Center for Catholic Education at UD

By Lindsey Bronder

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Center for Catholic Education (CCE) has been counting our blessings and giving thanks for the people and opportunities that have helped us to achieve our efforts to serve and lead Catholic education. We wanted to share some of what we are so proud of and thankful for this year.

We are thankful for…

1. We are blessed that ECHO was the leading charity in terms of fundraising  at the Tour de Gem Dayton Cycling Classic. Special thanks to those who rode and raised funds in support of ECHO including Dr. Larry Funke, Michelle Sherman, Amy Theodor, and Brent Devitt. This event and the support shown for ECHO has allowed us to grow and continue to serve in 14 Dayton area Catholic schools.

2. This school year is the 20th anniversary of the Lalanne program serving in Catholic schools. The Lalanne program has been blessed to have 190 graduates as part of the Lalanne family with 89% still serving in education. We are grateful for the past 20 years and are looking forward to continuing to form Catholic educators for another 20!

3. This past summer the CCE teamed up with the UD Department of Teacher Education, UD School of Engineering, and Chaminade Julienne High School to offer our first STEM to STEAM to STREAM workshop as professional development. The workshop was a success, and we are excited to continue the collaboration and professional development through networking sessions throughout the school year.

4. We are blessed to have Marianist PULSE volunteer Andre “Pono” Riddle from Hawaii working with us as part of ECHO. Pono’s positivity and spirit has captured the hearts of all he encounters. He has brought to our Peacemakers program the ‘Aloha’ spirit and is impacting many through the creative use of traditions. We are looking forward to seeing how Pono will continue to grow and inspire others!

5. We appreciate the opportunities we have had to work with the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). In April of 2018 we enjoyed participating in the NCEA Convention & Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio and having the opportunity to build community with other Catholic educators. CCE Director Susan Ferguson is also working with NCEA to publish a white paper on STREAM. We are thankful for these opportunities and look forward to continuing to work with NCEA!

6. We also appreciate the opportunities we have had to work with the USCCB. CCE Director Susan Ferguson has worked on the USCCB’s Committee On Catholic Education (COCE) for the past two years. She is appreciative of the opportunity to exchange ideas with sharing our work and being better informed of the bishops’ initiatives. We are thankful for the USCCB’s interest in the CCE and for helping us to be at the forefront of Catholic education!

7. Most importantly, we appreciate all of YOU! We are so grateful for everyone who has supported and been involved in helping us achieve our efforts in Catholic education. We are especially grateful for the support of UD, the Marianists, and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. 

Happy Thanksgiving!