Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 3: St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) hosted an engaging discussion on ‘Jesuit Higher Education: Perspectives from the United States’ with Dr Maura B Mast, professor of mathematics and dean Emerita at Fordham University, USA, on October 30.

The session brought together key members of the university’s leadership, including Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, Rector; Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice chancellor; Fr Vishwas SJ, finance officer; Fr Marcel SJ, director of Radio Sarang; Dr Ronal Nazareth, registrar; several Jesuit priests; and the directors and deans of the eleven Schools of the University.

The discussion began with Dr Praveen Martis welcoming Dr Mast and providing an overview of the university’s rich legacy and Jesuit heritage. Dr Mast then presented her talk, highlighting collaborative frameworks within the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) and the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU). She elaborated on themes such as faith, justice, and reconciliation, and the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm, emphasizing formation that is transformative, student-centered, and mission-driven.

The interaction that followed focused on the Jesuit principles practiced at St Aloysius, particularly through the Sahaya and Sahaudaya initiatives. Deans shared insights into the ongoing research, outreach, and community engagement efforts of their respective Schools. The dialogue also explored possibilities for international collaborations and academic partnerships to further strengthen the institution’s ecosystem.

The meeting concluded with a gesture of appreciation as Dr Mast was felicitated by the rector, vice chancellor, and other dignitaries. The session reflected the university’s commitment to global engagement and its Jesuit mission of forming individuals who serve society with competence, compassion, and conscience.