Walsh University proudly welcomed Patrick Reilly, President, CEO, and Founder of the Cardinal Newman Society, for a campus tour and a series of insightful discussions with students, faculty, and administrators on September 4, 2024. His visit highlighted the strong relationship between Walsh University and the Cardinal Newman Society, an organization devoted to promoting faithful Catholic education. The evening culminated in a defining moment as Reilly officially announced that Walsh University is the first university to receive a five-year inclusion in the prestigious Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic University, a designation awarded to 23 colleges worldwide for their unwavering commitment to Catholic principles and education.
“Walsh University did an outstanding job throughout the rigorous review process we conducted this past year. The evaluation was more intense than ever—almost like an accreditation. Walsh demonstrated exceptional commitment to safeguarding religious freedom and ensuring that the institution remains authentically Catholic in its approach to education. The impact that Walsh University is having is remarkable, and I believe it will only continue to grow,” Reilly stated.
The day began with Reilly engaging with the Walsh community, exploring the unique features that make the university a leader in Catholic education. Later in the evening, during a dinner honoring key benefactors, Reilly joined Walsh University President Dr. Tim Collins in a discussion reflecting on Collins’ first five years as president. Their conversation highlighted significant developments in Catholic higher education and reaffirmed Walsh University's steadfast commitment to its Catholic mission and the legacy of its founders, the Brothers of Christian Instruction.
President Collins emphasized the importance of Walsh’s Catholic identity, saying, “At Walsh University, we integrate faith and reason, preparing our students for lives of purpose and service. Our inclusion in the Newman Guide for the 12th consecutive year reaffirms our commitment to fostering a community that embodies our core values of community, excellence, integrity, service, and faith—strengthening relationships and affirming our role as an education partner for life.”
The announcement of Walsh’s continued inclusion in the Newman Guide followed a thorough vetting process. This evaluation encompassed various aspects of the university’s Catholic identity, including its Statement of Faith and Understanding, university policies, and employee and student handbooks. Walsh’s ongoing recognition in the guide, which it has held for over a decade, is a testament to the university’s unwavering dedication to providing a robust Catholic educational environment.
Reilly also remarked, “I often joke that the greatest temptation I face in my job is envy—envy of the incredible institutions I work with, like Walsh University. I’m envious of the education your students receive and grateful to everyone who supports a university like this.”
The Newman Guide serves as a trusted resource for Catholic families seeking colleges that align with their faith, highlighting institutions that maintain strong Catholic identities in academics, campus life, and community engagement. Walsh University’s inclusion in this guide signifies its dedication to upholding these principles in all facets of university life.
For Catholic high school students and their families, the Cardinal Newman Society offers the Recruit Me program, providing guidance on the college search process and connecting them with Newman Guide colleges. The Newman Society’s expanded online resources also offer valuable insights into maintaining and fostering students’ faith throughout their college journey.
Since its founding in 1993, the Cardinal Newman Society has been a leading voice in promoting faithful Catholic education. Walsh University’s continued recognition in the Newman Guide reflects its standing as one of the nation’s top Catholic universities and its commitment to excellence in education.
