In June 2007 we welcomed 24 undergraduates from Catholic colleges and secular universities to our summer seminar program.

The twelve women and twelve men were chosen from a large pool of applicants enrolled at a wide range of institutions. The mix of interests, personalities, and perspectives could not have been better: quick friendships were forged not only over animated discussions about intellectual questions and religious commitments but also through boisterous games of Frisbee and capture-the-flag.

A weekend excursion to Chicago, which included a tour of the Darwin exhibition at the Field Museum, an architectural cruise along the Chicago River, and a lively dinner at a Thai restaurant, rounded out the two-week experience.

Reaction from the students was overwhelmingly positive. They described the seminar teaching and discussions as "transformative"; relished the cultivation of community in liturgy and prayer; and had a blast playing frisbee and enjoying each other's company.