Students from the University of Notre Dame Australia were recognised for their academic excellence in philosophy, theology and ethics at the university’s School of Philosophy and Theology annual awards evening in Fremantle on February 20.
One of the foundation schools of Notre Dame, the School of Philosophy and Theology is responsible for the provision of the core curriculum to thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate students each year, reflecting the university’s objects.
It also offers degrees in philosophy and theology for those wishing to pursue vocations in the Church, and in religious, theological and philosophical education generally.
The award winners for the School of Philosophy and Theology were:
• Dean’s Prize for ET100 – Aerin Newton-Creemers;
• Dean’s Prize for PH100 – Aaron Carlin;
• Dean’s Prize for TH101 – Monica Gilhooley;
• Pastoral Liturgy Prize – Angela Scott;
• Sylvia Box Theology Essay Prize – Grant Gorddard
Mr Gorddard, a seminarian at St Charles’ Seminary in Guildford, was recently recommended by the Church for admission as a candidate for priesthood in the Archdiocese of Perth.
He said it was a great honour to receive the Sylvia Box Theology Essay Prize for the best undergraduate essay in theology.
“Not only did I feel great joy in this achievement, but also sincere gratitude to God, the saints, and to all those who have guided and supported me over my years of study,” Mr Gorddard said.
“As a seminarian, our academic studies are an important part of our formation for the priesthood.
“We need to know our Catholic faith well, and we also need to understand the contemporary issues of our culture so that we can engage with people’s concerns and share with them the love of Jesus Christ.”
Dean of the School of Philosophy and Theology on Notre Dame’s Fremantle campus Professor Matthew Ogilvie congratulated the award recipients on their 2013 achievements and reiterated the university’s commitment to educating the ‘whole’ individual.
“Employers often say that they think Notre Dame students are more holistic after their experience here,” Professor Ogilvie said.
“It’s something of which we’re proud because our core curriculum immerses students in the study and practice of wisdom, through which they can integrate knowledge and ethics, in order to determine what is truly valuable and worthwhile.
“Pope John Paul II makes it clear that a distinct faculty of theology is necessary to the identity of a Catholic university. The explicit practice of philosophy, ethics and theology is what makes us distinctive and which adds value to the educational experience at Notre Dame.”
The School of Philosophy and Theology seeks to strengthen Notre Dame in its Catholic identity and to enrich the university in its commitment to teaching and learning; research and service in light of Catholic faith and values.