faith, thus helping students view their discipline in light of a vocational call.