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How to be a Catholic university serving society and the business community

Lille Catholic University in France is an example of a Catholic university that has served society and the business community for more than a century, but has managed to preserve its values and its autonomy. During the President’s Forum held on January 22-24, 2009 at the Ateneo de Manila University, Professor Jean-Philippe Ammeux, director of IESEG School of Management at Lille Catholic University, shared how.

Lille University, founded in 1875, is France’s largest private university. It is a multidisciplinary university, with 20 colleges and institutes teaching more than 20,300 fulltime students. According to Prof. Ammeux, the University is committed to education, research and service to society. It aims to provide real support to help students define and build up their personal and professional future.

Furthermore, the University’s mission focuses on the following: European integration and global responsibility; contributing to the social and economic development of the community; becoming a mainspring of economic development at the regional level; and becoming a venue for debate and search for meaning, with respect for cultural diversity.

When the Catholic Church and the local Christian managers created the University in 1875, they were motivated to educate their children, to coach their employees and to train teachers.

Moving hand in hand with the University is the business community, which supports Lille in the fields of governance, pedagogy/ internships, applied research/ consulting, continuing education and funding.

In turn, Lille contributes to the growth of the business community in the areas of ethics and social responsibility. The University takes care of alumni, serves as a place for reflection in the form of conferences and debates, and encourages entrepreneurship.

Audiences at the President’s Forum learned from Lille University’s experience. The academe can indeed co-exist with corporate partners, while preserving the University’s values and autonomy. Although some private sponsors tend to think that they have the right to control the University, Lille University keeps in mind the reasons why academic freedom, autonomy and independence should be preserved—Because Lille University was created with a specific mission and because the University is a place for debate and generating knowledge.

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