CONCEPT NOTE
As part of the 45th anniversary celebration, the Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA) will hold a management conference on 2-3 December 2021 with Silliman University, Philippines as the host institution.
Participating colleges and universities have identified key characteristics of preferred futures as Christian institutions of higher learning during the July 2021 joint consultation of the Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA), Silliman University (SU), and the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UB). The said consultation has also provided a venue for the participating institutions to identify some strategies towards preferred futures.
This 2-day management conference will be picking-up and translating the identified key characteristics and viable strategies into complementary actions.
Theme
The conference theme is “Journeying Towards Preferred Futures at Christian Higher Education Institutions.” It is a call for every member institution of higher learning to undertake innovative learning strategies and research; and to strengthen ties and partnerships through shared resources and expertise, collaborative research undertakings, and creative teaching pedagogies, among others. The 2-day conference will attempt to navigate through paths leading to preferred futures. The paths taken by each member institution may be unique and different, but collectively leads to a common destination, i.e., providing students with quality education.
At the heart of Christian higher education is the passion for academic leaders to:
- nurture students that imbibe Christian values,
- mold students to trailblaze in their respective fields
- raise students who are engaged members of society dedicated to selfless service; and
- develop students as caring agents of the environment.
Objectives
The management conference aims to enable participants to [1] learn from each other the strategies undertaken towards their preferred futures, and [2] increase tie-ups, meaningful connections and collaboration among member Christian institutions of higher learning in Asia.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
DR. BETTY CERNOL MCCANN
President, Silliman University
PHILIPPINES
Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann assumed the presidency of Silliman University on 1 June 2018, as the university’s thirteenth and first woman president.
She spent the better part of her academic career at Silliman University in the years 1972 – 2002, actively engaged in teaching and training, research, community engagement, and administrative work. A registered psychologist and a certified specialist in social psychology. Professional bodies have accorded her national recognition as an Outstanding Psychologist and for her Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Studies in the Philippines.
She joined the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia in 2002, and served as its vice president for programs in 2007 until her optional retirement in 2013.
PANEL OF REACTORS
AMB. LAURA Q. DEL ROSARIO
President, Miriam College
PHILIPPINES
Ambassador Laura Quiambao-del Rosario is the 9th President of Miriam College. She is a distinguished career diplomat with an outstanding track record of 37 years in the Philippine Foreign Service, culminating in her appointment as Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs. She served in various capacities in Philippine Embassies abroad, including Vienna, Singapore, and Washington, D.C., her last appointment being as Philippine Ambassador to India and Vietnam. Upon retirement, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit.
GARY WAYNE BARKLEY
President, Seinan Gakuin University
JAPAN
Dr. Barkeley started his career at Seinan Gakuin University as a Professor in the Department of Theology. He has several administrative posts prior to his appointment as President – Dean of Religious Activities, Chancellor, Chair of the Board of Trustees, among others. He earned his Ph. D at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Graduate School, USA with concentration in early church history. Professor, Department of Theology.
WAI CHING ANGELA WONG
Vice President for Programs
United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia
HONG KONG
Dr. Wai Ching Wong lives and grew up in Hong Kong and received her doctorate from the University of Chicago. She was a long-time faculty member of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, serving the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies, and headed the Graduate Divisions of Cultural Studies and Gender Studies, the Gender Research Centre, and many academic programs. Ecumenically committed, she was a member of the board of trustees of the United Board (2002-2012) and the Presidium of Christian Conference of Asia (2000-2005); the chairperson (1995-1999) and regional secretary (1993-1995) of the World Student Christian Federation; and co-moderator of the Congress of Asian Theologians (2000-2004). As an academic, she has published widely in Chinese and English on topics of religion, gender, and culture in Asia.
DR. FR. ABRAHAM VETTIYANKAL MANI
President, Christ University
INDIA
Dr. Fr. Abraham Vettiyankal Mani has been in the academe for 30 years. An accomplished scholar who has significant publications and figures on the Editorial Board of reputable journals. He has extensive leadership and administrative experience, having served as principal of Christ Junior College, as well as finance officer, vice principal, Director, Center for Research, and pro-vice chancellor of Christ University. He assumed office as vice chancellor of Christ University in March 2019.
DR. YUNG-LUNG LEE
President, Chang Jung Christian University
TAIWAN
A professor at the Department of Finance and currently the President of Chang Jung Christian University. In his early years in the academe, Dr. Lee was assigned to several posts in the university, as Director of Land Management Development Department; Dean of Student Affairs, Research and Development, College of Sustainability Education, and Academic Affairs; and Vice President prior to his new appointment as President. Dr. Lee’s interests include land use development, real estate appraisal, urban disaster prevention and transportations, and geographical information system application.
DR. MANGADAR SITUMORANG
Rector, Parahyangan Catholic University
INDONESIA
Dr. Situmorang completed his Ph.D at Curtin University, Perth. He serves as Chancellor of Parahyangan Catholic University before he became as Rector. Apart from teaching and conducting research on Conflict Resolution, International Organizations, and Indonesian Politics, Dr. Mangadar is active in writing in the academic journals and newspapers and is a member of the Association for International Relations (AIHI), Community of East Asia Scholars (CEAS), and the Academic Forum for Papua Peace.
DR. IR. HENRY FERIADI
Rector, Duta Wacana Christian University
INDONESIA
Dr. Ir. Henry Feriadi, is a Rector of Duta Wacana Christian University, Yogyakarta. He obtained his Master and Doctoral Degrees from National University of Singapore. His academic positions include, Vice Dean and Dean for Academic Affairs, Faculty of Engineering, Vice Rector for Partnerships and Institutional Development. He is a professional registered Architect for the residential housing, schools, campuses, churches, and commercial projects
His main research interest is architecture and actively write some articles about sustainable development such as Comparative Study of the Impacts and Best Practices of Green Building Rating Systems in Asia (2018) and Present and Future Challenges in Urban Resiliency and Sustainability of the Cities in Southeast Asia (2017).
DEVOTION SPEAKER
DR. (FR.) ROBERT KISALA
President, Nanzan University
JAPAN
Fr. Robert Kisala was born in Chicago, United States of America. After graduating from the Department of Mathematics at Divine Word College he earned an M.A. Theology from the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry at Catholic Theological Union, USA. He earned his Masters and Doctoral degrees in Literature from the University of Tokyo. In 1985, Fr. Kisala was ordained as a priest and he began teaching at Nanzan University in 1995. Dr. Kisala is currently the President of Nanzan University.
PRESENTERS
DR. COLE CARNESECCA
Assistant Professor, Chung Yuan Christian University
TAIWAN
Title: “Turning Principles into Practices: Holistic Learning and Christian Counseling”.
Dr. Cole Carnesecca has a BA degree from Yale University, Master of Arts and PhD degrees from University of Notre Dame. He is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Religion and Chaplain responsible for the foreign students’ fellowship. He teaches Philosophy of Religion and has taught courses in sociology, anthropology, and religion at Zhejiang University and Bethel College (Indiana). He also has over ten years of experience in campus and youth ministry.
DR. EIKO KATO-OTANI
President
Osaka Jogakuin University
JAPAN
Title: Daily Chapel Service at Osaka Jogakui
Dr. Eiko Kato-Otani (AA Osaka Jogakuin College, BA Boston University, MA and Ed.D Harvard University) is President of Osaka Jogakuin University and College. Her research interests include children’s language development as influenced by interaction with adults in home and preschool settings, and cultural differences between Japan and the United States at home and preschool settings. Dr. Kato-Otani has also contributed to changing her university’s learning environment by using the latest technology. Osaka Jogakuin started “iPod One to One” in 2004 being the first school to ever use iPods in Education in Japan. She became an Apple Distinguished Education in 2011 and uses her ICT skills in her teaching.
DR. ALBERT CHAU
Vice President for Teaching and Learning
Hong Kong Baptist University
HONG KONG
Title: “New Direction in Undergraduate Education in the Digital Era: Best Student Experience”
Dr. Albert Chau is Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) (2016-now). He is responsible for the University’s teaching and learning to achieve best student experience and for the nurturing of caring, creative and ethical global citizens. He leads the development of curriculum and academic programmes, quality assurance, diverse pedagogies such as experiential and virtual learning, student recruitment and placement, and globalization of teaching and learning. Dr. Chau received his BSc in Industrial Engineering and Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), and MSc and PhD in psychology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.
DR. PHILIPS NICOLAS GUNAWIDJAJA
Head, Physics Department, Parahyangan University
INDONESIA
Title: UNPAR: Career Preparation Program
Dr. Philips Nicolas Gunawidjaja is the Head of Physics Department at Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung. He obtained his PhD in Physics from the University of Warwick, UK and completed his Postdoctoral studies in Biomaterials at the Arrhenius Laboratory, University of Stockholm, Sweden. He has worked for over 10 years in the field of education as a teacher, lecturer, teacher trainer, curriculum and materials designer, and education consultant. He has special interest in teacher training and curriculum and materials development.
PROFESSOR SHOICHIRO IWAKIRI
President
International Christian University
JAPAN
Title: Environmental Responsibility and Stewardship
Professor Shoichiro Iwakiri was born in 1959 in Japan. He acquired his master’s degree in literature from the University of Tokyo Graduate School, and a doctorate from the Université Paris 7 (DEA). His specialty is modern and contemporary French poetry and drama. He has translated more than 30 French classic and contemporary plays from Racine to Yasmina Reza, and is also a poet. With his Japanese translations of Caligula by Albert Camus and L’Alouette by Jean Anouilh staged by Yukio Ninagawa, Professor Iwakiri was the recipient of the 15th Yuasa Yoshiko Prize 2008 (Section of Drama Translation). He started teaching at the International Christian University, Japan as assistant professor in 1996 and became professor in 2007. Prior to becoming President in 2020, he was Assistant Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Director of the Admissions Center, and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.
DR. CHRISTIANNA SINGH
Principal and Secretary
Lady Doak College
INDIA
Title: Empowerment of Women for a Gender Just Future
Dr. Christianna Singh is Principal of Lady Doak College, and a strong proponent of the use of teaching and learning with technology within higher education. Dr. Singh completed her doctoral degree in Economics at Madurai Kamaraj University, with specialization in Gender Economics, as well as a post-graduate diploma in Computer Applications at Madurai Kamaraj University. Dr. Singh is also a former United Board Scholar and has also undergone Advanced Leadership Training at the Haggai Institute Hawaii, USA.
DR. FR. ROBERTO C. YAP SJ
President of Ateneo de Manila University
PHILIPPINES
Title: Ateneo de Manila University: Adapting Internationalization into Online Platforms
Fr. Roberto C. Yap, S.J. is President of Ateneo de Manila University. Fr. Yap received his PhD from University College London, specializing in Environmental Economics. He likewise holds a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government; a Master of Arts in Theology from Ateneo de Manila University; a Master of Arts in Economics from New School for Social Research (NY) and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics (Honors Program) from Ateneo de Manila University. He was former President of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Philippines.
DR. IWAN SETYAWAN
Deputy Rector for Academic Affairs
Satya Wacana Christian University
INDONESIA
Title: “Whole Person Education at UKSW: History and Current Practices”
Dr. Iwan Setyawan (BSc and MSc Bandung Institute of Technology, PhD Delft University of Technology) is an Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering and Deputy Rector for Academic Affairs at Satya Wacana Christian University. His research interest is primarily in digital image and video processing. Currently, he is responsible for coordinating the work to strengthen the implementation of whole person education curriculum at the university.
REACTORS
Dr. Juliana Anggono
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs
Universitas Kristen Petra
Dr. Howell Ho
Dean, College of Arts, Sciences and Education
Trinity University of Asia
Dr. Hope S. Antone
Director, Faculty Development
United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia
Fr. Roger Vanzila Munsi
Assistant to the President
Nanzan University
Prof. Jane Annette Belarmino
Vice President for Development
Silliman University
Dr. Beulah Rose Torres
Director, Office of Instruction
Silliman University
Dr. Jenny Chiu
Vice President for Finance and Administration
Silliman University
Rev. Fr. Johanes Salu, SVD
Campus Ministry Coordinator
Widya Mandira Catholic University
Dr Fr. Viju P. Devassy CMI
Director & Dean
CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
Dr. rer.pol. Ied Veda Sitepu
Vice Rector for Human Resource and Cooperation
Universitas Kristen Indonesia
Rev. Wella Hoyle-De Rosas
Minister for Students and Campus Chaplaincy
Silliman University
Judge Benjamin D. Turgano (Ret.)
University President
Wesleyan University Philippines
Dr. F.X. Ouda Teda Ena
Vice Rector for Collaboration and Alumni Affairs
Sanata Dharma University
Dr. Mae Brigitt Bernadel Villordon
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Silliman University
Dr. Sushardjanti Felasari
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs
Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta
HOSTS
DR. SR. ANNE THERESE FALKENSTEIN, SP
Special Assistant to the President and Trustee
Providence University
TAIWAN
Dr. Sr. Anne Therese Falkenstein is a Massachusetts native. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Education and Theology from Emmanuel College and a Master of Education in Religious Education from Boston College. She completed a Master of Science in Language Education and a doctorate degree in Language Education at Indiana University, Bloomington. She has enjoyed being immersed in Taiwanese culture since 1995 and currently serves on the executive boards of the Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities and the Association of Christian Colleges and Universities in Asia. As such, she has thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with colleagues from a number of Asian countries. Having recently been elected to the leadership team of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, Sister Anne Therese will return to the United States in January 2022. She will carry the blessing of intercultural connectedness with her and gratefully keep Asia close to heart, as she assumes her new responsibilities.
PROF. GLEN CHATELIER
Director, International Affairs
Assumption University
THAILAND
Prof. Glen Chatelier has lived in Thailand and taught at Assumption University for 32 years. He has been associated with ACUCA since 1992 in various capacities and currently is on the Executive Board, as Designate, representing Thailand. In 2014 His Holiness Pope Francis appointed him as Consultor to the Pontifical Council for Culture. His former positions at Assumption University include, Special Assistant to the President for International Projects, Faculty Advisor for International Student Projects, and Chair of the Department of Business English, the Faculty of Arts at Assumption University. In 2010, he served as Chair on a University Committee which launched the Master of Arts Degree in International Relations at Assumption University, Thailand. Prof. Chatelier holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, U.S.A, and the American College, Madurai Kamaraja University, Madurai, India respectively.
Day 1 – December 2, 2021
Devotion and Plenary Session
ACUCA Turnover Ceremony
December 9, 2021
Thanksgiving and Christmas Fellowship
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