St. Peter Canisius Medal

In addition, Dr. Tuchman is the Founding Dean of the first Jesuit School of Environmental Sustainability. Her passion for environmental stewardship along with her depth of scientific knowledge of biological systems and ecology translated into a powerful network of serious environmental science basic and applied research. But Professor Tuchman moves well beyond the laboratory or even the classroom; in fact, she endeavors to integrate her research with the theological underpinnings required to mitigate the impacts of climate change with alacrity and sense of purpose.

Besides launching the “Healing Earth” textbook, Professor Schuck has been THE force behind promotion of the “Laudato Si” University movement, working closely with and for the Decastery for Integral Human Development. Currently, he shepherds a committee representing close to 100 Catholic institutions. Dr. Schuck has brought his passion for heeding and implementing “Laudato Si” to Jesuit Education globally. By carefully explaining the relationship between Pope Francis’s ideals and commitment to preserving our environment and its impact on the poor and the powerless, he has been a champion of Jesuit higher education’s shift toward ecological justice.

Both of these scholars have exemplified the Society of Jesus’s preference for care for our common home. They are powerful examples of "contemplatives in action" for our students, as well as "women and men for and with others." “Their work is cutting-edge, collaborative, engaging, timely, and even prayerful.”

He is best known for his work in plant biology having authored 40 books, edited 20 science journals and written or co-authored over 800 research papers. And has submitted more than 400 gene sequences to the GENBANK. He is a member of the National Academy of Agricultural Science in India and is a fellow of the Royal Entomological Society of England. Stanford University’s science faculty list him in the top 1% of influential scientists. The Government of Tamil Nudu, where his work has positively impacted agricultural productivity, awarded him Tamil Nudu “Scientist for Life” in the year 2000.

Fr. Ignacimuthu’s work has had enormous positive impact on the ability of farmers to manage crop disease in ways that are natural and sustainable. He has guided over 50 dissertations and assisted in another 50, inspiring many students in the sciences to pursue careers that will lead to the betterment of the health and well-being of their fellow citizens. Two of his books, “Environmental Spirituality”and “Praying with Creation”combine his keen knowledge of science with his deep faith and respect for nature, promoting the Pope’s encyclical, “Laudato Si,” and the Society’s Preference to Care for our Common Home.

He also serves on numerous boards including the Society of Jesus’ Dar el-Machreq Publishing House, the Administrative Committee of the Bible Society for Lebanon and Syria, the Management Council of Jesuit Schools in the Bekaa Valley(5 schools), and as Director of the Lebanese Association of Friendship and Islamic-Christian Dialogue. He serves on the board of the International Association of Universities (IAU)and is Editor of the cultural magazine al-Arab centenary al Machriq, and finally President of GLADIC, the Lebanese Group for friendship and Christian Islamic dialogue.

Fr. Decacche became the rector of Saint Joseph’s in August 2012 and is President of the Board of directors of USJ Hospital “Hôtel-Dieu de France. The Beirut explosion damaged 5 campuses of the University: Immediately following this, he launched a humanitarian mission to help the woundedas well as insure that the University Hospital’s emergency room could recover from the blast and assist victims in critical condition. His efforts went further, helping with the rehabilitation of damaged houses, supplying hygienic kits and medicine, as well asmental health care for the many victims. Fr. Decache and his team committed to reconstruct campus infrastructure, the most recently restored being the famous Oriental Library. USJ has been ranked 15th place as “Workplace of the Year”by T-H-E and is named among theworld’s universities with real impact in Crisis Management by the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI)”.

St. Joseph threw open its doors after the explosion. He received students from the Lebanese public universities enabling them to complete their studies with no charges. Fr. Decacche has created several scholarship programs and has worked with JRS to make higher education possible for Syrian refugees and another for disabled persons. USJ is ranked first for Quality Education in Lebanon. A most pressing concern at the moment is a dangerous “Brain drain” at the university, which has already lost 20% of its faculties. To halt the exodus, he has launching a recovery action plan to insure the future of the institution.

Fr. Decacche is well-recognized and well-respected in Lebanon and abroad. Recently, he was unanimously elected President of the Universities Association of Lebanon and received The National Order of the Legion of Honor from the French Republicfor his commitment to Higher Education.

With his dedicated team of deans and senior administrators, Fr. Decacche, hopes to continue meeting the needs of students whose futures would otherwise be bleak had it not been for the generosity of S. Joseph’ university.

The collaborative work between Jesuits and lay people, based on respect, ethics, professionalism and shared values has allowed the UCA to adapt to the times, transcend its walls and remain for these 60 years as the leading university in Nicaragua. Out of a deep commitment to humanism, UCA serves those most in need, granting scholarships annually to more than 5,000 low-income students.

UCA has strengthened its internationalization strategy by signing agreements with leading institutions such as Seattle University, Fairfield University and Boston College in the USA and the Borja Institute of Bioethics and ESADE Business School, Spain, among others. Based on this collaborative work, UCA carries out its activities from a global and visionary perspective, which is visible in its participation in research networks, conferences and workshops, design and execution of virtual programs, transfer graduate programs, as well as technologies, technological systems, and student exchange and faculty mobility programs.

The community of UCA is comprised of people from different cities and regions of Nicaragua and the world, from various religious creeds and socioeconomic levels, all animated by the commitment to serve others with honesty and competence.

In recent years, in the context of the socio-political crisis affecting the country and directly affecting higher education institutions, the UCA has shown resilience and social commitment, working tirelessly to face the difficulties, restructuring administratively and reformulating its academic work to ensure its sustainability without compromising its highquality training and all its activities, consistent with the Mission and Universal Apostolic Priorities of the Society of Jesus. All this effort has generated greater appreciation from the Nicaraguan society and broad sympathy and international solidarity.

Because this academic institution has stood for being a pioneer in the creation of policies and programs that focus on issues that other universities have shied away from, and because of UCA’s commitment to the flourishing of every human being, to human and cultural diversity, and to the care of "the common home", AUSJAL wishes to express its appreciation for the leadership of UCA and the faculty who have committed themselves to this important Jesuit institution. AUSJAL and IAJU wish to recognize the entire university and its leadership with the St. Peter Canisius Award for outstanding contributions to Jesuit Higher Education worldwide.

Due to the difficult situation that Nicaragua is currently going through, we ask all member institutions of IAJU and AUSJAL to collaborate with their academic work and integral formation following the Jesuit work of being academically and apostolically in solidarity with them.

Thanks to his tireless work for he poor, a district hospital wich serves the general public was built with 120 beds serving in an area inhabited by 120,000 people.Connected to the hospital for primary care activities are 10 Health Centers (CS). Goundi hospital with its 10 Health Centers was directed by Fr. Angelo and is currently one of the most efficient structures in the country. Today, it assists over 50,000 people a year.For this activity, Father Gherardi earned the prestigious Sasakawa award from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1996.

In addition to the health service, he contributed to the construction of 2 nursing schools, an agricultural school, the operation of several elementary schools and a high school in Chad.

XLC is a residential institute that sees itself to be a culturally diverse institution for the uplift and empowerment of young people. It is aimed at educating especially the youth of these ethnic groups in northern Thailand and neighboring countries. It endeavors to form them to be humane and competent leaders and to reach their full potential based on the Jesuit tradition. Providing opportunities to develop professional expertise, skills necessary to live and survive in the 21st century. XLC is committed to forming men and women of integrity working for and with others to build a just and harmonious world.

Until XLC has transitioned to become a full-fledged college, it cannot grant its own academic degrees to its students. In response to this, XLC has enrolled the students in a four-year study program at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. This will culminate in a Bachelor’s degree in English.

With remarkable creativity, foresight, and determination, the XLC Experience can be summarized in three key word: Faith, Academic rigor, and a sense of community.

Students of all faiths and backgrounds are welcomed, and the campus features areas that invite students to pray, meditate, and live their faith. A structured schedule permits students to focus on their courses, both online, and in the classroom. Students contribute to the life of the campus in various ways, and participate in regular activities to reflect on their community life.