Educarse en una universidad cat�lica

Monday, November 10, 2008

*Msgr. Franklyn Casale - St. Thomas University

English Spanish

A menudo quedo impresionado cuando algún estudiante que no es católico y sus
familiares, me expresan lo mucho que agradecen la educación que recibe en
nuestra institución católica. Eso siempre me hace pensar en la importancia de
que nuestros estudiantes católicos continúen su educación en una universidad
católica. También estoy consciente de que muchos patronos prestan gran
consideración a los graduados de nuestras universidades católicas porque su
visión del mundo y sus valores les distinguen de los demás.

La gente piensa que el mayor obstáculo para una educación católica es su
costo. Se sorprenderán al saber cuántas becas y ayuda económica hay disponibles
para que los estudiantes católicos puedan continuar su educación aquí, en St.
Thomas University.

Nuestra universidad proclama que se encuentra en el negocio de desarrollar
líderes para la vida. De St. Thomas se han graduado congresistas, directores
ejecutivos de compañías Fortune 500, alcaldes, jefes de la Policía, presidentes
de bancos, directores de escuela y socios de bufetes de abogados. Son excelentes
personas y conozco a muchas de ellas personalmente.

El entusiasmo sobre la universidad se encuentra en su propio crecimiento y
desarrollo, y en los programas con los que contamos. Nuestros alumnos estudian
con algunos de los mejores profesores que se puedan encontrar, quienes cuentan
con respetables credenciales y se preocupan por cada uno de sus estudiantes.
Nuestro hermoso recinto tiene el mejor equipo y nuevos edificios. Los
estudiantes de St. Thomas estudian en los programas que tenemos en España y en
las Naciones Unidas, y viajan a Haití y a muchos otros lugares que sirven como
laboratorios para su experiencia educativa. De hecho, St. Thomas University es
un laboratorio sobre la vida en las próximas décadas, con mucha gente
interesante, de tantas culturas, y con valores católicos.

Lo que más me emociona a diario es la interacción con nuestros estudiantes,
que son tan serios como divertidos. Disfruto sus preguntas profundas, su
búsqueda del conocimiento, y el hecho de que, de vez en cuando, piensan que
pueden tomarle el pelo al presidente.

Recientemente tuve una experiencia estupenda. El 22 de septiembre, el
arzobispo Favalora bendijo y dedicó nuestro nuevo edificio Carnival Cruise Lines
de Ciencia y Tecnología. La oradora invitada fue la Dra. Mae Jemison, la primera
mujer astronauta de la raza negra en viajar al espacio. ¡Qué admirable mujer! Le
acompañé en una visita privada a dicha instalación y quedó muy sorprendida por
la misma y por nuestro programa espacial.

Aquí somos una familia, una familia católica, y eso nos hace algo especial.

Mons. Franklyn Casale

Presidente de St. Thomas University

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

St. Thomas University website

Archbishop John C. Favalora
Archive and Museum website

Comments from readers

Fatima Roman - 11/11/2008 11:51 AM

As I read this article it brought me back memories about how I always thought about the cost for attending the University. My two children are currently attending St. Thomas and believe me God made it possible. My daughter receives a merit scholarships and many other awards and my son also receives a number of awards from the University since he began in 2005. He is a senior and hope to see both of my children graduate from St. Thomas. I have been very blessed with all the help I got from the faculty and staff. My children are very active in the University and they told me they feel at home when they are there. Thank you for making a difference in their education. We are Roman Catholics and my children have developed within their Catholic identity at St. Thomas University.

Lucia Mor - 11/10/2008 05:43 PM

My two children attend Barry University also a Catholic University in Miami, and I agree with you 100%. They are not a number, the teachers know them individually for who they are. The classes are small and the teachers are great. They both received more than 50% in merits scholarships, plus they were able to use their Florida Bright Futures and their own Florida Prepaid. My son received an extra ten percent discount for having a sibling in the school. He also receives an extra $4000 for being in the Honors Program. Making Catholic Private Education affordable to us. Confession is available in Campus (yes, I still remind them) and on days of obligations, there is a Mass they can go on Campus.

Fatima Roman - 11/11/2008 11:51 AM: As I read this article it brought me back memories about how I always thought about the cost for attending the University. My two children are currently attending St. Thomas and believe me God made it possible. My daughter receives a merit scholarships and many other awards and my son also receives a number of awards from the University since he began in 2005. He is a senior and hope to see both of my children graduate from St. Thomas. I have been very blessed with all the help I got from the faculty and staff. My children are very active in the University and they told me they feel at home when they are there. Thank you for making a difference in their education. We are Roman Catholics and my children have developed within their Catholic identity at St. Thomas University.

Lucia Mor - 11/10/2008 05:43 PM: My two children attend Barry University also a Catholic University in Miami, and I agree with you 100%. They are not a number, the teachers know them individually for who they are. The classes are small and the teachers are great. They both received more than 50% in merits scholarships, plus they were able to use their Florida Bright Futures and their own Florida Prepaid. My son received an extra ten percent discount for having a sibling in the school. He also receives an extra $4000 for being in the Honors Program. Making Catholic Private Education affordable to us. Confession is available in Campus (yes, I still remind them) and on days of obligations, there is a Mass they can go on Campus.