Kevin Ahern, Ph.D. presented the keynote presentation, A Dialogue of Faith and Reason for a Better Future., during Founders Week.
Dominican College began its Founders Week celebration with a keynote presentation from Theological Ethicist Kevin Ahern, Ph.D. Ahern served as President of the International Movement of Catholic Students and in 2016 was elected President of the International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs.
Ahern told students that the legacy of St. Thomas Aquinas, who lived in the 13th century and was Dominican, was important to them today. “I’d encourage you to think about how you can mix faith and reason, how you can strive for justice for the common good – especially in this moment when lots of human beings are treated as sub-human,” he said.
He also encouraged the students to follow St. Thomas Aquinas’s lead by:
- Thinking of something bigger than themselves, like God or humanity.
- Having critical dialogue with people who have different opinions than they do.
- Always having hope.
Ahern presented a clear, impassioned message to the students – describing St. Thomas Aquinas as a fascinating character who is still very relevant when it comes to fighting discrimination, racism, and poverty.
Founders Week is the annual celebration of Dominican College’s heritage and the Dominican Sisters who established it. Activities include guest lectures, a preaching in action project, and the presentation of the Spirit of the Founders Award to two students.