The seven faculty involved produced thoughtful essays exploring ways to integrate Catholic and Dominican influences into college life. She goes on to spotlight two particular challenges facing Catholic universities like Siena Heights. Ecclesiae 's call for reflection on knowledge in the light of faith. I suspect it is on our ability to take on the challenge of exploring such a relationship that our remaining a Catholic university hinges. There is support among both Catholic and non-Catholic faculty for trying to strengthen Siena's Catholic identity.
Opinions vary, of course, on how to do it.
Nadine Foley, OP '45, professor of religious studies and former interim president, suggests expanding campus ministry from a staff of one to a team, including an ordained priest. The discussion of when, where, how and how much Siena Heights should express its Catholic identity will not end soon, nor should it. This is, perhaps, the fundamental dialog which distinguishes this Catholic and Dominican college. In the end, the university's identity is the identity of its people. It has just altered it to fit the world around us.