Defining the Jesuit University: A Tradition of Intellectual Rigor and Holistic Formation

A Jesuit university is more than just a place of learning; it's a community of scholars dedicated to a rigorous, methodical approach to education. Rooted in a longstanding tradition that emphasizes the liberal arts and a core curriculum, a Jesuit university strives to form individuals who are intellectually competent, morally grounded, and committed to serving others. This approach reflects the experience of St. Ignatius of Loyola and his companions at the University of Paris.

The Essence of a Jesuit University

To understand what defines a Jesuit university, it's important to clarify what it is not. It's not merely a parish, a seminary, or a social service agency. Instead, it is an academic institution where teaching, research, community service, debate, inquiry, and learning converge. As John Henry Cardinal Newman wrote, “Great minds need elbow room…." A Jesuit university seeks to inform and form students so as to transform society. It doesn't merely transmit the past but fosters a spirit of intellectual inquiry.

The Foundational Principles

Several core principles define the character and mission of a Jesuit university:

Finding God in All Things: This principle, central to Ignatian spirituality, encourages students to discover God's presence in the world, in other people, and in everyday moments. It's about noticing and experiencing God’s active love in other people, in the world around us and in everyday moments. Each time we find God in this way, we have the chance to deepen our knowledge of, relationship with and responsiveness to God.
Cura Personalis (Care for the Whole Person): Recognizing that every person is a unique gift from God, with their own talents, strengths, and needs. Cura personalis means “care for the whole person” or, more accurately, “care that is personal” in Latin. Each of us is made in God’s image and inherently worthy of dignity. We are all meant to live fully, freely and authentically. This involves supporting each individual's intellectual, physical, artistic, social, psychological, moral, and spiritual well-being.
Reflection and Discernment: Jesuit education emphasizes the importance of slowing down, paying attention, and looking inward to strengthen the ability to "find God in all things." By making time each day to reflect, through practices like the Ignatian Examen, we strengthen our ability to “find God in all things” and to notice God’s presence in our lives and hearts. As we grow in this awareness, we become better able to recognize and follow God’s unique invitations for each of us.
Magis (More): This principle challenges students to seek what leads to the greatest good, to make choices that help them grow more fully and contribute to something bigger than themselves. The Latin phrase Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, meaning “For the Greater Glory of God,” is the motto of the Society of Jesus and captures the spirit of magis. It reminds us to live with purpose and aim for what matters most.
For and With Others: Jesuit education calls students to look beyond themselves and build genuine relationships with individuals and communities who are poor or marginalized. These connections help us understand our shared humanity and develop a sense of solidarity that inspires us to use our talents, time and energy to work toward a world that better reflects God’s vision for all people and the earth we share.
Faith That Does Justice: This principle emphasizes that faith is not just what we believe, but how we live. It means putting love into action, working alongside God and with others to seek the common good and help create a more just world.

The Liberal Arts Tradition

Undergraduate education focusing on the liberal arts is at the heart of Jesuit colleges and universities. The liberal arts by definition help people become more liberal, more human, more free. And thus be more able to recognize their gifts and use them for the good of others. To be a Jesuit university is to be part of a longstanding educational tradition stressing a rigorous, methodical approach to education, one based on the liberal arts and a core curriculum, reflecting the experience of St. Ignatius of Loyola and his companions at the University of Paris. Ignatius praised the approach at Paris and soon sketched out a prescriptive curriculum, a core.

The Role of St. Ignatius of Loyola

St. Ignatius of Loyola, born Íñigo López de Loyola in 1491, was a Spanish Basque Catholic priest and theologian. He is best known as the founder of the Society of Jesus in 1540, also known as the Jesuits, it is the largest religious order within the Catholic Church. St. Ignatius underwent a profound spiritual conversion after being wounded in battle in 1521. During his recovery, he experienced a deep spiritual awakening and dedicated his life to serving God.

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St. Ignatius left a great legacy. He founded the Society of Jesus, the “Jesuits,” in 1540 together with six companions, and he became their first Superior General. Under his leadership, Jesuits started schools so they could form the next generation’s thoughtful and ethical leaders. St. Ignatius also wrote the Spiritual Exercises, a renowned set of Christian meditations and contemplations designed to aid discernment and deepen one’s relationship with God.

The Jesuits became known for their missionary zeal, intellectual rigor, and commitment to education, establishing numerous schools, colleges, and universities worldwide. St. Ignatius of Loyola was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, and his feast day is celebrated on July 31st.

Jesuit Education: Formation, Not Just Development

Jesuit education also means caring for the individual and urging students to develop competence in a particular discipline, to consider God’s call to them, and to share their gifts with others. It is about student formation, not just student development. It is intentional, but not coercive or indoctrinating.

Engagement with the World

Being a Jesuit and Catholic university requires that we always be involved in the life of the community, nation, and world around us. Jesuit schools should strive to combine intellectual excellence and character formation. Ignatius wanted graduates of Jesuit schools to be a leaven for good, and he committed the Society of Jesus to education by the early 1550s because he concluded that schools were apostolic endeavors and means of promoting the greater good.

Jesuit vs. Catholic Colleges

While all Jesuit colleges are Catholic, not all Catholic colleges are Jesuit. Jesuit colleges fall under a larger category of Catholic colleges. These institutions were established by the Society of Jesus, an order of Catholic priests established by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century. The Society of Jesus emphasizes education as a means to cultivate moral and intellectual leadership, hence their long history in higher education.

Both Catholic and Jesuit colleges promote the integration of faith and reason, which is essentially the belief in the compatibility of faith and scientific or philosophical inquiry. However, the Jesuit approach to education is grounded in a philosophy called Ignatian Pedagogy, which emphasizes holistic education. Ignatian Pedagogy seeks to develop students who are reflective thinkers and who strive to promote social justice, in line with the mission of the Society of Jesus.

In terms of campus life, while both types of colleges offer spaces for worship and religious activities, there might be a stronger emphasis on social justice and service learning in Jesuit colleges, following the Jesuit principle of "men and women for others." Many Jesuit schools, for example, require or encourage students to participate in community outreach or service projects.

On the other hand, Catholic (non-Jesuit) colleges can be associated with different orders or communities within the Catholic Church, each of which have their own spiritual traditions and emphasis. For instance, colleges founded by the Benedictine order may focus more on community and stewardship, while Franciscan colleges may emphasize simplicity and care for the poor and marginalized.

Both types of institutions, however, are guided by the principles of the Catholic faith and often provide many opportunities for students to explore their spiritual life, whether through worship, religious studies, retreats, service, or dialogue.

Diversity and Inclusion

Jesuit colleges and universities welcome students of all faiths and those with no religious affiliation. While rooted in the Catholic tradition, Jesuit education also emphasizes open dialogue and mutual respect. In fact, respect for others is foundational to Jesuit values. Jesuit education doesn’t just allow for religious diversity; it sees engagement with other beliefs as essential to forming ethical, compassionate and globally aware individuals.

The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU)

Creighton University is one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities that comprise the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU)-with 27 institutions within the United States and one in Belize. These institutions range from major research universities to comprehensive universities; from smaller colleges and universities that combine the liberal arts and professional studies to one strictly liberal arts college.

The International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU)

Creighton University is a member of the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU), a global network of Jesuit institutions committed to academic excellence, collaboration, and the Jesuit mission of justice and service. Through this affiliation, Creighton connects with a network of 177 Jesuit colleges and universities across five continents.

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