Aug 16, 2000
DePaul Launches Vincentian Service Fellowship Program
DePaul University has established a new fellowship program that offers qualified students dedicated to the Vincentian mission of service the opportunity to pursue graduate studies in public service, education, law, computer science, commerce and other fields.
The Vincentian Community Service Fellowship Program provides recipients a full presidential scholarship to a DePaul University graduate program. Eligible students work full time in community- and church-based jobs and attend classes part time.
The first class of Vincentian Community Service Fellows has been selected by the President of DePaul, the Rev. John Minogue, C.M., and has applied for admission into various graduate programs at DePaul. They are: Cynthia Gunderson, program director, Catholic Charities; Angel Gutierrez, program director, Mother and Child Nutritional Services, Catholic Charities; Robert Haennicke, program director, Department of Family and Aged Services, Catholic Charities; Valerie Jones, assistant director, Early Childhood Programs, Catholic Charities; Melinda McFadden, director of foundation relations, Catholic Charities; Pedro Martinez, controller, Catholic Charities; Denise Middleton, case manager, senior services, St. Vincent de Paul Center; and Paul Thompson, director of contracts and compliance activities, Catholic Charities.
The fellowship program provides a vehicle through which the university can give expression to its Catholic, Vincentian and urban identity. In addition to providing graduate education opportunities, the program seeks to imbue fellows with Vincentian values and spirituality. DePaul’s Vincentian mission is rooted in the legacy of its patron, St. Vincent de Paul, the 17th century priest who dedicated his life to works of charity and justice.
“The fellows must be committed to the Vincentian mission of service to neighbors and communities in need,” said the Rev. Edward Udovic, C.M., senior executive for University Mission and director of the fellowship program. “They also must be committed to the Vincentian mission to seek justice and systematic change.”
In addition, successful candidates for the fellowship program must have earned a bachelor’s degree; have been employed for at least one year at a Chicago-area, church-based, non-profit social service agency; exhibit a high level of commitment, energy, creativity and personal initiative with regards to their work; and be able to meet the admissions criteria for their desired area of graduate study. Fellows must continue to work for three years after graduation at a Chicago-area, church-based, non-profit social service agency or school.
Fellows of DePaul’s Vincentian Community Service program also must take part in the university’s Vincentian Faith-Learning Service Community, which will gather regularly with committed leaders of the Vincentian tradition. The faith-learning circle will provide a place for students to study, reflect and pray together as they explore faith-based lives of Christian service.
Those interested in applying for future fellowships in DePaul’s Vincentian Community Service program should contact: Rev. Edward R. Udovic, C.M., senior executive for University Mission, DePaul University, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL. 60604; Phone: 312/362-8042; E-mail: eudovic@wppost.depaul.edu. For more information about DePaul’s graduate degree programs in general, visit the university’s Web site at www.depaul.edu.