Saint Xavier University, Brother Rice and Mother McAuley High Schools Establish Catholic Charism Consortium
Saint Xavier University, Brother Rice High School, and Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School are proud to announce a joint initiative to enhance academic and experiential opportunities for students. Reinforcing the shared values and mission of Catholic education, leadership from the three schools are partnering to formalize cutting-edge plans designed to benefit students' personal and professional development.
The unique consortium represents a unified commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth for teenagers and young adults. By capitalizing on the strengths of each institution and sharing resources, expertise, and facilities, the consortium will deliver enriched educational programs, joint extracurricular activities, and expanded service opportunities for students and the local community.
Key Objectives of the Consortium
- Enhanced Academic Programs: Developing dual-credit courses, certificates and specialized programs to challenge and inspire students.
- Experiential Learning Opportunities: Creating collaborative projects and real-world experiences to offer career exploration opportunities and prepare students for future success.
- Community Engagement: Organizing community service initiatives and outreach programs to foster a spirit of giving and solidarity grounded in the spirit of founding sisters and brothers.
- Shared Resources: Maximizing the collective use of facilities, technology, and expertise to benefit all students within the consortium.
- Pathways to Higher Education: Establishing clear pathways for students from high school to college, offering dual-enrollment programs, early college credits, accelerated completion programs and mentorship.
This partnership is an innovative and reinvigorated return to the roots of the three institutions and the intent of the original decision by the Sisters of Mercy and Christian Brothers to collaborate, leveraging their physical proximity and shared mission to educate students for meaningful lives of service and mission.
Statement from Consortium Leadership
"We are excited to embark on this journey together, united by our Catholic charism and commitment to excellence," said Keith Elder, Ph.D., president of Saint Xavier University. "This consortium will allow us to provide students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and learning."
"Our collaboration is rooted in the rich traditions of our schools and the shared goal of nurturing well-rounded, compassionate individuals," added Mark Donahue, president of Brother Rice High School. "We will create a dynamic and supportive environment for all our students."
"We are committed to honoring the pioneering vision of the Sisters of Mercy, who established this campus as a vibrant hub of multi-level learning, collaboration and socialization," said Carey Harrington, president of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. "This partnership allows us to continue that legacy, revitalizing the vision for the future of innovative education. We are excited to strengthen our community, which has grown with us and around us, as we create a dynamic destination campus and serve students and families across Chicago and beyond."
Elevated Opportunities for High School Students
By partnering with Saint Xavier University, students at Brother Rice and Mother McAuley will have access to elevated educational opportunities, including:
- Dual-Enrollment Programs: Allowing students to take college-level courses and earn credits while still in high school.
- Early College Credits: Providing a head start on college education, reducing the time and cost to obtain a degree.
- University Mentorship: Offering guidance and support from University faculty and staff to help high school students navigate their academic and career paths.
- Exploration Opportunities: Providing students with opportunities to explore various fields and interests, fostering a deeper understanding of their future career paths.
- Enhanced Extracurricular Activities: Collaborating on extracurricular programs, including athletics, that leverage University resources and expertise.
About the Institutions
Saint Xavier University, Brother Rice High School, and Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School are esteemed Catholic institutions dedicated to providing high-quality education rooted in faith, service, and academic excellence. Each institution brings unique charism and tradition, enriching the consortium's collective mission.