Welcome to The Catholic University of America . . .

 

Message from the President

 

It all began as a dream --- a vision really --- that there could be in the United States a great Catholic center of learning at the highest level, modeled after the great European universities.  The dreamers, the visionaries, were the nation’s Catholic bishops at the latter part of the nineteenth century.  Other Catholic colleges had already been established throughout the country, beginning with Georgetown University in 1789.  There was, however, no doctoral level institution of higher learning dedicated to research “in service to the church and nation.”  With the approval of Pope Leo XIII, the bishops of the United States founded The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1887.  Within a few short years, the bishops’ dream and vision grew as their university expanded to include Catholic undergraduate education as well.

 

Today, some 120+ years later, Catholic colleges and universities have flourished throughout our nation, many offering outstanding professional, graduate and undergraduate programs of study.  The Catholic University of America, however, has retained its unique place within the spectrum of Catholic higher education insofar as it continues to be the national university of the Catholic Church in our country, sponsored by the bishops.  Although its offerings extend to virtually every field of study, CUA takes special pride in giving witness to its historic mission.

 

For the last ten years, I have had the privilege to serve as the university’s fourteenth president.  In that time, I have collaborated within an outstanding, world-class faculty and staff, to help move the university forward, reaching new heights.  This academic year, 2008-09, and for the third year in a row, CUA welcomes the largest freshmen class in its history, making in necessary for us to construct new residence halls. Opus Hall, the first in a series, will be ready for student occupancy sometime during this academic year. Each of the university’s 12 schools and faculties are recognized nationally and internationally for their outstanding scholarly achievements.  The university’s endowment is the highest it has ever been, although nowhere near where it needs to be to compete more effectively in the academic marketplace.  We are in the midst of two modest capital campaigns, designed to help the university’s attractive campus and sports facilities become even more inviting to the students we serve.  Our NCAA Division III athletic programs, in which over 20% of our undergraduates participate, completes in the  “Landmark Conference,” and continue to achieve success as we advance the concept of the “scholar athlete.”  Our graduate, doctoral and professional programs continue to attract students from all over the nation and the world.  The Schools of Philosophy, Theology and Canon Law have special significance as ecclesiastical faculties, established within and for the Catholic Church to help advance our understanding of the Church’s teachings and their necessary connection to the world in which we live.  Our campus ministry is truly one of the best in the nation, helping our students --- indeed, the entire university community --- to grow in the Catholic faith as handed down by the Church over the centuries.  At the same time, we welcome students, faculty and staff of other faiths to join with us in fulfilling our unique mission.  Coupled with outstanding programs in Student Life and Catholic residence life, CUA educates the whole person in a way that every student and every parent can be proud.

 

This past year was a very special one for us as we had the privilege of hosting and welcoming our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, to the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center on campus as he addressed Catholic educators from around the nation.  It was gratifying that His Holiness visited his university in the United States. April 17, 2008, will forever be a very special day to remember on our campus.

 

There is so much more I could write, so many more things that I, as president, would like to tell you.  But, better than reading my words, take a look for yourself.  This website will introduce you to one of the finest Catholic universities in our nation, indeed, in the world.  And when you next visit Washington, D.C., make CUA --- the national university of the Catholic Church in our country --- a part of your travels.  You will not be disappointed.

 

God bless you with his abiding love.

 

Sincerely yours,

Very Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.

President