Lewis University, guided by its Catholic and Lasallian heritage, provides to a diverse student population programs for a liberal and professional education grounded in the interaction of knowledge and fidelity in the search for truth.
Lewis promotes the development of the complete person through the pursuit of wisdom and justice. Fundamental to its Mission is a spirit of association which fosters community in all teaching, learning and service.
Please visit this link to view and download the University’s Mission Statement pamphlet.
The Mission Statement of Lewis University is guided by its mission values, which are inspired by the Lasallian Core Principles.
Knowledge
The result of a lifelong pursuit of learning fostered through creative and critical interaction in a community of learners.
Knowledge is achieved through respectful and disciplined dialogue, the development of intellectual skills and methodologies, and the valuing of open inquiry and academic freedom.
Knowledge preserves what is of perennial value from the past, tests what is current and new, and seeks to discover the future in the secrets of the physical universe and the mysteries of the human spirit.
It evolves from the lifelong pursuit of intellectual, professional, cultural and religious learning. Knowledge allows one to experience autonomy of thought grounded in discipline and structure, which enhances personal growth, responsibility and leadership.
The University is dedicated to academic excellence, particularly in the promotion of a high quality of student-centered, interactive learning and instruction. To this end, the University places major emphasis on instructional excellence and student/faculty relationships.
When the De La Salle Christian Brothers assumed sponsorship of Lewis University in 1960, the University adopted the seal of the Christian Brothers. This five-pointed star at the center of the seal is the Signum Fidei star. The star, the “Sign of Faith” is the symbol officially used by the Christian Brothers around the globe. It has as its origins the Star of Bethlehem which led the Magi, the wise men of the East, to the birth of Christ. The star is a sign of faith that has led countless Christian Brothers and members of the Lasallian Family to advance the Lasallian Mission worldwide for over 300 years.
At Lewis University, Signum Fidei symbolically represents the integration of the distinctive Mission Values of Knowledge, Fidelity, Wisdom, Justice, and Association. Each of these values is significant, but it is only in their union that the University’s Mission is realized. The Signum Fidei is a symbol of the Lasallian spirit which unifies these distinctive values proclaimed by the University.
Lasallian ministries are guided by Five Core Principles. These Core Principles serve as the inspiration for Lewis University’s Mission values of Knowledge, Fidelity, Wisdom, Justice, and Association.
Concern for the Poor and Social Justice
We are in solidarity with the poor and advocate for those suffering from injustices.
Faith in the Presence of God
We believe in the living presence of God in our students, our community and our world.
Quality Education
We engage in quality education together as students, staff and faculty by thinking critically and examining our world in light of faith.
Respect for all Persons
We honor and respect the dignity of all individuals.
Inclusive Community
We celebrate diversity and welcome all members of our community.
The term “Lasallian” is a reference to Saint John Baptist de La Salle, a seventeenth century French priest and founder of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, a Catholic religious institute of men dedicated exclusively to education. Today, the Christian Brothers operate the largest education network in the world and the second largest higher education network, with 65 colleges and universities represented by the International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU).
The global Lasallian educational network is comprised of approximately 4,000 Christian Brothers who, together with 100,000 women and men, operate 1,000 schools and educational centers in 79 countries. Over 1 million students are enrolled in these institutions worldwide.
Consistent with our Catholic and Lasallian Mission, Lewis University strives to be a place of welcome to those of all faith traditions and worldviews. As a university comprised of lifelong learners, we aspire to foster a community committed to exploring and understanding the religious, spiritual, and secular beliefs, values, and practices of ourselves and others through sharing, study, reflection, and encounter.
- Read more about the Christian Brothers at Lewis University.
- Visit the official website of the De La Salle Christian Brothers.