Below is an excerpt from “Bridges: Duquesne University’s Common Learning Experience, Founding Document, February 27, 2020.” This concluding section of the document (pp. 19-20) summarizes how the seven marks of a Spiritan education are represented in Bridges, the newly adopted core curriculum for undergraduate students. For more information, contact the Office of the Provost, Duquesne University, 412-396-6055.

9. Conclusion: Bridges’ Alignment with Duquesne University’s Mission

Bridges marks an important milestone in Duquesne University’s strategic commitment to “identify bold pathways to offer students the knowledge and skills they will need for productive and fulfilling lives and careers in the 21st century.”[1] Bridges also aligns with the seven marks of a Spiritan education.[2]
 
Awakening to the Spirit
Bridges educates the heart, mind, and spirit so that “in our choices, behaviors and decisions”[3] all can engage collaboratively in appreciating personal dignity and exploring new ways to express human solidarity.
 
Attentive to the World
Bridges builds awareness of cultural, religious, economic, social and environmental challenges facing the global community. Through the development of cultural fluency and responsiveness, students are empowered to become agents “of reconciliation, respect and mutual trust where there are divisions or disunity along cultural, social, religious or ethnic lines.”[4]
 
Building Authentic Relationships
As a common learning experience, Bridges courses gather students from diverse disciplines in mutually supportive groupings that facilitate the development of teamwork skills and positive collaborative engagement. These courses “foster a family spirit of belonging, care for others, mutual support and a sense of community where the quality of relationships matters.”[5]
 
Reaching out to the Margins
Bridges forms graduates who are cognizant of social inequalities and creative in finding ways to address them. Bridges helps students “to see the reality of the world from the perspective of the poor, forgotten and oppressed,” and equips them with the skills to be agents for the common good.[6]
 
With Personal Integrity
Bridges develops an ethical reasoning and moral responsibility to promote equality in relationships, respect for difference, and a capacity for civil discourse. Bridges values “diversity, age and gender differences as a gift from God and recognize(s) the importance of transparency, the collaboration of all, and accountability in building mutual trust.”[7]
 
Informed and Equipped
Bridges sets high aspirations and ideals for students to discover their unique capacity for critical thinking and problem solving by which they set realistic goals for themselves to achieve the standard to which they aspire. “Students are helped to gain knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes that are relevant to their life experience.”[8]
 
Inspired and Engaged
Bridges develops a range of competencies to prepare graduates who are responsive to the challenges of a divided world. Bridges provides each student with a selection of learning opportunities that are “dynamic and life-giving”[9] moments to inform the development of the whole person.