Anyone who has been to Rome has seen the remarkable work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He spent most of his life in Rome, defining the Baroque style of architecture, and creating many stunning works, from the Colonnade in front of St. Peter’s to the Fountain of Four Rivers. What most people do not know is the influence of the Jesuits on this great artist, and for that matter the influence of the Jesuits and Jesuit education on a wide range of the arts. Bernini was powerfully influenced by his experience with the Spiritual Exercises, demonstrating the powerful confluence of genius and devotion.

Now of course Scranton is not Rome, and the following pages do not chronicle the work of Bernini. But they do chronicle the success of many artists in a variety of disciplines that extend the inspiration of the Spiritual Exercises and reflect the vitality of the Jesuit experience on the campus of The University of Scranton. Faculty, students and staff are all represented here, complemented by the University’s patronage of other local artists and its efforts at historical preservation of the artistic blessings of the Scranton area.

While we are known for the quality and success of our science and professional programs, students and other members of the University community spend their days surrounded by the arts and a commitment to culture, indulging the body and engaging the eye, the ear, and the mind. We seek to create an environment that not only offers a superior curricular experience, but offers an experience that attracts and attends to the whole person. These efforts to celebrate beauty and human society are intended to help form the character and souls of each of us, with the ultimate goal of forming men and women who find and celebrate God in all things.

The following pages present a partial record of that environment and its success. Certainly, instruction and education are critical elements of the experience — and you will see some of that — , but the arts and culture are embraced for their own sake and for their impact on individuals as part of a vital community. Many of the following programs are not for credit: they depend upon and encourage the voluntary commitment of the students and community members. I think we have been wonderfully successful and invite you to discover the fruits of our communal efforts in the spirit of Bernini and the Spiritual Exercises.