Provost's Remarks at the Reception Welcoming IACS to USC

Thank you Father Heft. Good afternoon everyone. This is a momentous occasion: today the intellectual life and the spiritual life of a great university intersect, in a new way. And we know that whenever the world of the intellect and the world of the spirit come together, in a creative encounter, we become richer. In USC's role and mission statement, which was drafted by President Sample, we say that our central mission involves the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit. That is a remarkable statement: today, very few non-denominational universities dare speak of a commitment to "the human spirit." All great research universities do speak of a commitment to timely innovation--- to pursuing new discoveries that will benefit our society, our world. But under President Sample, USC has recognized that timely innovation can only happen when we are grounded in timeless values, the enduring values that flow from the human spirit. That is why USC is home to a number of significant institutes to examine the societal role that religion has played and will play, institutes such as the Center for Religion and Civic Culture.

The Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies now takes its place along side these and other organizations. This is very fitting, and very necessary:

• Young Catholic scholars play a significant role at USC… with some 6,000 Catholic students on our campus.
• Los Angeles itself is a global crossroads for Catholicism, as America’s largest archdiocese, representing countless cultures that share a common faith.

USC's strategic plan is a bold effort to redefine the American research university, so that our society can meet the challenges of a complex new era. We have committed:

• To being global in the scope of our education and research;
• To being relevant to society; to meet the pressing needs of our world;
• To being cross-disciplinary, so that scholars from various fields can challenge one another to find new perspectives and new solutions.

The Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies will be of great service to USC in this regard. And as it advances Catholic scholarship in the context of our new century, it will be of considerable value to young men and women. In a high technology, consumer society, what does success mean? What does abundance mean? Will a new technology offer a boon to the marketplace or a curse to the human condition? This new institute can add much to the dialogue.
At USC, we believe this dialogue is both noble and practical. When you allow yourself to see according to the light of enduring values, you can find new solutions and new breakthroughs. This can make:

• Every scientist a better scientist
• Every entrepreneur a better entrepreneur
• Every leader a better leader

And thus, on behalf of the entire USC academic community, we say welcome to Father Heft. And we offer congratulations to everyone involved with this wonderful new institute. We look forward to working with you in the years ahead! Thank you!

C.L. Max Nikias, Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs University of Southern California