THE ROYAL READS PROGRAM

A First Year Reading Program

The Royal Reads Program at The University of Scranton creates a shared experience for ourfirst-year class through the reading of a carefully selected book. We select a Royal Reads bookeach year to introduce our newest students to the Ignatian values at the heart of our Universityand to invite students to consider how these values can shape one's college experience and one'slife. Throughout each student's first year at the University of Scranton, students will encounterthemes from the selected book in classes and in extracurricular opportunities, as well as in a widerange of formal and informal discussions.

2012-2013 ROYAL READS

The book selected for the 2012-13 academic year Royal Reads Program is Tattoos on theHeart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by a Father Gregory Boyle, S.J. Father Boyle isthe founder of Homeboy Industries, a widely recognized gang intervention program locatedin Los Angeles, California. His book describes the struggles and the triumphs of former gangmembers and their families, emphasizing our common humanity, the power of hope, and ourconviction “that no life is less valuable than another.”

This year, the Royal Reads Program is happy to announce that Father Boyle will visit theUniversity of Scranton during the third week of September as the keynote speaker for our annuallecture on Ignatian Values in Action. During his visit, Father Boyle will meet with Universitystudents, campus and community leaders, and community service providers.

Students will also have the opportunity to meet and listen to current University of Scrantonstudents and faculty who have participated in service learning trips to Homeboy Industries in LosAngeles.

To prepare for these events, we expect students to read Tattoos on the Heart. The book isavailable for purchase in the campus bookstore. Five copies are also on reserve at the WeinbergLibrary on campus.

Students should be prepared to discuss ideas and engage in this powerful shared learningexperience with the class of 2016.

2012-2013 EVENTS

Throughout the academic year, there will be a number of programs and events related to theRoyal Reads topic. Students are encouraged to look for related events through the Fall andSpring semesters.

• Ignatian Values in Action Lecture 
  • Monday, September 17, 2012 @ 6:00 PM
    Special guest speaker Fr. Gregory Boyle and two former gang members will join ourcampus for a day of speaking and engagement. This will culminate in a special lecture at 6:00 pm in the Byron Center on Monday, September 17, 2012. Details for this event to be announced.
    
  • Monday, September 17, 2012 @ 8:00 PM
    “G and the Homeboys…and Me: Stories of Transformation”
    
     

READING GUIDE FOR REFELCTION AND DISCUSSION

Download reflection and discussion questions to enhance one’s learning andengagement.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Watch the September 2012 Ignatian Values in Action Lecture
• Students are also encouraged to watch and listen to Fr. Boyle’s address from thespring of 2011, when he visited our campus to receive the Pedro Arrupe, S.J.,Award for Distinguished Contributions to Ignatian Mission and Ministries on YouTube.
• Homeboy Industries