Liberal Arts Fosters Tying Life’s Purpose to Life’s Work

For the fifth consecutive year, a group of students enrolled in the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts is taking time to reflect on how they choose to live their lives, now and in the future.

Nearly 20 liberal arts majors, from freshmen to graduate students, will take time to clarify their values and contemplate their lives and career paths as part of Pursuing Purpose on Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31. A particular focus will be their leadership development.

The McAnulty College has teamed with Spiritan Campus Ministry (SCM) in this initiative that asks students to reflect while at the event, which is held off-campus at the Spiritan Retreat Center in Bethel Park.

McAnulty College Dean Dr. James Swindal and Assistant Dean Jason Broadwater work with SCM’s Campus Minister Giovan Cuchapin and Director Rev. Dan Walsh, C.S.Sp., to team students with each other to give practical advice geared specifically toward liberal arts majors as they reflect on the choices that will shape their lives at and beyond work.

“This began as a project to work primarily with those of our students who volunteer for our McAnulty College recruitment initiatives,” Swindal said. “Now our aim is to expand it each year to include more students.”

The annual event makes room for fellowship, prayerful contemplation, Broadwater said, providing students an opportunity to reflect on their lives in symbolic and practical ways. “This is a uniquely Spiritan endeavor to integrate academic studies, spirituality and careers,” Swindal added. “It is enriching for not only for the students, but all involved.”