Marianist Lecture Series at Chaminade University of Honolulu
Chaminade University of Honolulu recently held its Marianist Lecture Series, titled "Timely Technology, Timeless Questions: AI and the Human Person." Our second article covers the Marianist Administrators' Conference, held October 18-20, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Marianist educators at institutions like Chaminade University, the University of Dayton, and St. Mary's University are responding to the rise of artificial intelligence by centering their approach on faith-based discernment, human dignity, and the common good. These universities are redesigning student learning experiences to cultivate critical analysis, moral reasoning, and accountability as students work around AI tools. Guided by Catholic traditions and papal teachings, this educational shift encourages students and faculty to critically evaluate AI's societal impact, ensuring that technology is used responsibly to benefit others without sacrificing independent thought, spiritual depth, or human connection.
Read more in FamilyOnline, October 2026
Marianist Administrators' Conference, 2026
Bro. Tom Wendorf, Assistant for the Office of Education, shared about the recent Marianist Administrators' Conference, titled "A Living Charism," which featured prayer, collaborative discussion sessions, and a community visit to Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, FL.
Thirty-six administrators from 15 of our sponsored schools and our three retreat centers gathered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Oct. 18-20th for the Marianist Administrators Conference.
The conference theme was A Living Charism: Spiritual Pillars of Marianist Sponsored Ministry Leaders. We opened with Sunday evening Mass; Fr. Bob Jones presided and reflected on vocation as the why in what we do, particularly apt for leaders in Marianist institutions.
Beginning on Monday morning, Dr. Steve Neiheisel, in pre-recorded videos, opened the five sessions; each video was followed by in-person presentations by administrators, table conversation, and large-group reporting. Every session began with a prayer/reflection led by one of the participating administrators and ended with time to reflect and write down insights. Being on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean provided good perspective, refreshment, and an invitation to prayer and celebration throughout the days there.
Included in the conference program was a Monday evening visit to Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School, where participants enjoyed student-led tours and a barbecue dinner in the student cafeteria hosted by Head of School Judith Mucheck. Our brothers from the Jackson Street community, Bro. Jack Ventura, Fr. Bob Bouffier, and Bro. Tom Oldenski, joined us as well-known members of the school community.
The energy shared among these Marianist leaders was constant and remarkable in every space where we gathered. These are animated and hopeful women and men, both the seasoned and the newly initiated administrators. They lead schools and retreat centers that are geographically, culturally, and socio-economically diverse, but they share a common conviction that the Marianist Charism makes a difference. Thank you to these leaders who, in often daunting times, embody and share the gift that the Holy Spirit continues to provide in the Marianist Charism.
Abundant thanks to all who helped plan and facilitate this annual mission-focused conference. Those mentioned above, as well as the following:
Pat Wheadon, who designed and facilitated the conference.
Mary Holtmann, who assisted with conference registration and logistics.
The advising team of seven administrators who, in Marianist collaborative style, provided feedback on content and help with implementation: Provost at Archbishop Moeller Christine Brookbank; Chaminade STL Principal Brett Desnoyer; Marianist Family Retreat Center Executive Director Anthony Fucci; Chaminade West Hills (HS) Principal Luis Guerra; Saint Louis School President Glenn Medeiro; Head of School at Chaminade-Madonna Judith Mucheck; and St. Vincent St. Mary President Dave Vitatoe.
Larry Keller, Erica Duarte, and DeDe Barth, who presented Office of Sponsorship updates and encouraged accountability among all leaders of sponsored schools and retreat centers.
Members of the Sponsorship Commission: Fr. George Cerniglia, Don Eggleston, Susan Ferguson, and Bill Hunt, who participated in group conversations and shared wisdom and experience among administrators during the conference.
By Bro. Tom Wendorf, SM
Notes from the Provincial, October 29, 2026