Summer Reading Program 2023: Welcome

Welcome to the Reading and Teaching Guide for the Common Reading! 

As an introduction to the intellectual culture of the University, members of the Class of 2027 were asked to read and think critically about the Benedictine Hallmark of Hospitality.

Whether you’re a professor wondering what activities you could use in your class to incorporate the text or a student looking for more information on a piece, we have the information you are looking for. 

This guide contains:

• Video introductions from all our faculty contributors
• Articles chosen by Benedictine University professors that reflect the Benedictine Hallmark of Hospitality
• Sample reflection and discussion questions 

Source: Rembrandt's "Christ at Emmaus" sketch, 1634. https://www.wikiart.org/en/rembrandt/christ-at-emmaus-1634 

Members of the Class of 2027, you should read five articles and complete a writing assignment before you arrive to campus. These articles were chosen by BenU professors and reflect our Benedictine Hallmark of Hospitality.

We experience hospitality in two ways, as hosts and as guests. As hosts, we practice hospitality when we welcome others in, both friends and strangers; as guests, we wait and listen for our invitation to join. In the spirit of Benedictine Hospitality, we present this selection of summer reading to welcome you to the intellectual culture of the University.

Your professors encourage you over the summer to think critically about the importance of Hospitality. At the freshman orientation, Ben Beginnings, you will attend a panel discussion among those professors and then break into small groups of classmates, orientation leaders, and first-year faculty to continue the conversation.