CBU Faculty and Staff Gather for Community Convocation to Launch New Academic Year! Update (8/15/25)
Christian Brothers University faculty and staff came together this week for the annual Community Convocation, marking the official start of the academic year with a spirit of connection, reflection, and commitment to CBU’s Lasallian mission.
Opening the program, Joel Kelley, CBU’s Director of Campus Ministry and Mission, set the tone for a year of purposeful service, encouraging the campus community to “do good work but remain humble when doing so.” Interim President Brother Chris likened CBU’s journey to riding Space Mountain, where the track ahead is often hidden, the twists and turns sudden, and the next drop hard to predict. Yet, he said, CBU is “blessed that so many are willing to ride this roller coaster” because of their dedication to the mission and to “the children God has entrusted to us.”
The convocation also celebrated CBU’s faculty and staff, recognizing new hires and presenting Employee Service Awards, honoring the contributions of long-serving faculty and staff. Click to see the list of Employee Service awardees.
Jack Hargett, Interim VP of Academic Affairs, and Beth Gerl, VP of Student Affairs, shared highlights from the past year and priorities for the months ahead, including the graduation of the first cohort from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Student Life reported that nearly 300 students participated in summer events, residence life occupancy is holding at nearly 70%, and provided updates on the in-progress redesign of The Buc and Bookstore space, along with the development of a new dining concept. Interim Athletics Director Ricky Jackson also shared a few remarks about the year ahead, thanking the coaches for their strong energy and dedication, and encouraging the campus community to come out and support CBU athletics.
Fundraising Efforts
VP of Advancement and Alumni Ryan Flickinger announced a record $18.4 million raised, including new funding for innovative scholarships that provide full tuition for first-generation and high-achieving students. He also highlighted the launch of two new giving societies, the President’s Club and the 1871 Society, which are designed to attract new donors with recurring gifts. Flickinger noted CBU’s recent success in placing 98% of 2024 graduates in jobs or graduate school within 6 to 12 months, far exceeding the national average of approximately 65%, and building the case for how CBU delivers on its mission to offer a quality education and pathways to promising careers.
While CBU’s enrollment trends reflect national challenges, University leaders remain optimistic, noting strong indications that SACSCOC will remove CBU from probation this December.
Partnership Update
Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer Ron Brandon reported that the exploratory process with Lewis University continues, with the mission for partnership unchanged, but the timeline for a definitive agreement extended.
The two institutions are finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding to launch shared services that are expected to reduce costs and enhance service quality. Leadership teams and governing boards from both universities are also developing a five-year plan and financial pro forma to define partnership priorities, funding requirements, and updated governance models. Later this semester, CBU plans to convene academic leadership to review existing programs and explore opportunities for new offerings.
Upcoming Admissions Seminar
Lewis University’s Vice President of Enrollment Management, Ashley Skidmore, plans to host an admissions seminar for CBU faculty and staff. An invitation with details on how to participate is forthcoming.
Throughout the convocation, one message resonated above all: CBU’s greatest strength lies in the faculty, staff, and supporters dedicated to guiding students on their academic and life journeys.
Click here to review the presentation: CBU Community Convocation August 12, 2025
