ASACCU 2020 Conference on Nourishing Students' Restless Hearts

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The vice president of mission and student affairs at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, Father Jay Fostner has served as a counselor and taught psychology and theology, earning several awards for his service. Father Jay Fostner supports the work of organizations, such as the Association of Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASACCU).

Created to honor and promote Catholic intellectual heritage, ASACCU encourages collaboration and cooperation through a diverse range of programs and events. Its annual conference serves as a valuable part of this mission.

The 2020 ASACCU Conference will take place at Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania, from July 21-24. This year's event will focus on the theme Gathering Around the Table: Nourishment for Restless Hearts. The theme involves delving into the Augustinian traditions that undergird the education offered by Villanova University, which operates under the ideas of veritas (truth), unitas (unity), and caritas (love).

The conference invites colleagues of a diverse range of backgrounds and traditions to come together for a discussion on nourishing students from a holistic perspective that recognizes individuals in their diversity. The discussion will involve a look at areas ranging from encouraging mutual respect to supporting social justice efforts.

The ACCU Annual Meeting Promotes Catholic Higher Education

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As vice president of mission and student affairs at St. Norbert College, Father Jay Fostner leverages his background in theology and psychology to oversee campus ministry, campus safety, and college traditions. Active in the professional community, Father Jay Fostner has attended the annual conferences of such organizations as the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU).

Established in 1899, the ACCU is the voice of Catholic higher education in the United States. The organization maintains various services and programs, including its signature annual meeting. This meeting is held every winter and is designed for the senior administrators and presidents of Catholic higher education institutions around the world. The event is held in Washington, DC, each year and grants attendees numerous opportunities for sharing ideas and networking with colleagues.

Leading up to the ACCU annual meeting, the organization holds several programs specifically tailored to professionals working in key positions within Catholic universities and colleges. These programs include the Mission Officers Conference, an event the provides leaders with practical tools for promoting Catholic identity; the Senior Students Affairs Offices Conference, an event designed to help student affairs professionals provide students with personal growth opportunities; and the Aspiring Presidents Conference, which is tailored for new presidents at Catholic higher education institutions.

The upcoming ACCU annual meeting is scheduled for January 31 to February 3, 2020. In 2019, the event brought in close to 500 senior leaders committed to securing the future of Catholic higher education.