Changing The Face Of American Society

Inspired by the teachings of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and other members of the Jesuit community, Father Perter-Hans Klovenbach and Chris Lowney have become known advocates of Jesuit education. Although they hail from entirely different ends of the corporate spectrum, Klovenbach being an ordained Jesuit and Lowney, a chief executive at JP Morgan, their arguments are one in the same: human beings have the responsibility to lead, learn, and serve.

Prior to beginning his speech, Mr. Lowney prompted each audience member to think of a person in his or her life whom they considered to be a good leader or role model. Unsurprisingly, names like George W. Bush, Hilary Clinton, and Father Linnane circled the room. Yet, their was something about Lowney’s expression, a tight lipped smirk, that, while not disappointed or upset, hinted at the questions ulterior motive. And as the clamor of voices subsided, he posed one more question—Are all authority figures good leaders? His point was clear. While being in a position of authority may increase a persons visibility and make it easier for their leadership skills to be recognized, the words authority and leadership are, in no way, interchangeable. Take for example the “leaders” of the Enron Corporation who used their employees’ pension plans to fund their own personal endeavors. In what ways are they good leaders? It takes more than a just a masters degree in business administration from the Wharton School (the most prestigious business school in the nation and Donald Trump’s alma mater) or a flawless resume to be successful in the corporate world. With “today’s predominant ideology [reducing] the human world to a global jungle whose primordial law is survival of the fittest”, students are forced not only to learn school, but life (Klovenbach 33).

For nearly five hundred years, Jesuit institutions have sought to do exactly this, “educate ‘the whole person’ intellectually, professionally, morally, and spiritually” (Klovenbach 33). By fostering self-awareness, ingenuity, heroism, and love (the four qualities Lowney attributes to strong leadership) through the establishment of a well-rounded, liberal arts curriculum, Jesuit educators are inspiring their students to incorporate faith and moral justice into their everyday lives. This way, when corporate society calls for a choice between what is morally just and what benefits the company, those persons who have profited from the strong values of a Jesuit education will feel confident in their decision.

Nonetheless, believing in the importance of Jesuit ideals and values, both Lowney and Klovenbach challenge their audiences to spread these values throughout their communities via outreach programs, insertion programs, off-campus activities, and hands-on learning. In other words, they hope that by helping others, whether poor or wealthy, black or white, to invest their time and energy in learning the ways of the Jesuit community, they will create a generation of strong, honest leaders who one day will revolutionize the face of the American society.

Consequently, as students of Loyola College, a Jesuit institution, we are challenged to go beyond the classroom and inspire the community in which we live. By participating in the events sponsored by the Center for Community Service and Justice or Campus Ministry we not only reasssure our own values but help others to live accordingly.

We are the leaders of tomorrow and we will change the world.