ACJU AP Annual Meeting 2010 in
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chief Executive Officers, University Presidents, and Representatives from Jesuit Higher Education Institutions and Endeavors in East Asia and Oceania once again gathered for their Annual Meeting last 24-25 August 2010. This year, the Seven Fountains Spirituality Center Community at Chiang Mai, Thailand served as hosts.

Depth, Universality, and Learned Ministry

Inspired by the address of Fr. General Adolfo Nicolas, SJ, from the International Conference held April 2010 at Mexico City, the framework of the meeting was based on the three main challenges toward Jesuit higher education today namely Depth, Universality, and Learned Ministry. The board also discussed the possible change of name of the association and the proposed Multilateral Student Exchange Program by the Committee of International Programs.

Resolutions and Consortia

The first resolution passed for this year’s annual meeting was the change in the association’s name from the “Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities in East Asia and Oceania” to “Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities in Asia Pacific.” This decision was a way for the association to be in line with the Jesuit Conference in Asia Pacific.

The next set of resolutions was based on the main theme of the meeting starting with the approval of the “consortia” in line with the address of the Fr. General. With its approval, the Standing Committee on Research formed last year was abolished and their activities were integrated into the consortia.

The following consortia are:

• Atheism, Secularism, Fundamentalism, and Inter-Religious Dialogue headed by Sanata Dharma University.
• Faith and Culture headed by Sogang University.
• Poverty, Migration, and Inequality headed by Ateneo de Manila University.
• Environment and Climate Change headed by Sophia University.

After the discussion on the various consortia, Dr. Ma. Mercedes Rodrigo (AdMU), one of the heads of the Committee of International Programs, discussed with the board the Multilateral Student Exchange Program (MuSE) proposal, in which its implementation (in principle) was approved.

The last resolutions passed were the hosting of next year’s annual meeting by Sophia University and the approval of the financial report and budget.

Dinner and Culture

The Annual Meeting wouldn’t be complete without the final dinner. Arranged by the Seven Fountains Community, the participants were brought to the Chiang Mai Cultural Center for a feast of local Thai food accompanied by a showcase of various cultural dances.
The members of the AJCU AP would like to thank Fr. Miguel Garaizabal, S.J. (Director of the Seven Fountains Spirituality Center), Bro. Hung Nguyen, S.J. (Minister; Treasurer), and the rest of the Seven Fountains community for their warm hospitality!