Marist Network elects new board of directors

Last week, PUCRS hosted the X Assembly of the Marist International Network of Higher Education. The work developed during these days resulted in the approval of the Network’s Foundation Statute, approval of the operating model and election of the new Board of Directors. 21 higher education institutions from all over the word made their presences felt.

New network members

With the new statute being approved, RIMES is now led by a Steering Committee that includes English-, Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking representatives, and a representative of the General House. The following members have been elected: Br. Marcelo Bonhenberger, from Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) – who will serve as President and Portuguese-speaking representative; Ana Gabriela Aguirre Franco, from Universidad Marista de la Ciudad de Mexico, Vice-President, who will serve as Spanish-speaking representative; and Br. Arnel S. Alfanta, from Notre Dame of Kidapawan College (Philippines) and English-speaking representative. Lastly, Br. Carlos Alberto Rojas will represent the General House.

New Tax Board members have also been elected. Fabiano Incerti, from PUCPR; Sílvia Vargas Salazar, from Universidad Marista Valladolid, Mexico; Osuji Gregory Ekene Rev, Marist Polytechnic Enugu, Nigeria; and Br. Marino Latorre Ariño, from Universidad Marcelino Champagnat, Peru.

Fruits of the meeting

The Assembly was filled many activities. One of them was the relaunch of the document Marist Evangelizing Action in Higher Education, produced in 2017, which has been updated and translated into three languages. The strategic plan also defined the directions and goals that will be addressed in the next two years.

Future challenges

At the closing, Br. Carlos Alberto Rojas gave a speech to present and strengthen the activities involving the Institute. The way he sees it, this collaborative development is the future of the Marist institution and is connected with the Church’s appeals, such as the Global Educational Pact, as well as with changes in society.

Then, Br. Luiz Carlos Gutierrez, Vicar General of the Marist Institute, gave the final speech stating that it is necessary to move forward and be connected to the essence of the Marist mission. “Everything we do in our lives and our institutions must connect with our mission”, he said. “I believe this is what should touch us as Marists when we plan something: to have the strength to move forward, focusing on opportunities for connection”.

Network’s history

Finally, it was agreed that the next Assemblies will take place on a hybrid every two years. The next face-to-face meeting is already scheduled for 2025, in L’Hermitage, France.