Jersey City, N.J. – On Tuesday, January 19, 2010, Saint Peter’s College will welcome three leaders in higher education administration to serve as speakers at its curriculum assessment conference, Curriculum Review: Tradition, Process and New Vision. The speakers include Rev. John W. O’Malley, S.J., professor of theology from Georgetown University; Dr. Brice R. Wachterhauser, provost from Saint Joseph’s University; and Dr. Robert Weisbuch, president of Drew University. The conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in McIntyre Lounge on the College’s Jersey City campus.
Over 80 participants from the Saint Peter’s College faculty and administration are expected to be in attendance. The purpose of the conference is to provide thought-provoking ideas about incorporating Jesuit ideals in general education. The conference will also offer innovative perspectives on future visions and practices for general education, as well as insight into core curriculum review.
The speakers for Curriculum Review: Tradition, Process and New Vision will each provide a topical presentation inspired by their areas of expertise. Rev. John W. O’Malley, S.J., will present “Mastering the Art of Jesuit Higher Education.” Fr. O’Malley, who has lectured widely in North America and Europe, is a specialist in the religious culture of early modern Europe, especially Italy. An award-winning writer of several books and monographs, he received his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University.
Dr. Brice R. Wachterhauser will address Saint Peter’s community with his presentation, “Navigating the Core Curriculum Review Process.” Dr. Wachterhauser, who previously served as a professor in the department of philosophy at Saint Joseph’s prior to becoming its provost, is an expert in the area of contemporary continental philosophy, including hermeneutics.
Dr. Robert Weisbuch will give the presentation, “Conceptualizing a Twenty-First Century Renaissance for General Education.” Dr. Weishbuch, who is Drew’s 11th president, is a distinguished scholar of American literature. He holds a deep commitment to teaching, research and public service, as well as a lifelong belief in the importance of outreach to underserved groups.
President of Saint Peter’s College, Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., will provide opening remarks for the conference. Also speaking from Saint Peter’s will be Marylou Yam, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs and Lisa O’Neill, Ph.D., professor of philosophy.
# # end # #
Saint Peter’s College, founded in 1872, is a Jesuit, Catholic college in the liberal arts tradition located in the heart of Jersey City, N.J., with a branch campus in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and course offerings on the Jersey City Waterfront and at various corporate sites throughout New Jersey. Educating over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 50 programs, Saint Peter’s College is committed to academic excellence and individual attention, preparing students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service in a diverse and global society.