INSTITUTE OF SPANISH STUDIES (AULA de ESTUDIOS HISPANICOS)
 
Our newest member of ICUSTA, Universidad Católica De Avila, announces a special summer program offering at the Institute of Hispanic Studies at the Universidad Católica de Avila from July 6-31, 2009.  One of the unique characteristics of this program is a course "Introduction to Spanish Mysticism."  This course will be offered in Spanish and English and is based on the selected writings of Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross.  The program also includes cultural and historic tours in Avila, Alba de Tormes, Fontiveros, Madrid, Salamanca, Segovia and to a number of Carmelite sites in the areas.  Interested:  Contact Prof. Maria Stella Ceplecha at informacion@estudioshispanicosucav.es  or by telephone at 34. 608.058.422 or in USA at 1.512.699.3200

Thomas Aquinas College president killed in Ireland accident

By Jean Cowden Moore (Contact)
Originally published 04:13 p.m., April 15, 2009
Updated 04:55 p.m., April 15, 2009

Thomas Dillon, the president of Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, died today in a car accident in Ireland.

Dillon, president of the Catholic college for 18 years, was attending a conference for the International Council of Universities of St. Thomas Aquinas in Limerick, college spokeswoman Anne Forsyth said.

“He was just a really fine man,” Forsyth said. “It’s hard to think of the world without him. It’s certainly hard to think of the college without him.”

The college learned of Dillon’s death this morning from an Irish police officer, Forsyth said. Dillon’s wife, Terri, was slightly injured in the accident. Further details were not immediately available.

Today is the last day of spring break, but students already on campus were told the news at a gathering in the chapel this afternoon, Forsyth said.

Dillon oversaw extensive growth at the college, including a chapel that was dedicated March 7. Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, modeled on a 13th-century Florentine cathedral, was designed to be the physical and spiritual center of the campus.

“I’m glad he lived to see the completion of that chapel, because it was such a dear project to him,” said Thomas Curry, bishop for the pastoral region that includes Ventura County.

Dillon also oversaw the construction of eight other buildings, including a library, during his tenure.

“He had an eye for detail,” said John Blewett, a friend and a former college vice president for finance and administration. “He was good about suggestions for architecture.”

In addition, Dillon raised nearly $100 million while he was president — money that went to financial aid and construction, Forsyth said.

Before he was named president, Dillon served as associate dean of student affairs and then dean, Blewett said.
At the college, Dillon also taught classes in philosophy and literature. And he loved playing basketball.

“He played in the same games with the students,” Blewett said. “He just retired recently because he had a leg injury.”

In addition to his wife, Dillon is survived by four children and their spouses, Thomas and his wife, Elizabeth, of Massachusetts; Christine Ellis and her husband, Thomas, of Fillmore; Maria Forte and her husband, Domiane, of Santa Paula; and Daniel of Santa Paula; and 15 grandchildren.
Services are pending.

UST Houston mourns the tragic loss of Dr. Gustavo Wensjoe
 
Beloved friend, colleague and professor Dr. Gustavo Wensjoe, Director of the UST Center for International Studies, died tragically in a traffic accident along with his 9 month-old son, Julian and their nanny Jacko on Thursday March 19 in Santa Clara, Peru.  Dr. Wensjoe's wife, Joanne Houck, survived the accident and is hospitalized recovering.  Dr. Wensjoe was a strong supporter of ICUSTA and over the years he has met many faculty and administrative leaders among the 25 institutions who belong to ICUSTA.  The University will conduct a prayer service in remembrance of Dr. Gustavo Wensjoe and his son Julian at 1 p.m. on Thursday March 26.  We ask our colleagues in ICUSTA from around the world to keep them and their families in your prayers and to continue to pray for Joanne's recovery.  A memorial service will  be planned at a later date.
 
ICUSTA 9th Biennial Conference
 
ICUSTA held its 9th Biennial General Assembly in Limereic, Ireland at Mary Immaculate College April 16-19, 2009.  Thirty or so delegates from around the world attended the four day conference.  Delegates heard challenging presentations from its two guest speakers, Archbishiop Michael Miller, Vancouver, Canada, and Bishiop Donal Murray, Limerick, Ireland.  Both spoke on the challenges facing Catholic Higher Education in today's global world and the responsibilities that Catholic Educators faced as a result.  Copies of both presentations are available, contact mcfadden@stthom.edu  requesting a copy. 
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