Br. Gary Maciag, O.F.M., has been appointed as director of operations for renowned Franciscan Institute, effective May 1.
For the past year, Br. Gary has served as executive director of the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU) in residence at St. Bonaventure University. His academic background includes degrees in philosophy and linguistics from MIT and a degree in theater from the Catholic University of America.
Prior to his service to the AFCU, he served on the faculty of Siena College for two decades.
With a thorough understanding of faculty service and academic administration, Br. Gary will provide leadership for the Franciscan Institute in addition to his role with the AFCU. His appointment will run through the summer of 2014, when the chapter meeting of his province is held. Professional and pastoral assignments of community members are reviewed at the meeting.
Research Council to help direct Institute
Br. Gary’s work will focus on setting up financial plans and protocols for supporting major research and publication by the Franciscan Institute Press. He will be supported in this work by a Research Council for the Institute. This council will fulfill a function of highest importance to the future of the Franciscan Institute.
The scholars who make up the Council will have a direct impact on the selection of future projects, the healthy functioning of the publications arm, and the integration of an international network of Franciscan scholars in the ongoing work done at the Institute.
The University is in the process of inviting leading Franciscan scholars to serve on the Research Council.
“Br. Gary’s leadership and organizational experience coupled with the Research Council’s subject matter and publishing expertise will position the Franciscan Institute to continue to advance the Franciscan intellectual tradition in ways that have not previously been possible,” said Dr. Michael Fischer, provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Curriculum revision underway
The School of Franciscan Studies suspended new academic year (fall and spring) admissions to the master of arts program in Franciscan Studies two years ago due to low enrollments.
“As we look to new audiences and alternative modes of delivery, we continue to be committed to providing widening circles of individuals with the opportunity to study the tradition and explore its implications for contemporary life and ministry in a globalized and complex world,” said faculty member and dean Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D.
The ongoing curriculum revision process is focused on the development and provision of for-credit, continuing education, and professional enrichment programming through its robust summer program on the St. Bonaventure University campus and alternative delivery systems. The 2013 School of Franciscan Studies Summer Program will run from June 24 to July 26, with one-, two-, and three-week classes.
New courses offered for the summer 2013 program are: A Theology of Presence and Ministry in the Franciscan Tradition, with instructor Amanda Quantz, Ph.D; and Retrieving a Franciscan Philosophy of Social Engagement, with instructor Keith Warner, O.F.M.
A complete course listing and additional information about the School of Franciscan Studies 2013 Summer Program is available at www.sbu.edu/SFS13.
Plans for the 2014 Summer Program will be released in July.
Contact:
Br. Gary Maciag
Director of Operations
Franciscan Institute
Email: gmaciag@sbu.edu