(ANS – Rome) – The Salesian Higher Education Institutions (IUS) will hold its 20th annual board meeting at Sacra Cuore, Via Marsala 42, the Salesian Headquarters in Rome, from July 21-22, 2025. Representatives from six global regions will gather to review current projects and outline new strategies aligned with the IUS identity and policy documents. This year’s meeting will also focus on preparations for the upcoming IUS General Assembly, scheduled for 2026.
The six regions will be represented by their respective coordinators: Mario Olmos (South America – Spanish), Giuseppe Marinoni (South America – Portuguese), Dede Bese (Africa), Ronilo Javines (East Asia-Oceania), Joby Joseph (South Asia), and Alessio Rocchi (Europe). Michal Vojtas, the IUS Coordinator from the Salesian University in Rome, will also participate in the two-day event.
Fr. Rafael Bejarano, the General Councillor for Youth Ministry, highlighted the significance of the meeting for the Salesian mission: “Higher education is an essential part of our commitment to Salesian Youth Ministry. It is not just about academic excellence but about forming young people who are equipped to transform society with values of solidarity, justice, and service. IUS is a global force for this transformation, and this meeting is key to ensuring we remain aligned with our mission.”
The Role and Growth of IUS
Salesian higher education officially became a ministry of the congregation in the late 1990s, under the initiative of the then Rector Major. Since then, IUS has grown to include 97 institutions across 22 countries, serving over 160,000 students with the support of 8,175 faculty members. These institutions aim to foster social transformation through education rooted in Salesian pedagogy.
Historically, the first Salesian higher education institutions were established to provide university training for young Salesians. Over time, the scope expanded to include lay students, as an extension of the school education system offered by the Salesians worldwide. Today, these institutions address regional needs, combining academic rigor with a strong focus on holistic development.
Fr. George Thadathil, the Global IUS Coordinator, expressed high expectations for the meeting: “This annual board meeting is a pivotal moment for IUS. It will not only evaluate our current progress but also pave the way for a brighter future, guided by the vision of the 29th General Chapter. We aim to lay the groundwork for innovative projects and strengthen our commitment to forming young leaders who will transform society.”
Planning for the Future
The 20th board meeting will focus on reviewing ongoing institutional projects and planning future initiatives in light of the IUS identity and policy documents, which are revisited every four years during the General Assembly. The upcoming meeting will also include preparations for the 2026 General Assembly, which will bring together representatives from all IUS institutions to chart the future direction of Salesian higher education. The participants will explore ways to enhance collaboration among institutions, improve academic programs, and address emerging challenges in the global landscape of higher education.
A Ministry Rooted in Salesian Values
The Salesian congregation’s commitment to higher education is an extension of its mission to serve young people. By integrating academic excellence with spiritual and moral formation, IUS institutions embody the vision of Don Bosco, who believed in the transformative power of education.
The 20th IUS board meeting promises to be a landmark occasion in the history of Salesian higher education, paving the way for innovation and excellence in forming young people who are equipped to make a lasting impact on their communities and the world.
Source: ANS – “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana”