Lewis University

Exploring the life and mission of St. John Baptist de La Salle through visits to historically significant sites that shaped his legacy was what Lewis University students on a Social Justice Pilgrimage focused on during their January 1-14 travel study program in France. The pilgrimage, led by Venus Wozniak, associate director of mission and ministry, and Dr. Jennifer Buss, professor of education, began in Paris, where students visited Saint-Sulpice Church, the site of St. John Baptist de La Salle's seminary formation. Then, they traveled to Reims, De La Salle's birthplace, including Reims Cathedral, where he carried out his early ministry. Their journey concluded in Parmenie, a significant retreat site De la Salle visited during a difficult period, and ultimately decided to continue his mission. The students who participated in the program included Ariana Barajas, Maria Esparza, Gabriella Filipponi, Sofia Haro, Augusta Harris-Patel, Karen Hernandez, Joseph Holly, Adam Ligenza, Sofia Ramos, Ramiro Regalado, Jisela Rosas, Olivia Sawickis, Gabriel Spears, Ayleen Waldrop, and Micah West. St. John Baptist de La Salle was a French priest and the founder of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Renowned for his revolutionary commitment to accessible education, he was later named the patron saint of teachers. His educational mission centered on empowering students and providing quality education. It continues today through Lasallian schools serving communities in more than 80 countries worldwide. Lewis University is one of those, as it is sponsored by the Christian Brothers of the Midwest. Lewis University is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, Lewis is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.

"This is a fun way to complete some general education courses and have a new adventure," Alexis Anderson, an Air Traffic Control Lewis University student, reflected about a recent Italy Travel Study Trip. Anderson was among the 10 students who took part in the January Term trip: Alexander Cruz, Gustave Gareth, Brianna Hall, Keira Johnson, Ethan Klug, Megan McPherson, Johary Montano, Donovan Marsh Pierce, and Tom Saji. In addition to meeting a few core curriculum requirements, the experience jump-started a life of travel for most of the students. Saji, a Computer Science student, mentioned that the journey accomplished something he'd been eager to do. "I wanted to explore Rome and learn more about its culture." The group visited several historical landmarks, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence and Michelangelo's iconic sculpture David. Their path was navigated by Steve Nawara, chair of Political Science, and Dennis H. Cremin, chair of History. For more information about travel study, contact Christopher Swanson, director of Study Abroad swansoch@lewisu.edu. Lewis University is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, Lewis is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.

In the first two weeks of February, the Spring 2024 Lewis University Rome Program at Lasallian Universities Center for Education students visited several historic and artistic landmarks in Italy and Malta. LUCE offers full-semester programs for Lasallian students from around the world. Its programs are designed to develop specifically Lasallian international study abroad experiences and to enrich the sense of belonging in the worldwide Lasallian community. Contact Chris Swanson at swansoch@lewisu.edu for more information on the Rome Program at LUCE.

For the second year in a row, Lasallian Universities Center for Education in Rome, Italy has a record enrollment of Lewis University students living and studying in Rome. Twenty-four students from 14 majors and four colleges are participating in the LUCE Rome Program for the Spring 2024 semester. LUCE offers full-semester programs for Lasallian students from around the world. Its programs are designed to develop specifically Lasallian international study abroad experiences and to enrich the sense of belonging in the worldwide Lasallian community. Contact Chris Swanson at swansoch@lewisu.edu for more information on the Rome Program at LUCE.

For the Spring 2023 Semester, the Lasallian Universities Center for Education in Rome, Italy will serve a record 22 college students; the most students since the program began five years ago. Most students are from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois while three students are from Manhattan College in Riverdale, New York. LUCE offers full-semester programs for Lasallian students from around the world. Its programs are designed to develop specifically Lasallian international study abroad experiences and to enrich the sense of belonging in the worldwide Lasallian community. For more information on the Rome Program at LUCE, please contact Chris Swanson at swansoch@lewisu.edu.