Mission Integration FAQs

1. Was Hilbert founded on, and is it still affiliated with, principles of a certain faith or religion?
2. How does Hilbert’s heritage and tradition define the mission of the college?
3. What are Hilbert’s Franciscan core values?
4. What relevance does a values-based education have today?
5. Does Hilbert’s academic curriculum and nonacademic activities reflect the religious affiliation of the college?
6. Are students, professors and staff of other religions welcome at Hilbert?

1. Was Hilbert founded on, and is it still affiliated with, principles of a certain faith or religion?

Hilbert was founded on the principles of the Catholic faith and the Franciscan philosophy of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph. The FSSJs founded Immaculata College, which later became Hilbert College, through the vision and direction of Sister Edwina Bogel. Hilbert maintains the long-established relationship with the congregation, and it is intent on maintaining the Catholic Franciscan mission of the college as originally espoused by its founders. Hilbert’s trustees, administration, faculty, and staff are committed to adhering to and promoting the Franciscan values and traditions. There is also ongoing input from the sisters into the governance of the college, its plans and future endeavors.

2. How does Hilbert’s heritage and tradition define the mission of the college?

Mother Colette Hilbert, foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, held a vision of service which encompassed the poor, the uneducated and those in need. The Franciscan mission of Colette Hilbert is continued at the college which bears her name, through service to as many students as possible who are able to benefit from the educational opportunities provided.

When the FSSJs founded the college, academic excellence and a commitment to the tradition of a rigorous liberal arts foundation was stressed. All efforts to create, sustain and enhance the academic atmosphere of the college and to support academic excellence in its students are still part of the Franciscan mission of the institution. In addition, Hilbert stays true to its Catholic Franciscan foundation by promoting core values of vision, hope, respect, integrity, service, compassion, peace, and joy.

3. What are Hilbert’s Franciscan core values?

The core values that provide a framework for the Hilbert community to accomplish the college mission are respect, service, hope, joy, integrity, vision, compassion, and peace. Defined in our Franciscan tradition, they are as follows:

Respect is a recognition and reverence for God’s presence in all creation including ourselves, others, and the environment. It includes “an appreciation of the richness of different options, new ideas, and diverse perspectives.”

Service is a way of thanking God for the gifts He has given to us. This is done by working and advocating for the well-being of all, especially the poor, the uneducated, and those in need.

Hope is the faithful expectation that students can, through their Catholic Franciscan liberal arts education, “positively impact their professions and communities.”

Vision is the thoughtful foresight behind the planning and programs at the College that helps “prepare individuals to fulfill meaningful educational, career/professional, and personal goals.”

Joy is the pleasant manner in which service is offered; the happiness that is shared in the relationships among various college constituents; the hospitality that is offered to visitors. It is the wonder and delight that comes with the discovering of learning “through a meaningful, unique undergraduate educational experience based in the liberal arts.”

Integrity is the honesty that is at the core of this Catholic Franciscan college. We are what we say we are; we do what we say we do. Hilbert seeks not only to educate the mind but the heart as well in order to send competent and moral individuals into the world.

Compassion is the concern and kindness that is displayed among the college constituents and for those, particularly the needy, to whom we reach out to in the community-at-large. It is the nurturing philosophy and personal interest that faculty and staff consistently demonstrate to help the students grow in self-confidence and to assume their responsibilities as contributing members of the world community.

Peace is the Christ-like tranquility that flows from one’s being and promotes harmonious relationships with others. Its effects are non-violence, forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice.

4. What relevance does a values-based education have today?

In teaching our students, Hilbert seeks not only to educate the mind but the heart as well. The core Franciscan values help individuals to relate positively to one another, the environment, and God; to respect human life and life in all forms; to respect the uniqueness of individuals of all classes, cultures, races, and religions; to promote change through vision, hope, and peace; to be persons of integrity; and to be compassionate and of service to others. These values are vital as our students assume their responsibilities as global citizens.

5. Does Hilbert’s academic curriculum and nonacademic activities reflect the religious affiliation of the college?

While respecting academic freedom, the Catholic Franciscan values are reflected in our academic curriculum where and when appropriate. In addition, a course is planned on Franciscanism, which will be used as a springboard for other related classes.

On the nonacademic side, there are numerous activities and events in keeping with our heritage. St. Francis Week activities include a liturgy, Peace Walk, blessing of the animals, and displays. Students and parents are introduced at orientation to the story of Mother Colette Hilbert and St. Francis. There is much involvement in service learning projects through the Hilbert Honors Program, various courses and campus clubs. And for the first time, two students recently participated in a Franciscan pilgrimage program to Assisi and Rome, Italy. Daily Mass is also offered on campus.

Moreover, there are visible symbols on campus that are reminders of our religious affiliation. Among these are banners imprinted with the Franciscan values that hang in the campus quad; the college’s St. Clare Chapel; a large San Damiano crucifix that hangs in Franciscan Hall, the college’s administrative building; and a 50-foot long wrought iron outdoor sculpture depicting the life of St. Francis adorns the front of Franciscan Hall, to name just a few.

6. Are students, professors and staff of other religions welcome at Hilbert?

Absolutely. We’re proud of our Catholic Franciscan heritage, but we also pride ourselves in being ecumenical. Religion is not imposed on anyone at Hilbert, but our Franciscan values may be useful in establishing a good foundation for life.