Come to Believe Hosts Inaugural Convening in Chicago
A Major Milestone for the Leader of a Growing Movement in Postsecondary Access and Success
The CTB Team (from left, Asya Meadows, Steve Katsouros, SJ, Sam Adams, Carlos Martinez, Gieriet Bowen)
On April 8-9, Come to Believe hosted its inaugural convening in Chicago, bringing together stakeholders from six mission-aligned two-year colleges across the country: Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago (IL), Dougherty Family College of the University of St. Thomas (MN), Fairfield Bellarmine of Fairfield University (CT), Founder’s College of Butler University (IN), Messina College of Boston College (MA), and Seton College of the University of Mount Saint Vincent (NY). The convening marks a major milestone for Come to Believe as a leader of the growing movement of affordable, results-oriented, and student-centered two-year colleges nationwide.
The convening was designed with three primary objectives in mind for attendees, especially two-year college faculty and staff: to cultivate a sense of community and belonging, to develop an understanding of shared priorities, challenges, and best practices, and to establish a foundation for ongoing collaboration and continuous improvement. To seamlessly weave these objectives together, CTB developed convening programming around the unifying theme of “Mentor Mindset.” This term, coined by the convening’s keynote speaker, Dr. David Yeager, describes a unique approach to adolescent development–in many ways, embodied by the CTB college model–defined by setting high standards while also providing a high level of support in pursuit of those standards.
Opening Session
CTB President/CEO Steve Katsouros, SJ, welcomed attendees with a call to action, describing the progress of the movement for mission-aligned two-year colleges across the country. He also thanked convening sponsors, John and Wendy Cozzi, for their generosity in making the event possible. Then, leaders from all six colleges in attendance introduced their campuses to all attendees. Finally, CTB’s Carlos Martinez facilitated a networking activity that focused on shared language across campuses, including a focus on mentorship.
DFC alum Alvin Nyema participates in the opening networking activity
Arrupe Visit
Attendees had the opportunity to visit Arrupe College for a campus tour and student panel, allowing them to see the CTB model in action. During the panel, the Arrupe student panelists reflected on the trajectories of their academic and extracurricular growth, and described how Arrupe’s unique combination of high expectations and holistic support made that growth possible.
Alumni Panel
An alumni panel, moderated by CTB’s Carlos Martinez, featuring Arrupe and DFC alums
Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from alumni of both Arrupe College and Dougherty Family College, with alums representing graduating classes from 2017 to 2024 in attendance. During the panels, alumni shared their reflections on the significant impact of Arrupe or DFC on their lives, how their two-year college experience prepared them for the rigor of their bachelor’s degree programs, and the transformative support they received from Arrupe or DFC faculty, and staff.
David Yeager Keynote
Dr. David Yeager, a developmental psychologist at the University of Texas-Austin and best-selling author, delivered a keynote address drawing from his recent book, 10 to 25: the Science of Motivating Young People. Dr. Yeager focused specifically on the science behind the “Mentor Mindset,” including his analysis of mentoring exemplars in the fields of education, business, and athletics. Then, he was joined in conversation by Fr. Katsouros to discuss the implications of his research within the context of the CTB model, including specific “Mentor Mindset” practices inside and outside the classroom.
Steve Katsouros, SJ, in conversation with David Yeager
Campus Learning Presentations
Following Dr. Yeager’s keynote, leaders from Arrupe College and Dougherty Family College (DFC) presented their own collection of best practices and learnings from their campuses, allowing other two-year college stakeholders to benefit from their expertise and knowledge creation. These included presentations on Arrupe Colleges’ Retention Taskforce (David Keys and Jennifer Boyle), DFC’s Mutual Assistance Program (Sarah McCann, Bradley Pulles, and Heather Isernhagen), Arrupe’s Career Fellowship Program (Sarah McNally) and DFC’s College Transfer Playbook (Katia Colon-LaCroix, Amanda Yang, and Camila Barcenas).
The Current State of Higher Ed and Breakfast and Learn Sessions
ACCU President Donna Carroll shared her thoughts on the current higher education landscape
On Wednesday April 9, the President of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, Donna Carroll, kicked off the day with remarks about the current status of higher education in light of the new presidential administration. She offered clear-eyed guidance and practical suggestions about navigating an uncertain and precarious future for higher education. Then attendees had the opportunity to participate in “Breakfast and Learn Conversations” with special guests from the University of Chicago, the University of Wisconsin Madison, and Dominican University (IL) in roundtable format.
Cross-Campus Breakout Sessions
After the breakfast and learn sessions, two-year college stakeholders had the opportunity to gather in role-alike groups to discuss how the convening’s “Mentor Mindset” theme could be applied practically in their day-to-day work. They also had a chance to connect with their role-alike peers to discuss common priorities, challenges, best practices, and opportunities for ongoing collaboration. CTB plans to build upon the foundation established during these sessions with ongoing opportunities for role-alike stakeholders to connect across campuses in the near future.
DFC’s Amir Mohamed (center in grey sweater) leads a breakout discussion
A Resounding Success
Overall, the convening was extremely well received by attendees. A feedback survey distributed at the end of the convening indicated an overwhelmingly positive experience, with 100% of attendees indicating they would be interested in participating in future CTB programming, including annual convenings.
“This was excellent and so helpful. I am bringing back so much energy and so many insights,” one attendee wrote. “Thank you all for your tireless effort, support, and intentionality in crafting this convening. It was a worthwhile, meaningful experience. I am excited to connect with role-alike colleagues in the near future,” wrote another.
A huge part of this success was the service and hospitality provided by the Omni Hotel, where the convening was held, and Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse, which hosted dinner for all attendees on Tuesday April 8th. CTB also sends special thanks to Wintrust Bank for their sponsorship of the Gibson’s Dinner.
