AFMIX: Assuring the Future Mission and Identity at Xavier University

AFMIX, Xavier's cornerstone mission and identity orientation, is a 2-year program for staff and faculty. Participants meet weekly for an hour and a half during the academic year to discuss readings and listen to presentations from XU colleagues on topics associated with Ignatius Loyola and the Society of Jesus, Theology, Ignatian spirituality, Jesuit education and the University.

Goal: To facilitate an increased understanding of the Jesuit identity of the University and a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in one's work and career. All staff, faculty, and administrators--of whatever religious affiliation, if any-- are invited to participate.

Fall 1 Topics: Jesuit History, Spirit, and Education

  • The Life of Ignatius
  • The Founding of the Society
  • The Spiritual Exercises
  • Pedro Arrupe and the Contemporary Society
  • Characteristics of Jesuit Education
  • Xavier University's History

Spring 1 Topics: Christian Spirituality is an Evolving Tradition

  • Theology of God
  • The Jewish Tradition
  • The Historical Jesus and the Gospels
  • Early Christian Witness and Monastic Community
  • The Development of the Apostolic Ideal
  • Contemplation in Action/Contemplation Today
  • Prophetic Action
  • Discernment

Fall 2 Topic: The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius in Everyday Life

  • small group experience of an introduction to Ignatian Spirituality

Spring 2 Topics: Ignatian Core Values in Education at XU

  • Peace and Justice
  • Heritage, Identity and Campus Design
  • The Mission and the James and Delrose Eigel Center for Community-Engaged Learning and the Community Building Institute
  • Xavier Marketing: Branding and the Jesuit Identity
  • Sustainability and the Mission
  • International Education and the Jesuit University

Participants: To date, 123 staff and faculty have "graduated" from the program. The 6th cohort began in Fall 2009.

Comments:
"I have not so much learned something, as become engaged and enthusiastic about the things I have learned. I have a deep wish to pass this experience on to others here at Xavier."

"My participation in AFMIX has helped me to be a better "me" - as an XU employee and interpersonally."

"AFMIX has provided me with a great opportunity to strengthen spiritual ties with Xavier and the XU family. The Jesuit influence has become for me a more significant basis for my daily works. AFMIX is an experience that should not be a missed opportunity."

"AFMIX has been a wonderful experience. It has awakened a new awareness in me. Everyday encounters I look at with new respect. I see the Ignatian spirit alive at Xavier and outside of Xavier. It truly has been a blessing to be part of it!"