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Fr. George Thadathil Addresses Global Challenges in Higher Education at the Acton University 2025 Conference

(Grand Rapids, Michigan) – Fr. George Thadathil, general coordinator of the IUS network, participated at Acton University 2025, one of the world’s leading forums on theology, economics, and human flourishing. Held annually in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the four-day event brings together over 1,000 participants from more than 80 countries, creating a vibrant intellectual space for dialogue across disciplines and cultures.

On June 24, the second day of the conference, Fr. Thadathil addressed Asian Participants on the topic: “Contemporary Challenges and Prospects in Higher Education,” focusing on the evolving landscape of global education.

Fr. Thadathil’s participation also extended to a special gathering hosted by the Acton Institute to recognize and connect leaders committed to advancing freedom and virtue and beyond. Organizers expressed deep gratitude for all participants “We are grateful for your work and stand ready to support your efforts in advancing free and virtuous societies across Europe.”

About Acton University:
More than a typical academic conference, Acton University is a globally renowned event that blends rigorous intellectual inquiry with spiritual and ethical reflection. Each year, the conference brings together thinkers and leaders from sectors as diverse as business, academia, public service, the Church, and the nonprofit world. Through a rich program of lectures, workshops, and networking events, participants explore the intersection of theology, philosophy, entrepreneurship, development, and market-based economics—all grounded in the pursuit of a free and flourishing society.

The event’s core mission is to connect moral and religious principles with economic and personal liberty, equipping participants with the tools to become agents of transformation in their communities.

In a follow-up message, Acton University organizers wrote: “We hope to see you back in Grand Rapids next year – and we look forward to continuing our shared pursuit of a free, virtuous, and flourishing world.”

Fr. George was also invited to the European Delegates Forum on 25 June 2025, to explore collaborations with other participants from the European Union.

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Salesian Institutions Participate in the United Board Fellows Programme 2025 at Singapore Management University

Two institutions from the IUS network, St. Anthony’s College, Shillong and Salesian College (Autonomous), India were among the participants in the United Board Fellows Programme (UBFP) 2025 Summer Leadership Institute, held from 7 to 11 July at Singapore Management University (SMU). This initiative brought together 25 academics from universities across Asia, representing countries such as India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar.

Hosted in the SMU Administration Building under Executive Development, the programme was designed to develop leadership capabilities in higher education through intensive sessions on strategic planning, innovation, fundraising, student campus life, and the Impact of AI on universities. The fellows, representing countries including India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar, stayed at Hotel Grand Pacific, with an informal welcome dinner held on 6 July at Sun’s Café.

The programme was chaired by Dr Pareena Gupta Lawrence, President, United Board, and directed by Prof David Gomulya, with Ms Roma Goodlander serving as Client Director and Ms Shannon Pang as Programme Manager. Fellows benefited from the support and guidance of Dr Jakarin Srimoon, Director of Leadership Development, and Mr Bo Bo Lwin, Programme Officer, Asia and Leadership Development, both of the United Board. Participants engaged in sessions led by distinguished academicians from top Singaporean institutions, including the Singapore Management University, National University of Singapore and the Singapore Institute of Technology. The programme strengthened professional networks and inspired ethical, innovative leadership in higher education. The final graduation ceremony was held on 11 July. The programme was a resounding success, marked by vibrant interactions, shared insights, and deep professional bonding among the fellows. Guided and spontaneous city tours in the evenings further enriched the experience, fostering cultural exchange and lasting collegial friendships.

Representing the Salesian network were Fr. Joby Joseph SDB, Campus Minister and Vice Principal of St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, and Mr. Peter Lepcha, UB Fellow for the 2025–2026 cohort from Salesian College (Autonomous), Darjeeling

About the program
The United Board Fellows Program is designed to answer the needs of leadership development for mid-career faculty and administrators from Asian colleges and universities. Through this program, the United Board develops dynamic leaders committed to the advancement of whole person education and building strong and resilient academic institutions. Since 2002, over 320 Fellows from 80 institutions in 12 countries and regions of Asia have been selected for this program, and many have played important leadership roles in their home institutions and beyond.

This one-year experience features a unique higher education leadership development experience, with three main components – an intensive week-long summer institute; a one-to-four-month placement, or a two-week study trip in Asia; and a final seminar. Fellows have opportunities to learn about:

• Styles of leadership, organizational structure, and educational management;
• Alternative pedagogical styles to enrich their own teaching;
• Developments in their academic fields; and
• Self-care, ethics, and spiritual nurturance.