Today we talk to Dr. Peter Kilpatrick, President of The Catholic University of America, who offers our graduates advice about how to make the most of college. He shares his thoughts on civic discourse, selecting a major, affording college, and more. In addition, he roots the entire college experience in the bigger quest to know one's self; but is that possible in a dorm? Our guest today answers emphatically "yes" and makes suggestions about how to advance in this life-long quest. Finally, Dr. Kilpatrick emphasizes the importance of mentorship and human relationship in personal growth, urging students to seek out meaningful connections during their precious and limited undergraduate time.

Chapters:

5:03 Costs of college
6:40 The real purpose of college
8:59 Knowing oneself: asking the ultimate questions
13:09 Pursuit of the professions as a path to knowing oneself
16:04 Financial big picture
22:18 Choosing majors and minors
28:54 Fruits of the spirit as a means of choosing a path of study
33:12 The use of full human reason
41:00 Fostering an integrated sense of reality while in college
44:10 Mentorship and human relationship in a world of AI and self-teaching
49:05 Freedom of speech and earnest inquiry on campus
57:20 Assuming leadership positions on campus
1:01:42 Making the most of residential life

Links:

Fruits of the Spirit, Works of the Flesh: homily from May 19, 2024 by Bishop Robert Barron
General Audience from June 16, 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI

Also on the Forum:

The College Experience featuring University of Dallas President Dr. L. Sanford
Rethinking College: Why go? How? When? featuring Arthur Brooks

Dr. Peter Kilpatrick of CUA: Considerations for College-Bound Students