Global Collaboration and Innovation: Seton Hall at the 28th IFCU General Assembly

Last week Interim Provost Erik Lillquist J.D., and Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., attended the 28th General Assembly of the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), hosted by Universidad del Valle de Atemajac (UNIVA) in Guadalajara. This year’s assembly theme was "Catholic Universities as Choreographers of Knowledge, Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the International Federation of Catholic Universities."

They had the privilege of joining Catholic higher education leaders from around the world in a vibrant exchange of ideas centered on innovation, collaboration and the global mission of Catholic universities.

Provost Lillquist reflected on the experience, saying, “It was inspiring to be in Guadalajara, with leaders from Catholic higher education institutions from around the world, and to have the opportunity to share new innovations and approaches to sharing our mission.”

During the event, Naatus participated in the symbolic signing of the Seton Hall–UNIVA Memorandum of Understanding alongside Father Francisco Ramirez Yañez, Rector of UNIVA and incoming President of IFCU. Additional meetings included Father Joseph CC, Vice Chancellor of Christ University in Bangalore, India, as Seton Hall moves forward with an MOU with Christ University. The university also formalized an exchange agreement with Catholic University of Korea, and signed an MOU with Catholic University of Pereira, Colombia.

The gathering served as a vital platform for strengthening academic partnerships, reaffirming shared values, and envisioning the future of Catholic higher education on a global scale. Seton Hall is proud to be part of this international community committed to shaping minds, serving communities, and advancing knowledge through faith and scholarship.

Categories: Faith and Service, Nation and World