Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 20: The second day of the XXV Xavier Board Triennial Conference 2025 at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, was marked by powerful reflections and dynamic discussions on leadership, governance, communication, and institutional well-being. The sessions embodied the conference theme, “Empowering Minds, Embracing Change: Reimagining Higher Education for a Global Tomorrow.”
The day began with a Holy Mass celebrated by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus of Mangalore, with Fr Joseph Martis as the preacher. Delegates then gathered for a group photo session in front of the historic St Aloysius Chapel, followed by breakfast at the university food court.
The morning’s first plenary session on Leadership, Governance and Visionary Change featured eminent speakers.
Fr Praveen Martis SJ, vice chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangaluru, highlighted the importance of personalised, experiential learning and innovative talent engagement.
Fr Jose Palely, vice chancellor, Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati, spoke on strategic planning based on visionary change and thinking beyond the obvious.
Fr Victor Lobo SJ, vice chancellor, St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, focused on rethinking mindsets for transformation and being future-ready in curriculum design.
The session, moderated by Dr Maria Doss SJ, principal, St Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, explored strategies for institutional stability, academic growth, and the creation of visionary educational ecosystems for the future.
The following session, led by Dr William Blanton Feaster, associate provost, Dallas Baptist University, USA, explored Leading Global Synergy in Higher Education: Cultivating a Knowledge Network for Quality-Driven Global Citizenship. He discussed transformational leadership and a scaffolding framework focused on three pillars – foundation, focus, and fusion. He also emphasized AIM (Academics in Motion) as a paradigm shift in leadership development.
During the session, the Xavier Board and Dallas Baptist University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step toward global engagement and mutual learning. Dr Sanjay Purushotham from Dallas Baptist University explained the university’s admission procedures.
After lunch, delegates attended a stimulating session titled Prepared, Not Panicked: Developing a Church Crisis Communication Plan. Nolan Patrick Pinto, deputy editor, South First, and Sreeja M S, anchor and strategic partnership manager, Times Network, guided the discussion, which was moderated by Fr Joseph Varghese Kusumalayam, vice principal, Sacred Heart College, Thevara.
The session stressed that, in a crisis, institutions must act calmly and efficiently — confirming facts, activating response teams, ensuring safety, and communicating clear and accurate updates both internally and externally to maintain trust and transparency.
The final plenary session of the day explored Institutional Effectiveness Through a Mental Health Lens.
Sr M Nirmalini AC, superior general, Apostolic Carmel congregation and president, CRWI, emphasized credible and authentic leadership rooted in humility, mutual listening, and inclusive decision-making to foster mental and spiritual well-being, transformation, and renewal. She also highlighted the need to write a new narrative for the future.
Dr Sandra Sunitha Lobo, professor of psychology, School of Social Work, Mangaluru, spoke on institutional health through stakeholders’ well-being, which depends on the collective efforts of parents, teachers, and management. When these pillars work together with empathy, vision, and shared responsibility, institutions thrive as vibrant and sustainable communities promoting holistic growth.
Dr Neeta Gerosa Pereira, assistant professor, St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, in her session on Higher Education in the Digital Era: Prioritizing Adolescent Mental Well-being, stressed the importance of nurturing students’ holistic development amid rapid technological change, addressing both opportunities and challenges posed by the digital environment.
Moderated by Dr Sr B Velangini Kumari, principal, St Pius X College for Women, Hyderabad, the session underscored the importance of psychological well-being, faculty development, and a holistic approach to institutional health in higher education.
Evening events: Cultural fiesta and fellowship
The evening featured the announcement of the election officer for the upcoming Xavier Board elections, followed by a vibrant cultural fiesta held at the St Aloysius High School Hall. Centred on the theme Unity in Diversity, the event showcased captivating performances in dance, music, and drama celebrating India’s and local cultural heritage.
Five colleges – St Ann’s College of Education (Autonomous) Mangaluru, St Agnes College (Autonomous) Mangaluru, St Joseph’s Engineering College Mangaluru, Fr Muller Medical College Mangaluru, and St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangaluru – participated in the cultural fiesta.
The evening also included a felicitation ceremony honouring sponsors and media partners for their generous support of the event. The day concluded with a gala dinner.