(Symphony Orchestra)
>> LISA PORTES: Please be seated.
(Voices of DePaul)
>> MALE SPEAKER: I applied to DePaul but
I didn't think I was going to get in.
>> MALE SPEAKER: I wanted to live in the city.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: I wanted to get out of the suburbs.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: I wanted the go to America.
>> MALE SPEAKER: I heard about a support for Veterans.
>> MALE SPEAKER: It's where my father went.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: My daughter was taking classes so I thought
I would give it a try.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: I didn't know about the mission.
>> MALE SPEAKER: I came here for the dorms.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: The city.
>> ALL: The opportunities.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: But then my friend --
>> MALE SPEAKER: My professor --
>> MALE SPEAKER: And my RA --
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: Asked the question --
>> ALL: What must be done?
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: The question Saint Vincent asked.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: It made me think.
>> MALE SPEAKER: I didn't know college would make me think.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: I stopped to look around --
>> MALE SPEAKER: At this city I had come to --
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: At the world around me --
>> ALL: What must be done?
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: It wasn't why I'd come here --
>> MALE SPEAKER: But I think that's why I stayed.
>> BAMSHAD MOBASHER: Your Eminence, Dr. Esteban, Father
Holtschneider, Father Richardson, members of the Board
of Trustees, Life Trustees, Members of the Corporation,
Vincentian Fathers and Brothers, faculty, staff, students,
administration, alumni and friends of DePaul, good
afternoon and welcome.
I am Bamshad Mobasher, Professor of Computer Science and
President of DePaul University's Faculty Council.
I will be serving as the University Marshal for this
afternoon's celebration: The inauguration of Dr. A.
Gabriel Esteban as the twelfth president of the university.
(Applause)
Now please welcome our host for these proceedings,
Lisa Portes, Professor and Head of Directing at The Theatre
School. (Applause)
>> LISA PORTES: Hello and good afternoon.
To begin our celebration, the DePaul Symphony Orchestra
conducted by the School of Music's Cliff Colnot will
present a special medley arranged for the occasion by
Mr. Colnot that honors DePaul's international connections and
the many ways diversity defines and strengthens us.
(Symphony Orchestra)
(Applause)
>> LISA PORTES: Please rise and welcome His Eminence Cardinal
Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago who will offer
the invocation.
>> CARDINAL BLASE CUPICH: The Kingdom of Heaven is like a
mustard seed which the sower took and sowed in his field.
It is the smallest of all the seeds yet when it is fully grown
it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree so
that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.
We give thanks and praise to you oh Lord for revealing your
presence and action in the world as we witness the growth of the
seed planted by St. Vincent DePaul four centuries ago and
which now is the vigorous tree of Vincentian works for the
poor, for the immigrant, for those thirsting for education
and eager to be of service.
This day, that great tree sprouts new life.
As DePaul University welcomes a new leader, Dr. Gabriel Esteban,
he takes up his task as one who has learned the ways of a
pilgrim, always walking with others, patient of each other's
pace, respectful of their needs, humble enough to ask for
directions and hopeful enough to keep moving forward no matter
the bends in the road or the unevenness of the path.
These are all graces he has received and which he values
even more than the impressive record of professional learning
and experience that he has achieved.
So we ask you Lord this day to grace this new growth as you did
the first planting.
Bless the students whose personal sacrifices for a
quality education are matched by dedicated and committed faculty,
administration and benefactors.
Bless the congregation of the mission who keep alive the
inspiration of their founder so that this diverse community of
gifted students may always appreciate that their education
should benefit not only themselves but their community,
city, nation and yes the world.
Bless the poor on this world day of the poor on which Pope
Francis reminds us that we must do more than meet their needs
but make encountering them and sharing life with them a way of
life for love has no alibi.
Bless Dr. Gabriel Esteban and his dear wife Josephine and
their family with your constant health and the love and support
of the DePaul family who welcome a new leader this day as a
fellow pilgrim who is humble and hopeful, patient, preserving,
gifted in grace.
The Kingdom of God is like the planting of the smallest seed
that grows into a mighty tree and today we praise you Lord for
once again revealing to us that the Kingdom of God is in
our midst.
We make this prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.
Please be seated.
(Voices of DePaul)
>> MALE SPEAKER: What must be done?
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: St. Vincent asked.
>> MALE SPEAKER: But then I heard the harder question.
>> MALE SPEAKER: What must I do?
>> MALE SPEAKER: When I was a freshman I took a discover
Chicago class.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: We had immersion week before the school
year started.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: We met every day, all day.
>> MALE SPEAKER: For a week.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: Our classes traveled all over the city.
>> MALE SPEAKER: Museums.
>> MALE SPEAKER: Parks.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: Historical sites.
>> MALE SPEAKER: Neighborhoods I'd never heard of.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: I got really comfortable getting around
the city.
>> MALE SPEAKER: The CTA.
>> MALE SPEAKER: I learned how to use my U-pass.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: After immersion week all the discover
classes had New Student Service Day.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: There were hundreds of us gathered in
the gym.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: And then we all spread out.
>> MALE SPEAKER: On the 'L', on the buses, we spread out all
over Chicago.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: And we went to our site.
It was just our class and then we split up into groups.
There were three of us.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: We painted a wall.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: It didn't seem like much.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: But then that afternoon they posted a picture
of the wall on Facebook excited to welcome their clients to
their new lobby and that's when I realized that service didn't
mean doing big things.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: It meant doing what we could.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: What each one of us could do.
>> MALE SPEAKER: My classes at DePaul made me think beyond
myself, beyond my experience of the world.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: My program placed me in an internship with
Refugee One where I got to help new refugees prepare to enter
the American workforce.
>> MALE SPEAKER: I volunteered with The Mission Continues
working with other Veterans to support our communities.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: Tuesday nights I tutor for patients at
Lurie Children's Hospital, just three stops from the Lincoln
Park campus on the Red Line.
>> MALE SPEAKER: I volunteer at the Cities Mentor Project where
I help my mentee succeed in school and in life.
>> MALE SPEAKER: I didn't realize how passionate I was
about education until after my first service immersion trip.
I spent a week helping underserved classrooms in
Mississippi in December and in Kentucky during spring break.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: My experience at DePaul helped me understand
how to answer what must I do with what I can do.
>> LISA PORTES: At this time I am pleased to introduce James T.
Ryan, Chair of DePaul University's Board of Trustees.
(Applause)
>> JAMES RYAN: Good afternoon.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and all that is DePaul
University, greetings.
Thank you for gathering in witness of this transition
of leadership.
In its 120-year history, DePaul University has benefited from
the dedicated and visionary leadership of its 11 presidents.
Each presided over changes that have made today's DePaul an
exemplar of the promise of Catholic higher education in the
United States.
Beautiful new facilities, staff dedicated to student success,
abundant use of the latest technologies and pedagogies and
a superb faculty.
Our curriculum includes innovative programs never
dreamed of even in the last decade which confirms that
DePaul welcomes change.
We should be mindful however that our obligation is not to
this moment.
Rather our thoughts must be focused on the larger vision of
the unique Catholic, Vincentian and urban mission that we are
dedicated to perpetuate.
Open, inclusive, and diverse.
DePaul University shall remain faithful to providing access and
attainment to a quality education that benefits not only
the students who receive it but the entire community, nation
and world.
We appreciate you joining us at this inauguration and welcome
your participation in support of our new president Dr. A.
Gabriel Esteban as he forges new strategies that will chart
DePaul's future as a Catholic University in the tradition of
St. Vincent.
(Applause)
(Voices of DePaul)
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: In high school they make college
sound intimidating.
>> MALE SPEAKER: Terrifying.
>> MALE SPEAKER: Impossible.
>> MALE SPEAKER: Lonely.
>> MALE SPEAKER: I learned so many possible ways that I
could fail.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: But what must I do?
>> ALL: To succeed.
>> MALE SPEAKER: Your homework.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: My father told me.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: Your homework.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: My daughter reminded me.
>> MALE SPEAKER: But at DePaul I found that when I needed help I
could ask St. Vincent's next question.
>> MALE SPEAKER: What must you do?
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: And someone would answer.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: I think that I will have to tear a strip off
of my diploma and share it with all the fellows at the
Writing Center.
>> MALE SPEAKER: The job I got at the library kept me
from starving.
>> MALE SPEAKER: My group counseling sessions help me
figure out how to manage my stress and get my homework done.
>> MALE SPEAKER: When I left the military, I did not feel
prepared to successfully transition to student or
civilian life.
I was having personal problems and I dropped out of DePaul.
The faculty stayed in touch with me and connected me with the
Department of Adult Veteran and Commuter Student Affairs.
When I became homeless they helped me find a place to live.
Then I was able to return to school.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: After my father was laid off I was so
nervous to talk to Financial Aid but they found a way for me to
stay in school until I could graduate.
>> MALE SPEAKER: Dr. Pando in Physics encouraged me to get
involved with the Society for the Advancement of
Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science.
That's SACNAS.
He convinced me that I could make a contribution.
I eventually became the president of SACNAS and helped
establish the first Women of STEM Program.
The SACNAS Executive Board used to be ninety percent male.
Now half of the Board are women.
I am proud to have helped that happen.
I didn't come from a great neighborhood and there weren't
very many people around that actually thought I could
accomplish anything.
But I was curious about the world and that's why I
love science.
I lived with my grandfather at the time and he believed in me
but he passed away when I was 15 and I moved in with a cousin.
I had to work to pay for rent and bills and when I was 20 I
was working three jobs just to make ends meet.
On Christmas Eve, on my way home from work I was hit by a car.
I was in the hospital for four months just laid up.
When I got out I thought more must be possible from life so I
earned a certificate in polysomnography and I worked
full-time at a sleep clinic and went to community college.
When I was almost done with community college I started
applying to four year programs, four year universities, and I
emailed all the Chairs of the Physics Programs and I asked
them questions about their opportunities and
their programs.
Dr. Pando from DePaul was the only professor who responded to
me personally.
Dr. Pando is the reason why I'm going to DePaul, why I'm doing
research, why I'm applying to get my PhD program.
What you do at DePaul, that's what must be done.
>> LISA PORTES: Four hundred years ago St. Vincent DePaul
founded the Congregation of the Mission in France to follow the
example of Jesus Christ in honoring human dignity and in
serving urgent human needs, especially for people who are
poor and marginalized.
The Vincentians carried this mission across the ocean 200
years ago and quickly focused their efforts on providing
educational opportunities.
Today the Vincentians longstanding commitment to
higher education continues as an equalizer and an engine for
social change in three remarkable American
universities; DePaul and St. John's and Niagara
Universities in New York.
Please welcome the Reverend James J.
Maher of the Congregation of the Mission, President of Niagara
University and a member of DePaul's Board of Trustees who
will share a message on behalf of our Vincentian sister
institutions in the United States.
(Applause)
>> REVEREND JAMES MAHER: Thank you.
I begin by thanking you for the honor and the privilege of
addressing this assembly on this most special day.
I am joined by the President of St. John's University Dr. Bobby
Gempesaw and together we share what it is along now with
Dr. Esteban to be a president of a Catholic and a
Vincentian University.
At the heart of the celebration of today is the recognition of
the gift of DePaul University.
The wonders of our students, our faculty, our administration, our
staff, our trustees and our alumni who offer such exemplary
teaching, research, service and resources to the city of
Chicago, to the state of Illinois, to our country and
our world.
My reflections today begin with the fundamental insight of
Vincentian Confrere Father Andre Dodin, scholar and Vincentian.
He offers three fundamental insights into the life of
St. Vincent DePaul.
First, life expands through action.
As St. Vincent would say in his conferences to the Confreres
action is our entire task.
Second, life and action receive their depth through
truth and faith.
Third, a life lived in faith must grow and adapt.
In my experience, Dodin's words ring true not only in the works
of St. Vincent but in his way, which was shaped by action,
faith, seeking truth and adaptability.
As you well know Gabriel, your presidency will be challenged in
ways that are foreseen and those that remain unforeseen.
Remember the way of St. Vincent and put all things in
God's providence.
These are incredibly challenging times for our nation and for
higher education.
Yet in these times we often look to people who have walked the
path of challenge.
I offer the role model of Blessed Fredrick Ozanam of 19th
century France.
He entered the way of St. Vincent as a student.
He encountered the divine service of Sister Rosalie Rendu
who regarded the poor and the marginalized as her masters
and lords.
As her pupil, he learned that lesson well, growing into the
way of St. Vincent as a community activist, an advocate
for the poor, as an intellectual with a passionate love of
literature and as a lawyer who believed in justice.
He straddled the world of the church, the monarchy,
intellectual life, activism.
For all of these worlds he was never fully welcomed in any of
them to make his home yet he pursued truth, beauty, faith,
justice and love.
In his life Ozanam never gave in to simplistic formulations of
ideology and division.
Seeking always to be a person who embodied and created unity,
bringing people together, reminding them of their
common humanity.
In the days ahead, look to Fredrick Ozanam who found unity
within his own interior life and offered the balm of unity as a
healer and a reconciler.
As presidents, we must continually ask how do we bring
people together, calling them and challenging them to seek
unity as Blessed Fredrick did.
Finally, look to the spirituality of
St. Vincent DePaul.
As the author Bernard Pujo writes, St. Vincent left us
neither a learned treatise nor a body of doctrine, only the
little volume of his Rule, a brief synthesis of
his spirituality.
St. Vincent was content to lay out a road, to clear the paths,
inviting his followers to continue the charitable works
which he had begun.
He opened the doors of the Catholic Church, teaching clergy
to work and to learn from laity.
Among the first who dared to value the contribution of women
and life and ministry, he was an initiator of his assistance to
abandoned children, to prisoners, to victims of
catastrophe, to refugees and house bound invalids.
He was a precursor, showing the way which is still followed
today by institutions and governmental departments of
Social Services.
St. Vincent taught us the ultimate lesson that true
charity does not consist only of distributing alms but of helping
the abject to regain their dignity and their independence.
Gabriel, make this the corner of your spirituality as president
and may God bless you with many happy and fulfilling years as
president of this wonderful institution we call DePaul
University. God bless you.
(Applause)
(Ensemble)
(Applause)
(Voices of DePaul)
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: I think that your dreams are not just your
own dreams but dreams collectively of the people who
support you so for me it was not only my dream but also my
parent's dream to see me go to a world class college.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: This is what I dreamed for my daughter to go
to a great school, receive a top-notch education, have strong
values and care about people.
I delayed my dreams for her but DePaul has provided the
opportunity for both of us to pursue our dreams.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: And the dreams of my professors, my
peers, of the donors who provided me with scholarships.
Their dreams made my dreams possible.
>> ALL: What must we do?
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: When my grandfather went to DePaul, most
of the students here were first and second generation.
Most of them were the first in their families to go to college.
Most of them were from the south side and west side of Chicago
and from the region.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: Most of them were Polish American, Irish
American and Italian American.
>> MALE SPEAKER: Lots of my friends today are also the first
in their families to go to college.
>> MALE SPEAKER: But now they're Honduran American.
They're Mexican American.
They're Arab American.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: They're from the south side and from the west
side and from all over the world.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: Walking around the campus you see people
who don't look like you, who don't talk like you, who don't
believe the same things that you believe and that's a great thing
because you're able to grow as a person.
>> MALE SPEAKER: When you get inside the classroom you get to
hear different ideas from different backgrounds and that
helps me expand my understanding of whatever it is
we're talking about.
>> MALE SPEAKER: DePaul changed me.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: My degree, just icing on the cake.
>> MALE SPEAKER: DePaul lives out its mission of helping
others and that's something I'm really trying to incorporate in
my life.
>> MALE SPEAKER: When I finished my degree in health education I
want to be an advocate for all Veterans but in particular for
Latino Veterans who are underserved and
under-represented in the VA System.
>> MALE SPEAKER: I'm hoping that one day I'll be able to be a
math teacher but I'm starting to realize that you don't need a
classroom to begin teaching.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: About three quarters of the students that go
to DePaul are not Catholic.
They're different but they're the same.
I'm learning about the world from my experiences here.
>> MALE SPEAKER: I always tell my friends I'm a Vincentian Jew.
That may sound kind of funny but I think that St. Vincent DePaul
is someone I really look up to.
The way he put himself to the service of others.
He really helped those living on the margins and advocated for
people who don't have the resources.
>> MALE SPEAKER: I think DePaul is all about asking questions.
>> MALE SPEAKER: And answering questions.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: After nearly 120 years.
>> MALE SPEAKER: Under 12 presidents.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: DePaul University has always offered
opportunities to students.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: Has always answered, "We'll help you."
>> MALE SPEAKER: Has always answered, "We'll transform you."
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: Has always answered new challenges with
brave ideas.
>> MALE SPEAKER: That's why the university must continue to
respond to St. Vincent's question.
>> FEMALE SPEAKER: What must be done?
(Ensemble)
(Applause)
>> LISA PORTES: Many thanks to our program's many talented
performers: The DePaul Symphony Orchestra conducted by Cliff
Colnot; DePaul student vocalists Emily Margevich, Madeline
Ehlinger, Sebastian Armendariz and Ryan Wolfe with guest
harpist Michael Maganuco; and the actors and actresses who
brought our student's and alumni's stories to life.
You have our deepest gratitude.
(Applause)
Now will Mr. James T. Ryan, Chair of the Board of Trustees
please come forward for the investiture.
>> JAMES RYAN: In DePaul University's 119-year history,
eleven extraordinary Vincentians have led the
university as president.
The person in this role bears responsibility for making both
pragmatic and visionary decisions that keep our doors
open, keep us focused on serving our students according to the
mission we consider to be a sacred trust.
Each president in his own way and in his own time led DePaul
in fidelity to the noble mission of St. Vincent DePaul.
We are grateful for the continuing influence and on
campus presence of the Reverend John T.
Richardson, the ninth President and our Chancellor Emeritus, who
led DePaul from 1981 to 1993.
(Applause)
And we are joined today by our immediate
past-President and current Chancellor, the Reverend Dennis
H. Holtschneider, who promoted academic innovation, spurred
campus development and championed access to education
during his 13 years of leadership.
(Applause)
The Voices of DePaul that we heard throughout our
program represent the dynamic young men and women at the very
heart of this university, our DePaul students and alumni.
Their stories reflect the journeys that students begin the
moment they arrive on campus that transform and occur while
they are here and the Vincentian mission that they internalize
and carry into this world.
They represent a modern day legacy at St. Vincent DePaul
that will continue under Dr. Esteban's leadership.
We invite Father Holtschneider to join Bamshad Mobasher,
President of the Faculty Council, Charles Snelling,
President of Staff Council, Michael Lynch, President of the
Student Government Association and Nicole Guiffra-McQuaid, a
2011 graduate of the School for New Learning and member of the
Alumni Board in representing the DePaul community in the
inauguration of our new president.
In seeking a new president for DePaul University, the Board of
Trustees aided by representatives of our
university constituencies conducted an extensive
nationwide search determined to find the best person.
From among many strong candidates, Dr. A.
Gabriel Esteban clearly rose to the top.
A proven collaborative leader, his outstanding academic,
administrative and strategic planning experience gave the
trustees confidence that DePaul's future would be secure
in his hands.
Dr. Esteban clearly demonstrates a depth of understanding of and
sincere dedication to DePaul's mission.
As Chair of the Board of Trustees, I certify that on
February 6, 2017, the Board of Trustees unanimously elected
Dr. A. Gabriel Esteban to succeed the Reverend Dennis H.
Holtschneider of the Congregation of the Mission as
the twelfth president of DePaul University.
Dr. Esteban, would you please join us.
(Applause)
Dr. Esteban, there is little about today's world
that St. Vincent would recognize.
Much has changed even since St. Vincent's College, the
precursor to DePaul opened its doors in 1898 and even since
DePaul has welcomed a new president.
Our students are coming in tumultuous and difficult times.
Our faculty and staff hold a great responsibility in guiding
them through it.
Our alumni who carry St. Vincent's legacy are
watching to see how DePaul works within its mission to meet the
world's evolving needs.
Though the Congregation of the Mission was formed 400 years
ago, its faith, values and mission remain necessary in
today's world.
As we navigate these complex times, let our mission be
a beacon.
In the tradition of St. Vincent, let the mission show you and
show us the way of wisdom.
Mr. Snelling and Mr. Lynch, would you please present
Dr. Esteban with the mission statement of DePaul University.
Our mission statement embodies the principal purpose of
DePaul University.
As such, it unites the past, present and future.
It inspires plans and influences major decisions and it bonds
faculty, students, staff, alumni and trustees as an
academic community.
Dr. Esteban, DePaul's mission is entrusted in your hands.
Father Holtschneider, Dr. Mobasher and
Ms. Guiffra-McQuaid, please present Dr. Esteban with the
chain of office.
The presidential chain of office symbolizes the authority
conferred by the Board of Trustees upon the president as
chief executive officer of the university.
By virtue of his office, the president is entrusted with the
responsibility of promoting the mission and values that underlie
DePaul University's service to its students.
The chain of office supports a medallion with the
university seal.
The wording on the seal, the university's motto, reads "Viam
Sapientiae Monstrabo Tibi." Taken from the Book of Proverbs,
the translation reads, "I will show you the way of wisdom."
The seal is suspended from a chain with links containing the
heraldic symbols of each of the university's ten colleges
and schools.
Dr. Esteban, St. Vincent also said: "In the end, what God
expects from us in living our mission is simply our good will
and our best efforts." We are confident we can expect this
from you.
Trust that you can expect the same from us.
It is my great honor to present to you the twelfth President of
DePaul University, Dr. A. Gabriel Esteban.
(Applause)
>> DR. A. GABRIEL ESTEBAN: Good afternoon.
I would like to acknowledge His Eminence, Cardinal Blase Cupich;
Chair of the Board, Jim Ryan; Members of the Board and the
Corporation; the Reverend Ray Van Dorpe; our Vincentian
community and other members of the clergy.
To our distinguished guests, including my fellow Vincentian
presidents, the Reverend James Maher of Niagara University and
Bobby Gempesaw of St. John's University.
Now two of the three Vincentian presidents are from
the Philippines.
Colleagues and representatives from higher education
institutions across the country including my previous
institution, Seton Hall University, you honor DePaul by
your presence.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and
thank my predecessors who are here this afternoon, Chancellor
Emeritus the Reverend John D.
Richardson and Chancellor the Reverend Dennis Holtschneider.
My late father, a lifetime academic, used to say, "Bricks
and mortar do not make great universities but rather the
people who inhabit them." As DePaul University's twelfth
President, I hope to live up to the high bar you set.
Your tenures at DePaul were marked by a firm commitment to
our mission, academic excellence, strategic growth and
significant investments in our infrastructure.
To our family and in-laws who came from all around the country
and the Philippines, thank you.
To both our moms who live in the Philippines and could not
travel, thank you.
To our favorite and only child, Ysabella, and son-in-law
Matthew, thank you for taking time out of your busy lives as
medical residents to join us.
To my wife of 32 years and best friend for 38, Jo, when we
started our journey over 8,400 miles away, I know neither of us
could even dare to dream this day could happen.
We have been blessed in more ways than we can thank the Lord.
Over the past few months, I have had the privilege and
opportunity to meet business, civic, education and religious
leaders throughout Chicago.
Invariably I am asked two questions.
First, Cubs or White Sox?
And the second question, why DePaul?
To the first question I just smile.
To the second I smile and simply say it was and is the Catholic
Vincentian mission.
During my interview, I recall meeting with groups of faculty,
staff, students, trustees and the search committee.
I was struck by the consistency with which they described the
mission of DePaul and what it meant to them.
I remember asking the search consultant if everyone was being
coached to say the same thing.
So what is the mission of DePaul?
St. Vincent DePaul wrote that, "We must love our neighbor as
being made in the image of God and as an object of His love."
DePaul University as a Vincentian higher education
institution makes a conscious choice to love and serve our
neighbors, the poor, marginalized, first generation
and immigrant communities.
We choose to serve them because we know we can make a difference
in the trajectory of their lives.
We choose to serve them because we know that society is better
off if we can provide the opportunities for our students
to succeed.
We choose to serve these communities because we simply
believe it must be done.
This is what it means to be a Catholic university.
This commitment to our mission manifests itself in our
community in a number of different and meaningful ways.
As an example, this past spring, 85 percent of our students voted
to increase their student fees.
Why? To provide scholarships for undocumented students.
When I heard this, I remember telling Jo two things.
The first was how often do we hear of students voting to
increase their fees to help their peers?
The second was, we are going to the right place.
However, this should not come as a surprise because our students
provide hundreds of thousands of service hours to Chicago, area
charities and nonprofits.
This drive to serve others and commitment to acts of charity
towards others is one of our great strengths.
Our efforts to serve these communities have resulted in
countless success stories over the years.
It is consistent with the charge given by St. John Paul II to the
Vincentians in 1986 when he asked the Vincentians to "search
out more than ever with boldness, humility and skill the
causes of poverty and encourage short and long term solutions,
acceptable and effective concrete solutions.
By doing so, you will work for the credibility of the gospel
and the Church." Take recent graduate Stephanie Berryhill for
example, a native of Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood.
Stephanie attended Chicago public schools.
She was the first in her family to graduate high school
and college.
Service work was a very important part of her DePaul
experience and she volunteered in Englewood High School.
She remembers all the students in the classroom had their heads
on their desks.
When she asked why, the teacher told her that even though they
were seniors in high school, they couldn't read.
She approached the students after class and asked what they
wanted to do after high school.
She asked, "do you want to go to college?"
One student said, "No, people like us can't go to college."
Stephanie had grown up in a similar situation and told them
if I can do it, you can do it.
Stephanie's experiences led her toward a career dedicated to
helping and teaching others.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from
DePaul and was the student speaker at her
commencement ceremony.
Today, Stephanie teaches in the Hiawatha Elementary School
in Berwyn.
The success of our students comes as no surprise to us.
DePaul enrolls more lower-income students than 92 percent of all
colleges and universities in this country.
We not only graduate our Pell-eligible students at a rate
that is 17 percentage points higher than the national average
but it's also ten percentage points higher than the
graduation rate of all students.
When our students graduate, about 93 percent find a job
within six months.
Our alumni lead Fortune 500 corporations throughout
the country.
They include political leaders, civic leaders, jurists,
educators, artists, clergy and athletes.
During their time at DePaul they also fell in love with Chicago.
In fact, more than 116,000 of our alumni call Chicgoland home.
Jo and I have yet to go to an event where we did not meet
multiple individuals with ties to DePaul.
Our young alumni are also successful in ways that make a
difference to society.
Every year the MacArthur Foundation awards the so-called
Genius Awards.
These are given to 30 to 40 outstanding individuals in
select fields.
DePaul is one of the few institutions in the world that
can count two alumni who received Genius Awards in the
last five years.
DePaul alumni excel not only professionally, they also
continue to live the Vincentian mission well after graduation.
Sue Lee is an example.
Sue attended DePaul's College of Law to prepare for a second
career in public interest law.
Her first career was in the ministry, both working in a
local church and later at a Christian college.
However, she wanted to be more involved.
She enrolled at DePaul and was immediately drawn to the Center
for Public Interest Law.
In-between classes and assignments, she volunteered for
a number of public interest legal organizations. Why?
In her words, "So many people, even after they've served their
time in prison or completed their community service and
after their case is closed are still suffering the consequences
of having a criminal record.
And after many years somehow an employer lawfully or unlawfully
gets a hold of one's record and that person may face barriers to
employment, housing or public benefits.
It's all affected, and certain people are unable to move on in
their lives and I feel that this is an injustice." Upon
graduation, Sue began a two-year fellowship as a full-time staff
lawyer for Cabrini Green Legal Aid, determined and excited to
bring justice to those in need.
As an industry, however, higher education and DePaul is not
without its challenges.
The great recession along with the decline in state and federal
support of higher education exposed the financial frailty of
our sister institutions that enroll some of the most
underserved populations in this country.
Tuition assistance programs such as the Monetary Assistance
Program, known as MAP in Illinois, and Pell can
significantly affect the ability of our underserved populations
to access a high quality education.
The younger population in the Midwest including Illinois is
also shrinking.
This shift in demographics will result in a projected 19 percent
decline in the number of high school graduates in Illinois
alone over the next two decades.
In addition, some leaders have questioned the value of not only
a strong liberal arts education but also any type of education
that does not lead to a positive return on investment.
Families have begun to ask, "Is it worth it?"
These factors have resulted in the mergers or closures of some
of our sister institutions.
Should this concern us?
Is society better served by the closure of the smaller or maybe
even some mid-sized institutions?
After all, is this not just the market taking care of
inefficient players?
I beg to disagree.
We are part of a larger and somewhat hierarchical ecosystem
comprised of highly selective to open-access higher education
institutions, large and small, rural and urban, public and
private universities and colleges serving unique and
sometimes niche populations.
DePaul University fills one such niche.
We serve students who want and need access to nationally ranked
academic programs taught by distinguished faculty who bring
real-world experience to the classroom.
We serve students who want an education that will prepare them
not only for successful and fulfilling careers but also for
a lifetime of service to the common good.
We serve students who believe in a life well-lived means seeking
out justice and charity for our most vulnerable brothers
and sisters.
While I am well aware of the challenges that lie ahead, I
know DePaul will continue to thrive and prevail for the next
120 years and beyond.
Our faculty are innovators and they continue to develop new
academic programs to meet changing needs.
In fact, 25 percent of our students are pursuing degrees in
programs developed over the last ten years.
I know DePaul will continue to flourish because of our
partnerships with the Chicago business and
nonprofit communities.
Our unique partnership for example with Cinespace allows
our film students to work on actual soundstages alongside
professionals producing top rated shows like Chicago Fire,
Chicago Med, Chicago PD and Empire.
For some reason there's Chicago in all of these.
Our collaboration with 1871, Chicago's prestigious
entrepreneurial technology hub gives our students, faculty
members and alumni access to tools that are vital to
launching a business including mentoring and legal support.
I believe in DePaul because our faculty and staff are committed
to providing excellent academic opportunities not otherwise
available to the students we serve.
As a result, our academic programs continue to garner
national attention, from video game design to acting to
entrepreneurship, DePaul's programs are routinely ranked
among the top 25 in the country.
Beyond rankings, the commitment of DePaul's faculty and staff is
visible every single day at DePaul.
You see it in the faculty member who helps students get an
interview for a prestigious internship, or when a staff
member collects gift cards for students who cannot afford food
or basic necessities.
In the few short months that we have been part of the DePaul
community, we have been impressed and energized by the
dedication of our faculty and staff and their commitment to
our mission.
This was demonstrated in last week's annual 25 Year
Club luncheon.
The luncheon celebrates faculty and staff who have worked at
DePaul for 25 years and this year we inducted 38 new members
into the club, the largest group of faculty and staff in
our history.
DePaul's faculty and staff are the bedrock of our institution.
Today's ceremony may center on the president but a university
does not.
I am but one of the many asked to serve and I am honored and
humbled by your faith in me.
The faculty and staff are the true heart and soul of DePaul.
As we develop a shared vision for our future, our Catholic
Vincentian mission will serve as our guiding principle.
We will set forth a bold vision for what could be.
We will set goals that appear to be beyond our reach.
In the words of the late John F. Kennedy, "We choose to go to the
moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they
are easy, but because they are hard."
To which I add, we will set lofty goals because we are
DePaul and it must be done.
Together, we will make strategic investments that provide the
access and tools our students need to succeed.
Together, we will continue to strengthen our many nationally
ranked programs and identify new ones for the future.
Together, we will bring new partners and friends who will
support our mission and the dreams of our students.
Their dreams are big, as they should be.
Jo and I feel blessed to work alongside you in the
years ahead.
Thank you for your love of DePaul.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve this
extraordinary institution.
Finally, I would like to thank all those who made
today possible.
We are DePaul. Thank you.
(Applause)
>> LISA PORTES: Thank you, Dr. Esteban.
Please stand for the benediction delivered by the very Reverend
Raymond Van Dorpe, Provincial Superior of the Congregation of
the Mission Western Province.
>> REVEREND RAYMOND VAN DORPE: Let us unite our hearts in
prayer and entrust to the hands of the Lord this community that
is DePaul University.
May God bless our new President Dr. Gabriel Esteban with the
grace to make wise choices and be an inspired leader following
the Catholic Vincentian and urban mission that is at the
root of DePaul University.
May God bless the faculty and staff of this institution of
higher learning as they teach students to have a discomfort
with easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships.
May the faculty and staff live deep within their hearts the
mission that builds DePaul University.
May God bless the trustees, alumni and benefactors of DePaul
University with a growing love and commitment to this school
they have chosen to embrace, that their devoted service will
protect and promote the mission that is the legacy and the
future of DePaul University.
And above all, may God bless the students of DePaul University,
bless them with a righteous anger at injustice, oppression
and the exploitation of people so that they will work for
justice, equality and peace.
May God bless them with the foolishness to think that they
can make a difference in the world so that they will do the
things which others tell them cannot be done.
May their youthful energy and integrity be a gift to DePaul
University and to the whole world.
And may the spirit of our good and gracious God watch over and
bless this community of good and generous people that is
DePaul University.
This prayer of blessing we affirm with one voice. Amen.
>> LISA PORTES: Please sit.
Thank you for joining us this evening.
Everyone is invited to the reception following immediately
upstairs at the Lakeview Terrace.
As you leave the ballroom, look for staff to guide the way.
Please be seated, I guess you are seated, and remain seated
for the academic recessional.
Again, thank you and good night.
(Applause) (Symphony Orchestra)
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