Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 2: A session on ‘A Jesuit Approach to Leadership’ was conducted for the first and second PU class representatives, along with the student council members of the college, by Dr Mona Mendonca, assistant professor and head of the department of history at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University).

Dr Mendonca opened her talk by emphasizing that 'a leader is someone who evolves over time'. Drawing from the life of St Ignatius of Loyola, she narrated his journey from being a soldier to becoming the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). She spoke about the war between Spain and France, during which Ignatius sustained a cannonball injury. Despite this major setback, he maintained his hope and spirit. During his recovery, he immersed himself in books on theology, an experience that profoundly changed him and gave direction to his life.

Dr Mendonca explained how such challenges can serve as tools for transformation and how God tests us to help us grow. She highlighted four Jesuit values essential to leadership: modesty, self-awareness, empathy, and open-mindedness. She stressed the importance of developing a strong persona, rather than merely a personality, as a foundation for impactful leadership.

She encouraged student leaders to always go the extra mile, to hold themselves accountable, and to be willing to apologize when necessary. A true leader, she emphasized, must be humble, respectful, and always willing to step into others’ shoes.