Two dudes and a bird
September 13, 2018 |
Two dudes and a bird. In his Spirit Celebration reflection on Tuesday, the college’s own Marcus Mescher opened with this unexpected phrase. My mind went to medieval iconography – while Marcus’s allusions instead branched out to include the most important video game on the planet. (Our students can explain it to you.)
Xavier’s Spirit Celebration always reminds me of the rich rhythms of the academic calendar we share with all other colleges, a bookend to Commencement in May. Its rituals link us especially to the 500-year history of Jesuit universities, and to the many dozens of Jesuit universities around the world who still open their year the same way.
This year, Marcus spoke to the campus community in a prophetic voice, reminding us that each one of us, whatever our own identities and beliefs, shares in Xavier’s calling to care for everyone, within and beyond our university community—and especially the poor and marginalized. A fitting way, I’d say, to launch the academic year.
David Mengel
