the University’s most recent initiative in its evolution as a
distinctive global education leader — took center stage this year.
Named for Frederic Ozanam, a 19th-century disciple of St. Vincent,
it offers an integrated, bold and visionary four-year curriculum
for producing the next generation of Vincentians. “Ozanam Scholars
are preparing to continue the spirit of St. Vincent, becoming
outstanding citizens who go on to success as professors, doctors,
lawyers, etc. — but who retain a lifelong dedication to helping the
poor and doing pro bono work,” says Director of the Ozanam Scholars
Program Professor James Keane.
Ozanam Scholars are
recruited from a pool of qualified high school student applicants
who already carry strong service profiles. They are expected to do
four years of service on the local, national and international
levels in response to community needs. Through classroom learning,
research and subsequent field experience under a faculty member
and/or a community leader or expert, Scholars study the causes and
effects of poverty. Their charge is to identify and propose
solutions to lessen or remove these causes. The resultant research,
writings and findings will ultimately form the core of the
resources to be incorporated into St. John’s Center for Poverty
Studies — slated to become a global development research center for
internal and external use worldwide. The Center will be housed in a
renovated St. Vincent Hall that will also be the residence for the
Ozanam Scholars learning community.