In an interview with CNA, the college’s founding president, Kent J. Lasnoski, said that the college’s name reflects the Franciscan heritage of the historic campus. Lasnoski holds a doctorate in theology and previously taught moral theology and philosophy at Wyoming Catholic College, where he also served as dean of students.
Asked how he would pitch San Damiano to the parents of prospective students, Lasnoski said: “You have a son graduating high school. I assume that what you care most about for him is that he lives a life that is fruitful and holy and integrative. You have two options before you to help him toward that goal. You could send him to a standard four-year university, or send him to a different kind of model.”
“We’re offering an authentic Catholic formation, training in the Great Books, which prepare people for any career and exposure to trades, and then choose a trade that can pay them, come out of college without debt, and with a useful degree,” Lasnoski said.
The formation includes the traditional trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric, combined with technical instruction and on-the-job training. The college proposes to form the character of male students and prepare them to “bring dignity, purpose, and attentive craftsmanship to their work.”
Trades offered for the inaugural class include carpentry, electrical, roofing, arborist, and ecclesial restoration. In the future, the college anticipates adding additional tracks in plumbing and HVAC and masonry as well as welding and fabrication.
There has also been a resurgence of Catholic trade schools nationally. Among them are Harmel Academy in Michigan and Santiago Trade School in California.
Credit: Source link
