by Jonathan Bishop

For Emmanuel d’Alzon, founder of the Assumptionists, education wasn’t merely about the memorization of important facts and the earning of grades.

It was about formation:  intellectual, moral, and spiritual.

After all, d’Alzon wanted to make sure human beings understood their purpose as creatures of God.

Members of the Assumptionists and the Assumption College community again learned about d’Alzon’s educational project at this year’s Assumption Day, which was held Jan. 13.

Much of the day consisted of reflections on the summer’s Education Congress, which brought Assumptionists and lay collaborators from all over the world to Assumption College, and also general thoughts on d’Alzon and education in the 21^st century. Speakers included Fr. Dennis Gallagher, vice president for mission, Fr. Richard Lamoureux, director of formation, and Dr. Louise Carroll Keeley, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

After hearing the talks, participants, who seemed engaged by the material, reviewed a document titled “Elements of d’Alzon’s Educational Vision.” There were eight:  the overall goal, the Christian faith in an Assumption school, educating in the world today, family spirit, students at the Assumption, teachers at the Assumption, teaching at the Assumption, and an education to social responsibility.

Participants also had the chance to read a collection of d’Alzon’s writings on education.