The Rev. Andrew Ciferni ’64 says his focus as new board chair is to work closely with President Brian Bruess ’90 to advance SNC’s essential mission.

Renewed Vision Unites College Leadership

The St. Norbert College Board of Trustees has named the Rev. Andrew Ciferni ’64 as its next chair. The announcement last week follows the board’s Nov. 21 decision to approve a multi-year extension of its contract with sitting president Brian Bruess ’90.

Ciferni begins his term immediately, continuing a long and multi-faceted association with both the college and the wider world of Catholic higher education. Immersed in the history, traditions and spirituality of the Norbertine order through his 61 years of ministry, Ciferni is a member of the Daylesford Abbey community of Norbertines based in Paoli, Penn.

The expert in liturgy earned his first degree, in philosophy, from St. Norbert in 1964 and would return to campus to serve as director of the Center for Norbertine Studies from 2013-18. He is in his second term as a trustee.

Ciferni earned his Ph.D. in theology from the University of Notre Dame. He taught at Catholic University of America and at Washington Theological Union, where he also served as the academic dean. He was recognized for his service to both St. Norbert College and the order with an honorary degree in 2002.

In a statement Dec. 6, Ciferni said: “I believe that my background prepares me to take up the work of board leadership. My focus will be on recalling us to our sense of communio, working closely with President Bruess in moving us forward to become more and more of what we are – a great Catholic, Norbertine, liberal arts college.”

Unity and hope
Acknowledging outgoing chair Mike Van Asten ’75 for his leadership as board chair and his two decades of service as a trustee, President Bruess welcomed Ciferni to his new role: “We extend a warm welcome to Father Andrew as the chair of the St. Norbert College Board of Trustees and are grateful that he will be with us as the Norbertine order celebrates its 900th anniversary [in 2021]. I am delighted to work in partnership with Father Ciferni in the months to come.”

The naming of Ciferni as board chair comes after the board of trustees voted Nov. 21 to approve a multi-year extension of its contract with President Bruess. The decision followed news earlier last month that the president had announced he would conclude his service to the college at the end of the academic year.

“Since that time,” the board wrote to the college community, “there has been an outpouring of support for the college and Bruess’ leadership.

“The board of trustees heard from students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends who love the college and care deeply about its future.”

Responding to this feedback, the board of trustees met Nov. 21 to discuss the community’s thoughts, input and concerns. A joint statement announced: “The board had an open and productive discussion about the future of St. Norbert College and voted to approve a multi-year extension of Bruess’ contract. The board of trustees and President Bruess acknowledge that they have much work to do, but today they move forward confident in the college’s leadership, united in their vision for the future of the college, and grounded in our Catholic, Norbertine and liberal arts traditions.”

In an appreciative Thanksgiving message to the alumni and parents of SNC, Bruess recognized a college community that knows a new unity.

Dec. 10, 2019