Thai Jesuit campus partners with US university

The most recently established school in the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific is entering into a partnership with the oldest Jesuit University in the United States.

The Xavier Learning Community (XLC), which is located in Thailand’s northern Chiang Rai Province to serve ethnic minorities, is holding talks with Georgetown University to work out details. However, XLC and Georgetown University have already agreed to collaborate on researching indigenous issues, scholarships, faculty development and personnel exchanges.

Dr. Thomas Banchoff, Georgetown University’s vice president for global engagement, in early May met with Thai Jesuit region superior Father Agustinus Sugiyo Pitoyo, along with staff, Jesuits and students.

Georgetown University in the U.S. capital, Washington, trains diplomatic and political leaders from many countries. The university was committed to supporting the development of XLC in its educational and outreach programs, Dr. Banchoff said.

Bangkok Bank gave financial support for an XLC gala dinner for Dr. Banchoff at the prestigious Bangkok Club.

While Dr. Banchoff spoke on the global engagement approach of his institution, XLC vice director for formation Father Thomas Michel gave a progress report on the achievements of the Chiang Rai campus. “XLC looks to Georgetown and other Jesuit universities for support and assistance as our fledgling institution continues to develop in terms of students, teaching staff and material presence,” Father Michel said.

Image by Georgetown University