VII. Institutional Resources

In 1996, Seton Hall University announced a strategic plan that included as its first goal an increased awareness of our identity as a Catholic university with a unique call and corresponding mission. We are currently completing our sesquicentennial plan and once again our Catholic identity remains our primary goal - the one from which all other actions must flow. We will soon announce a comprehensive, capital campaign, and our funding priority is the creation of an endowment to protect and nurture this goal. This endowment will include scholarships, endowed chairs, and facility renovation.

As evidence of our commitment to the creation of a Center for Vocation and Servant Leadership, the University has authorized the expenditure of one million dollars in funding over the next four years. In addition, in-kind expenses include facilities, administrative support, event planning, town meetings, seminars, technology support for several initiatives, communication plans, and public relations. These expenses are not reflected in the budget.

The University is fortunate to have the resources of a college seminary, as well as two graduate seminaries. We have a graduate program in lay ministry, as well as a nationally acclaimed graduate degree in non-profit management housed in our Center for Public Service. The Center conducts research and publishes a journal on relevant issues pertaining to non-profit service. The University is also home to the Judaeo-Christian Institute. This is the oldest such institute in the country, and in addition to scholarly research, the institute sponsors a graduate degree through the College of Arts and Sciences.

Our Center for Catholic Studies was founded as one of the initiatives in our 1996 Strategic Plan. Directed by Monsignor Richard Liddy, the Center sponsors the prestigious Chesterton Institute, as well as an undergraduate minor in Catholic Studies, and many faculty development initiatives.

In 2001 the President, Monsignor Robert Sheeran, appointed Reverend Paul Holmes as the first vice president for Mission and Ministry. Reporting directly to the president, this position will have the Cabinet-level leadership responsibility for The Center for Vocation and Servant Leadership and insure that it has the institutional support it needs to meet its goals.

VIII. Institutional Support

The Center for Vocation and Servant Leadership, along with the programs and initiatives outlined in this proposal, are a logical outgrowth of many of the programs and services currently offered at the University.

Since 1856 when the University was founded by Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley to serve as a 'home for the mind, heart and spirit,' the focus has been on the development of the vocational calling in each student. From her earliest days, Seton Hall has served as a fertile ground for the fostering of religious vocation. There have always been special programs for young men interested in the priesthood, and that commitment remains evident today by the more than 40 priests of the Archdiocese of Newark who live and minister at Seton Hall. Over the past five decades, more than 1000 alumni have become ordained ministers, and countless more have responded to the vocation of Religious life as vowed men and women. Through its academic and lay leadership programs, the School of Theology has educated and formed hundreds of lay women and men for ecclesial ministry. The Priest Community at Seton Hall is eager to support each of the programs and initiatives in this proposal. Our priests not only teach in the classrooms and serve as Campus Ministers and administrators, but many of them also chose to live in the student residence halls as living witnesses of their commitment.

Over the past six months, over 55 administrators and faculty have met on a regular basis to discuss, pray, and work on initiatives that build on our existing strengths, as well as chart new and creative responses to the challenge of fostering dialogue on the theological dimensions of vocation. Participants from all divisions of the University took an active role in this planning process. The Board of Regents and the Executive Cabinet have pledged their support of this project by approving the funding needed to supplement the budget requested from the Lilly Foundation.

Our own students recently responded to a national survey reported in the Princeton Review indicating that Seton Hall is a place that 'takes religion seriously.' Clearly the role of vocation is an integral part of taking one's religion seriously.

IX. Plan for Continuation Beyond Grant Period

University Support

• Commitment from Board of Regents to provide operating support to The Center for Vocation and Servant Leadership on an annual basis
• Capital Campaign - seek both short-term and endowment funding gifts for The Center for Vocation and Servant Leadership (possible naming opportunity) or designate a percentage of the Capital Campaign funds raised to be earmarked for the work of The Center for Vocation and Servant Leadership
• Annual Appeal - allow donors to specify a donation to The Center for Vocation and Servant Leadership
• Planned Giving - promote to donors the ability to designate all or a portion of their planned gift to fund The Center for Vocation and Servant Leadership
• Create an annual special event - the proceeds of which goes to support The Center for Vocation and Servant Leadership
• Get students and alumni involved in fundraising for The Center for Vocation and Servant Leadership

External Funding

• Seek operations, program and endowment support from corporate, foundation and government source