Happy Birthday to Benedictine University
(St. Procopius College/Illinois Benedictine College)
(Spring 2002)

By William Carroll

Happy Birthday! Yes, Happy Birthday to Benedictine University (St. Procopius College/Illinois Benedictine College). On March 2, 2002, the University celebrated its 115th birthday. Many lives have been touched since the founding, and many more are being touched each day. As I reflect on the past 115 years, I am struck by how things have changed, yet how much they have remained the same. The recognition of change amidst permanence is not new; it has been recognized (in literature) for thousands of years. Heraclitus, a 5th century BC Greek philosopher, is purported to have said "you cannot step into the same river twice." Early philosophers believed that because the world is constantly changing, what existed a moment ago no longer exists in its same state in the present. Later philosophers (culminating in St. Thomas Aquinas) would add to Heraclitus dictum the notion of "permanence amidst change." People, places and things change but underlying that change is permanence. In one sense I am not the person I was five years ago-I have gotten older, perhaps heavier, and even grayer, etc. Yet, in this change I have somehow remained the same. Amidst this change, I am still, fundamentally, the same person. What about Benedictine University (St. Procopius College/Illinois Benedictine College)? Certainly, the different names indicate change. What about permanence? Is this the same institution it was 115 years ago? Clearly, it is not, or is it?

Each year, we celebrate our founding with a "Founders' Day Celebration." This year was no exception. Given this milestone, I asked the community to think back to 1887 and wonder aloud with me how we have changed, and how we have remained the same. Below are some of the responses.

Things That Have Changed Since Our Founding

• The location moved from Chicago (Pilsen) to Lisle.
• Students are from many nationalities and cultures.
• New buildings have been built; old buildings have been torn down.
• The school is coeducational.
• Many new programs and degrees have been developed.
• The Academy is now across the street.
• The seminary has been closed.
• The number of lay faculty and administrators has grown dramatically.
• The student population has grown to approximately 3000.
  

Things That Have Remained The Same Since Our Founding

• The Catholic/Benedictine identity and heritage are still at the core of the institution.
• The monks, though fewer in number, are still present on campus.
• Emphasis is placed on a life "lived in balance."
• Hospitality is a guiding value.
• All students are encouraged to realize their potential.
• Students are called "by name."

While the mission and values remain the same, the populations we serve, the world in which we serve them, and the programs and structure that support this service continue to change. So is this the same institution it was 115 years ago? The answer must be yes. Change has clearly taken place, but the entity has remained fundamentally the same. Just as a person goes through incidental and incremental changes as he/she ages, so does an institution like Benedictine. It is my belief that no matter what year you left Benedictine University (St. Procopius College/Illinois Benedictine College), on your return you will find the Institution fundamentally the one you left. Faces may change, new buildings may emerge, but the defining spirit of the institution remains steadfast. In fact, it is only through change that the spirit is able to be and to realize the vision of its founders. As you read in this edition of Voices and learn of the achievements of faculty, students, staff, and alumni, ask yourself how the institution is the same as it was when you were here and how it is different. I welcome you letting me know what you are able to add to the above lists.

On this the 115th Birthday of Benedictine University (St. Procopius College/Illinois Benedictine College), I wish you, friends, alumni, students/staff, and especially, the monks of St. Procopius, Happy Birthday.