Many factors come into play when determining a school, from cost of tuition and the selection of programs to a school’s location and its academic reputation. But Catholics leaders across the state are asking prospective students one more question: how much does faith play a role?
With that in mind, the Knights of Columbus and the Archdiocese of Detroit will present the first Catholic College Night on Sept. 9 on the campus of Cleary University in Howell.
The free event is for high school seniors, who will have the chance to speak with representatives from 23 Catholic colleges across five states, allowing students to shop and compare schools, finding the best fit.
“The event is targeting Catholic juniors and seniors in southeast Michigan going to parochial and public high schools,” said Gary DeLamielleure, a Knights of Columbus council member from St. Patrick Parish in Brighton and chief organizer of the event. “We are trying to get students to recognize they don’t have to go to the big, public schools to get a degree. You can get a better education for the cost at many Catholic colleges around the area.”
In addition, the event will feature a series of discussions on financial aid, how to get scholarships and the advantages of attending a Catholic college.
Many Catholic colleges in the region, including Livonia-based Madonna University, the University of Detroit Mercy and Grand Rapids-based Aquinas College offer scholarships for students coming from a Catholic background or who complete community service hours.
“Some of the private colleges are cheaper than state schools,” said Chris Gawel, campus and young adult ministry liaison for the Archdiocese of Detroit. “Madonna has a Catholic leaders program which offers scholarships to students who come from a Catholic K-12 background, so we want to show students what is affordable.”
Gawel said Catholic colleges offer a chance to stay connected with the sacraments, which may or may not be available at public schools.
“There was a sense that after the 12th grade, we were done with students,” Gawel said. “But now colleges are realizing they need to hire ministers who relate to the age group and the demographic we are going after. If we can keep people engaged with the Church until they are 24, we will have them for life.”
Gawel said the environment of a Catholic college plays an integral part in keeping students in the Church.
“When you think of the advantages Catholic schools have over state schools, it’s more than a theology department,” Gawel said. “It’s about being surrounded by like-minded people in an environment that is accepting of faith. A place where you are not just a number and are free to live in your Catholic heritage.”
DeLamielleure isn’t sure how many students will attend the event, but he said he has received positive feedback from area high schools.
“Catholic colleges are a way for kids to extend their education in a college environment where they can learn more about their faith and what the Church does for society, using that knowledge as a testimonial,” DeLamielleure said. “Those who don’t go through a Catholic education just have a hard time realizing what being a Catholic is; it’s not a religion, it’s a lifestyle.”
Catholic College Night
What: High school juniors and seniors are invited to learn about Catholic colleges, hosted by the Knights of Columbus
Where: Cleary University, 3725 Cleary University, Howell, MI 48843
When: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 4-9 p.m.
Cost: Registration is free, but the Knights of Columbus ask participants to register to plan pizza, which will be provided. Visit www.catholiccollegenight.org to learn more and register.
