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STEUBENVILLE -- Franciscan University of Steubenville is mourned the death of longtime friend Alice Jourdain von Hildebrand, 98, who died Jan. 14.
The internationally renowned Catholic philosopher, professor and author served Franciscan University on the board of trustees from 1987 to 1999. She also taught classes as a visiting professor in Franciscan's philosophy program.
At the 1987 Academic Honors Convocation, Franciscan University President the Rev. Michael Scanlan, TOR, presented her with an honorary doctor of science in philosophy and letters degree for her "great contribution to Catholic intellectual life."
In her address to the students and faculty that followed, von Hildebrand spoke on "The Nature and Mission of a Catholic University."
She described the crisis of Catholic education in America and emphasized that the success of a Catholic university "depends upon its being not merely academically excellent, but also truly faithful to its Catholic heritage."
Von Hildebrand also spoke to students and guests on campus many other times, including a 1988 Conference on Marriage and Family in the Modern Culture co-sponsored by Franciscan.
Several university officials comment on the passing.
"I had the great privilege of taking von Hildebrand's class on the Philosophy of Love as an undergraduate at Franciscan. I remember her as a fine teacher who taught with both beauty and simplicity -- in fact, hers was one of my favorite philosophy classes. I am grateful to her personally for that, but I am also grateful for her service as a trustee," said the Rev. Dave Pivonka, the university's president. "Even as we pray for the repose of her soul, I ask her to pray for Franciscan University as she enjoys her eternal reward. May she rest in peace."
In a tribute written for the National Catholic Register, alumna Mary Healy, professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, said she and von Hildebrand attended a 1988 lecture given by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger that was interrupted by shouting protesters.
"It was my first and only experience of mob intimidation," Healy wrote. "The cardinal paused, while the audience sat stunned and helpless -- except for one 98-pound woman of twisted steel sitting next to me. She alone, of the hundreds of people in the room, reacted by standing up herself and politely but firmly rebuking the protesters, demanding that they do the courtesy of allowing the cardinal to finish his talk. Though her voice did not carry far, she brought air back into the room, as if breaking the spell. Eventually, the protesters were removed by security. For me, it was an unforgettable lesson in the powerful effect of even a single person standing up to intimidation."
John Crosby, professor of philosophy at Franciscan University, said, "Alice von Hildebrand has been a dear friend of mine for 56 years. She has also been a friend of Franciscan University of Steubenville, making the growth of the university one of her major life projects. She helped me to discern my calling to Franciscan University. In recent years, I have been inspired by the way she has been preparing for death. She has spent much time in prayer reviewing her life, letting go of disappointments, and most of all, giving thanks for all the blessings of her life. By the end of her life, she was filled with the spirit of thanksgiving."
Michael Healy, professor of philosophy at Franciscan University, said, "I first encountered Alice von Hildebrand over 50 years ago as an undergraduate at Loyola University of Los Angeles. She was there to give a talk on how Soren Kierkegaard dealt with the theological liberals of his day (19th century). Her address was filled with tremendous insight as well as humor. Over time, I discovered that this combination was deeply characteristic of her entire life and thought."
Franciscan alumnus John Henry Crosby, president and founder of the Hildebrand Project, said, "My life and work are inextricably linked to Alice von Hildebrand. She believed in me when I proposed founding the Hildebrand Project in 2003, so much so, that I consider her a true co-founder ... She loved Franciscan University and was always deeply grateful that the Hildebrand Project has found a home here."