John I. Jenkins
Encyclopedia
Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
, (born December 17, 1953) was elected president of the University of Notre Dame
by the Notre Dame Board of Trustees on April 30, 2004, and became the University’s 17th president on July 1, 2005. He served the previous four years as vice president and associate provost.
A Notre Dame alumnus, Father Jenkins earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy from the University in 1976 and 1978, respectively, and was ordained a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross
in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart
on campus in 1983. While earning bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in philosophy from Oxford University in 1987 and 1989, respectively, he also taught in Notre Dame’s London Undergraduate Program. He earned a master of divinity degree and licentiate in sacred theology from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley in 1988.
A member of the Notre Dame philosophy faculty since 1990 and the recipient of a Lilly Teaching Fellowship in 1991-92, Father Jenkins served as director of the Old College
program for Holy Cross seminarians from 1991 to 1993 and as religious superior of the Holy Cross priests and brothers at Notre Dame from 1997 to 2000. He is the author of numerous scholarly articles published in The Journal of Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy and Theology, and The Journal of Religious Ethics and of the book Knowledge and Faith in Thomas Aquinas.
More specifically, Father Jenkins has articulated a vision for the University that focuses on its being a pre-eminent research institution while maintaining its distinctive Catholic character and long-time excellence in undergraduate education.
During his first four years in office, Notre Dame has made significant progress toward its research goal, including selection as the lead university partner in the Midwest Institute for Nanoelectronics Discovery; the creation of Innovation Park, a tech park located adjacent to the campus; the distribution of $40 million in internal funds for five major faculty research initiatives (with another $40 million designated for five more projects); designation of the University’s Environmental Research Center in Wisconsin as a National Ecological Observatory Network by the National Science Foundation; and the construction of Stinson-Remick Hall of Engineering, a 142000 square feet (13,192.2 m²) facility housing a nanotechnology research center, the University’s new Energy Center, a semiconductor processing and device fabrication clean room, and an undergraduate interdisciplinary learning center.
Father Jenkins' leadership to date has focused on enhancing the University’s research activity while maintaining excellence in undergraduate education and serving the Catholic Church.
“Promoting truly great teaching and scholarship while preserving and enhancing our Catholic character are my top priorities as president of Notre Dame,” he said. “The University’s tradition of excellence in research and commitment to address the complex issues facing society – guided by our faith and desire to remain true to our Catholic heritage – spurs us to think, speak and act in ways that will guide, inspire and heal … not just for our students and fellow followers of the Catholic faith, but for all of our neighbors in the nation and around the world.”
Father Jenkins’ commitment to the University’s historic excellence in undergraduate education was immediately evident when he convened the first Notre Dame Forum in conjunction with his inauguration in 2005. Created to give students the opportunity to hear international experts discuss important issues of the day, the forum has focused on topics such as religion and world conflict, the global health crisis, immigration reform and sustainable energy. His tenure also has seen the dedication of the Jordan Hall of Science, a 200000 square feet (18,580.6 m²) building dedicated to undergraduate science education; the opening of two new residence halls; and a significant enhancement to the Glynn Family Honors Program for undergraduates in the Colleges of Science and Arts and Letters.
Father Jenkins repeatedly has vowed to maintain Notre Dame’s identity as a Catholic university, despite the 2009 commencement ceremony when, in the face of criticism of his invitation to President Barack Obama
to receive an honorary degree, he said: “The University of Notre Dame belongs to an academic tradition of nearly a thousand years – born of the Church’s teaching that human reason, tempered by faith, is a gift of God, a path to religious truth, and a means for seeking the common good in secular life. It is out of this duty to serve the common good that we seek to foster dialogue with all people of good will, regardless of faith, background or perspective. We will listen to all views, and always bear witness for what we believe. Insofar as we play this role, we can be what Pope John Paul II
said a Catholic university is meant to be – ‘a primary and privileged place for a fruitful dialogue between the Gospel and culture.’”
Father Jenkins has taken action to reinforce his verbal commitment to the University’s Catholic identity, including the appointment of Rev. Robert Sullivan as an associate vice president who assists Notre Dame’s colleges, schools, institutes and centers with their academic programs and initiatives that advance the University’s Catholic mission and character. Father Jenkins has led Notre Dame delegations during his presidency to the Vatican
to meet with Church officials, including a brief visit with Pope Benedict XVI; to France to celebrate the beatification of Blessed Father Basil Moreau
, C.S.C., founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the University’s founding religious community; and to Jerusalem to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the University’s Ecumenical Institute.
Most recently, Father Jenkins dedicated Geddes Hall, a 64000 square feet (5,945.8 m²) building for the Institute for Church Life, which includes the Center for Social Concerns and six other centers dedicated to teaching, research and service to the Church and society.
Many of the University’s new initiatives have been made possible by generous contributions to its “Spirit of Notre Dame” capital campaign, a $1.5 billion fund-raising effort publicly announced by Father Jenkins in May 2008. The campaign surpassed its goal in the summer of 2009 and will continue until June 2011.
Father Jenkins also has continued Notre Dame’s efforts to work collaboratively with the communities surrounding the University. Recent initiatives include the opening of Eddy Street Commons, a $200 million mix-used development adjacent to the south side of the campus; a voluntary 10-year contribution of $5.5 million to four local municipalities; and a partnership with the city of South Bend on Innovation Park.
Father Jenkins has appointed five new deans during his tenure as president: Gregory Crawford in science, Peter Kilpatrick in engineering, John McGreevy
in arts in letters, Nell Newton in the Law School, and Gregory Sterling in the Graduate School. He also appointed Jack Swarbrick
as director of athletics and has added four new vice presidents to his administration: Robert Bernhard, research; Janet Botz, public affairs and communications; Marianne Corr, general counsel; and Don Pope-Davis, associate provost.
Father Jenkins is a recent recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which is given to those showing outstanding qualities in their personal and professional lives, yet maintaining the richness of their particular heritage. Father Jenkins also holds an honorary degree from Benedictine College (2006) and was the 2009 recipient of the American Irish Historical Society’s Gold Medal. In 2010, he was elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, an association honoring leading “thinkers and doers” since the 18th century.
Congregation of Holy Cross
The Congregation of Holy Cross or Congregatio a Sancta Cruce is a Catholic congregation of priests and brothers founded in 1837 by Blessed Father Basil Anthony-Marie Moreau, CSC, in Le Mans, France....
, (born December 17, 1953) was elected president of the University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States...
by the Notre Dame Board of Trustees on April 30, 2004, and became the University’s 17th president on July 1, 2005. He served the previous four years as vice president and associate provost.
A Notre Dame alumnus, Father Jenkins earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy from the University in 1976 and 1978, respectively, and was ordained a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross
Congregation of Holy Cross
The Congregation of Holy Cross or Congregatio a Sancta Cruce is a Catholic congregation of priests and brothers founded in 1837 by Blessed Father Basil Anthony-Marie Moreau, CSC, in Le Mans, France....
in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Basilica of the Sacred Heart may refer to one of several basilicas:-France:* Basilica of the Sacred Heart, or "Basilica of the Sacré Cœur" in Paris, France-United States:* Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Indiana, at Notre Dame, Indiana...
on campus in 1983. While earning bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in philosophy from Oxford University in 1987 and 1989, respectively, he also taught in Notre Dame’s London Undergraduate Program. He earned a master of divinity degree and licentiate in sacred theology from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley in 1988.
A member of the Notre Dame philosophy faculty since 1990 and the recipient of a Lilly Teaching Fellowship in 1991-92, Father Jenkins served as director of the Old College
Old College, University of Notre Dame
Old College is the undergraduate seminary for the Indiana Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross Priests. Located on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, the program is housed in the oldest building on campus, constructed in 1843.Old College is open to any...
program for Holy Cross seminarians from 1991 to 1993 and as religious superior of the Holy Cross priests and brothers at Notre Dame from 1997 to 2000. He is the author of numerous scholarly articles published in The Journal of Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy and Theology, and The Journal of Religious Ethics and of the book Knowledge and Faith in Thomas Aquinas.
Commitment and vision
At Father Jenkins’ inauguration on September 23, 2005, he stated, “My presidency will be driven by a wholehearted commitment to uniting and integrating these two indispensable and wholly compatible strands of higher learning: academic excellence and religious faith.”More specifically, Father Jenkins has articulated a vision for the University that focuses on its being a pre-eminent research institution while maintaining its distinctive Catholic character and long-time excellence in undergraduate education.
During his first four years in office, Notre Dame has made significant progress toward its research goal, including selection as the lead university partner in the Midwest Institute for Nanoelectronics Discovery; the creation of Innovation Park, a tech park located adjacent to the campus; the distribution of $40 million in internal funds for five major faculty research initiatives (with another $40 million designated for five more projects); designation of the University’s Environmental Research Center in Wisconsin as a National Ecological Observatory Network by the National Science Foundation; and the construction of Stinson-Remick Hall of Engineering, a 142000 square feet (13,192.2 m²) facility housing a nanotechnology research center, the University’s new Energy Center, a semiconductor processing and device fabrication clean room, and an undergraduate interdisciplinary learning center.
Father Jenkins' leadership to date has focused on enhancing the University’s research activity while maintaining excellence in undergraduate education and serving the Catholic Church.
“Promoting truly great teaching and scholarship while preserving and enhancing our Catholic character are my top priorities as president of Notre Dame,” he said. “The University’s tradition of excellence in research and commitment to address the complex issues facing society – guided by our faith and desire to remain true to our Catholic heritage – spurs us to think, speak and act in ways that will guide, inspire and heal … not just for our students and fellow followers of the Catholic faith, but for all of our neighbors in the nation and around the world.”
Father Jenkins’ commitment to the University’s historic excellence in undergraduate education was immediately evident when he convened the first Notre Dame Forum in conjunction with his inauguration in 2005. Created to give students the opportunity to hear international experts discuss important issues of the day, the forum has focused on topics such as religion and world conflict, the global health crisis, immigration reform and sustainable energy. His tenure also has seen the dedication of the Jordan Hall of Science, a 200000 square feet (18,580.6 m²) building dedicated to undergraduate science education; the opening of two new residence halls; and a significant enhancement to the Glynn Family Honors Program for undergraduates in the Colleges of Science and Arts and Letters.
Father Jenkins repeatedly has vowed to maintain Notre Dame’s identity as a Catholic university, despite the 2009 commencement ceremony when, in the face of criticism of his invitation to President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
to receive an honorary degree, he said: “The University of Notre Dame belongs to an academic tradition of nearly a thousand years – born of the Church’s teaching that human reason, tempered by faith, is a gift of God, a path to religious truth, and a means for seeking the common good in secular life. It is out of this duty to serve the common good that we seek to foster dialogue with all people of good will, regardless of faith, background or perspective. We will listen to all views, and always bear witness for what we believe. Insofar as we play this role, we can be what Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II
Blessed Pope John Paul II , born Karol Józef Wojtyła , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at of age. His was the second-longest documented pontificate, which lasted ; only Pope Pius IX ...
said a Catholic university is meant to be – ‘a primary and privileged place for a fruitful dialogue between the Gospel and culture.’”
Father Jenkins has taken action to reinforce his verbal commitment to the University’s Catholic identity, including the appointment of Rev. Robert Sullivan as an associate vice president who assists Notre Dame’s colleges, schools, institutes and centers with their academic programs and initiatives that advance the University’s Catholic mission and character. Father Jenkins has led Notre Dame delegations during his presidency to the Vatican
Holy See
The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome, in which its Bishop is commonly known as the Pope. It is the preeminent episcopal see of the Catholic Church, forming the central government of the Church. As such, diplomatically, and in other spheres the Holy See acts and...
to meet with Church officials, including a brief visit with Pope Benedict XVI; to France to celebrate the beatification of Blessed Father Basil Moreau
Basil Moreau
The Blessed Father Basil Anthony Marie Patrice Moreau, CSC was the French priest who founded the Congregation of Holy Cross from which three additional congregations were founded, namely the Marianites of Holy Cross, the Sisters of the Holy Cross, and the Sisters of Holy Cross...
, C.S.C., founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the University’s founding religious community; and to Jerusalem to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the University’s Ecumenical Institute.
Most recently, Father Jenkins dedicated Geddes Hall, a 64000 square feet (5,945.8 m²) building for the Institute for Church Life, which includes the Center for Social Concerns and six other centers dedicated to teaching, research and service to the Church and society.
Many of the University’s new initiatives have been made possible by generous contributions to its “Spirit of Notre Dame” capital campaign, a $1.5 billion fund-raising effort publicly announced by Father Jenkins in May 2008. The campaign surpassed its goal in the summer of 2009 and will continue until June 2011.
Father Jenkins also has continued Notre Dame’s efforts to work collaboratively with the communities surrounding the University. Recent initiatives include the opening of Eddy Street Commons, a $200 million mix-used development adjacent to the south side of the campus; a voluntary 10-year contribution of $5.5 million to four local municipalities; and a partnership with the city of South Bend on Innovation Park.
Father Jenkins has appointed five new deans during his tenure as president: Gregory Crawford in science, Peter Kilpatrick in engineering, John McGreevy
John McGreevy
John McGreevy is an American historian. McGreevy earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and his Ph.D. from Stanford University. He has been on the Notre Dame faculty since 1997.He is the author of Catholicism and American Freedom.-Books:...
in arts in letters, Nell Newton in the Law School, and Gregory Sterling in the Graduate School. He also appointed Jack Swarbrick
Jack Swarbrick
John Bryan "Jack" Swarbrick, Jr. is the athletic director at the University of Notre Dame. His appointment was announced in July 2008, replacing Kevin White, who resigned in June 2008 to take the same position at Duke University.-Biography:...
as director of athletics and has added four new vice presidents to his administration: Robert Bernhard, research; Janet Botz, public affairs and communications; Marianne Corr, general counsel; and Don Pope-Davis, associate provost.
Honors and awards
In appreciation for his service as president during his first four years in office and their four years at Notre Dame, the undergraduate students in the Class of 2009 honored Father Jenkins as the recipient of their Senior Class Fellow award.Father Jenkins is a recent recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which is given to those showing outstanding qualities in their personal and professional lives, yet maintaining the richness of their particular heritage. Father Jenkins also holds an honorary degree from Benedictine College (2006) and was the 2009 recipient of the American Irish Historical Society’s Gold Medal. In 2010, he was elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, an association honoring leading “thinkers and doers” since the 18th century.