Special Topics: Jesuits & STEM: Start Here!

www.jesuits.org

What is a Jesuit?  

The Jesuits are a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Almost since the beginning of their formation, the Jesuits have been associated with education. Today, there are 28 Jesuit institutions of higher education in the United States, comprising the Association of Jesuit Colleges & Universities (AJCU), and over 3,700 primary, secondary, and higher education Jesuit institutions worldwide.

Did you know? Holy Cross is the only AJCU institution that serves exclusively undergraduate students! 

Completing formation as a Jesuit can take 10 or more years! The process includes multiple years of advanced study of philosophy, theology and the humanities, as well as missionary and other service work.

jesuitmidwest.org

You might be surprised to hear that Jesuits have been the subject of many controversies in their 485 years -- they have been expelled from entire countries, suppressed by the Vatican (from 1773-1815) and even accused of wild conspiracies (including the assassination of U.S. presidents and even sinking the Titanic!). The history of the Jesuits is fascinating (and as this guide will explain, more scientific than you might think).

Learn More About the Jesuits: 

Jesuits & STEM: Current Issues

Opposition to ideological interference

• Presidents’ Alliance amicus brief in support of AAUP v. Rubio – signed by the Trustees of the College of the Holy Cross
   
• AAC&U/AAAS Call for Constructive Engagement – signed by Vincent D. Rougeau, 33rd President of the College of the Holy Cross
  

Commitment to DEI and Anti-Racism: 

• Association of Jesuit Colleges & Universities Mission Guidance: Characteristics of a Jesuit Higher Education v.3:

“...four important, interrelated areas for institutional reflection and planning are presented in Characteristic 3: (a) a commitment to social justice and reconciliation; (b) a commitment to anti-racism within the University and wider culture; (c) a commitment to care for our common home, the Earth; and (d) a commitment to serving the global community. It should be noted that these commitments follow logically from the UAPs, and from Catholic social thought, which orients all Jesuit works toward the creation of a more just and loving world.”

Jesuits & STEM: General Resources