STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—Franciscan University of Steubenville mourned the death of long-time friend Dr. Alice Jourdain von Hildebrand, 98, who passed away January 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 Father 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.”

She also compared Franciscan University’s role in Catholic higher education with God’s call to St. Francis of Assisi:

“God’s command to St. Francis is addressed today to Franciscan University of Steubenville: ‘Rebuild my Church in America by rebuilding Catholic education.’ It is obviously no accident that Steubenville is Franciscan. Steubenville is not the best known of American universities; it is not the richest or the most powerful. But, as St. Paul tells us, the King usually chooses those who are frail and weak because they turn to God for help, knowing that they cannot do the work on their own. Thus, he called St. Francis, and now he is calling Franciscan University of Steubenville.”

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 University and the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.

Members of the Franciscan University community who knew her best offered the following personal reflections on the life and legacy of Dr. Alice von Hildebrand:

Franciscan University President Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, said, “I had the great privilege of taking Dr. 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. Her strong faith and wisdom helped Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, renew Franciscan during his presidency, and her presence on the board significantly raised our stature in academia. 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 Dr. Mary Healy MA ’88, professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, said she and Dr. 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. 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.”

Dr. 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.”

Dr. 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! Her lecture became a life-changing experience for me and set me on the road to a rediscovery of Catholic faith and tradition. Now, at age 71, after slogging clumsily and imperfectly through many decades of attempting to live the devout life at home (marriage, five kids) and at work (teaching and administrating), I was again touched by her spirit and renewed in hope—looking back on my own struggles and failures—after reading one of her final books of wisdom, Memoirs of a Happy Failure. Marvelous! God bless you, Lily, and thank you!”

Franciscan alumnus John Henry Crosby ’00, 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. We had many wonderful experiences and adventures together, notably our trip to Rome in 2007 to meet with Pope Benedict XVI whose support for our work she enlisted. By entrusting the Hildebrand Project with carrying on her and her husband’s life’s work, she gave me my life’s vocation. What a gift! She loved Franciscan University and was always deeply grateful that the Hildebrand Project has found a home here.”

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.