Dear Walsh University Community,
On Wednesday, July 15, Br. Mario Houle, Provincial of the Brothers of Christian Instruction (F.I.C.), officially notified the Walsh Board of Directors that due to the Order's lack of human resources, support, and aging population, the F.I.C. will be departing from Walsh. He advised that it was out of their deep love for Walsh that they came to this realization and ultimately decided it was time to make this departure. We recognize how difficult this decision must have been for the F.I.C. leadership and members, and we thank them in advance for their years of dedication and service to Walsh, and their commitment to help us to prepare for this transition.
We knew this day would come. For more than a decade, the Walsh administration has been aware of the aging population of our founding order. As their resources and membership have declined, so has their ability to remain involved in the day-to-day activities on campus.
However, looking back on the past 60 years leaves no question about the indelible mark they leave behind. The Brothers served as an active presence on our campus and in our local community, and were integral to our growth, advancement and Catholic identity. The Brothers of Christian Instruction created Walsh from an impossible dream with no business plan and little resources but with a vision to turn an alfalfa field into a college that would impact generations to come. They gave Walsh their spirit. That spirit and legacy of the Brothers will always remain an important part of our history and mission.
In the coming months, Walsh University Board members and administrators will take the necessary time to thoughtfully plan a new path forward that will honor our Catholic faith and shared history with the Brothers of Christian Instruction. Grounded in their Mennaisian tradition, we will continue to shape the Walsh experience for generations of students yet to come while supporting our alumni as they continue to shape the future as leaders in their own communities.
Please take a moment to hear from President Tim Collins as he reflects on the Brothers of Christian Instruction and the impact they have had on Walsh University.
