Photo by Diane Scaiff
This February, Saint Paul University opened its doors to prospective students and other interested parties so they could learn about SPU’s unique programs.
Organizers considered the open house a success: nearly 100 people registered to visit and the final tally was even higher.
All faculties were represented. Many professors were available to talk to prospective students. Visitors, staff and students alike said the event effectively showcased the university’s offerings and its attractive qualities.
Saint Paul offers a broad education in spirituality as well as counselling at the graduate student level.
Teacher Manal Gurguis-Younger said the university’s goal was not to create proselytizers for Catholicism, but rather to help students become open to people’s spiritual needs, whatever their religion.
Among the professors at the open house was Steven Stuart, a new staff member in Social Communications. Clearly enjoying his first year at SPU, Stuart spoke enthusiastically about the program.
He said the smaller classes at SPU allowed for more questions and teaching. He felt that teaching 400 students in a class, as in other universities, was closer to performance art.
There was a connectedness about SPU, Stuart said, where students “are not scared of asking questions.”
Student Marie-Eve Talbot said she had a keen interest in human relations and spirituality. An important criterion for her in choosing to enroll at Saint Paul was the small campus.
Mohamed Kouachi, scholarship officer at Saint Paul, said university staff keep an eye out for excellent students and encourage them with advice and help, such as offering workshops on writing grant and scholarship proposals.
