Enrichment and Strength for Many Walks of Life: Stories from our Alumni
Frater Anselm Rodriguez, O.Praem., Class of 2007
My life has been profoundly enriched by my experience within the philosophy department at BC. There philosophy is viewed as far more than just another academic subject—it is about the sincere and life-changing pursuit of truth. Professors are not only intellectually and professionally excellent, but have a genuine concern for the integral formation of the students. There is a deep appreciation for Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas, but also a sincere commitment to bringing their perennial wisdom into meaningful and fruitful contact with modern and contemporary thinkers. The environment was not only intellectually stimulating, but formative and inspiring on the deepest level. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that even my vocation as a Norbertine religious (and priest, God willing)—community life rooted in union with Wisdom Incarnate—was nourished there. I am forever grateful.
Elizabeth Slobodnik, Class of 2005
I did not intend to major in philosophy when I came to Benedictine, but once I started taking Logic, I was hooked. The professors were engaging, the readings were challenging and interesting, and the class discussions formed me into the person I am today. It was a privilege to encounter the truth, goodness, and beauty to be found in God, nature, and humanity. Now, as a Catholic, wife, mother of four, and full-time campus minister, I continually draw benefits from what I learned in philosophy courses. Studying philosophy deeply impacted the way I think, live, and love.
Matthew Cook, Class of 1994
IT Systems Administrator
Sigma-Aldrich Corporation
Working in information technology, I have to regularly read detailed technical documentation. I also have to explain, with precision, my understanding of a technical issue or problem and its proper resolution. Philosophical training has allowed me to easily work through the consequences and dependencies when pursuing certain solutions, following them to their logical end. In trying to resolve technical issues with customers, I learned very early on to determine what it was they were trying to accomplish. What was their end? Knowing someone's "final cause" made it so much easier to offer the means to achieve it.
Being a full-time college student studying philosophy allowed me invaluable time to contemplate the big and essential questions. How can we know truth? What is the meaning of life? Does God exist? What is His nature? I was able to leave college with a solid foundation of truth, having settled in my mind many of the answers for which I hungered. I felt free. Many left school with knowledge. I was blessed to graduate with knowledge and wisdom. Thus, philosophy was immensely more practical to me than anything else I could have studied.
