Father Dave Pivonka, TOR '89 President | Franciscan University website

Mary Rice Hasson has been named a visiting fellow at the Veritas Center for Ethics in Public Life at Franciscan University of Steubenville. A Catholic writer and speaker, Hasson is known for her expertise in various societal issues, including women’s issues, education, gender ideology, parental rights, and sexual ethics.

Dr. Anne Hendershott, the director of the Veritas Center, expressed her excitement about having Hasson join the team, stating, “We are happy to have Mary Hasson join us as our Visiting Veritas Fellow.” Hendershott highlighted Hasson's previous engagement with students at the university, particularly during the Transgender Moment Conference, where she addressed challenges faced by families in the transgender movement.

Hasson shared her feelings about the appointment, stating, “I’m honored and delighted to be a visiting fellow. It’s a wonderful opportunity not only to engage with faithful, intellectually curious students but also to contribute to the center’s serious exploration—in light of faith and the natural law—of compelling cultural issues.”

Reflecting on the societal challenges related to gender and identity, Hasson emphasized the importance of addressing these issues from a Catholic perspective. She expressed her eagerness to collaborate with the center’s scholars in the coming year.

Dr. Deborah Savage, a theology professor at Franciscan University, praised Hasson's leadership and vision, describing her as a gifted thinker who has made significant contributions to promoting the dignity of the human person. Savage highlighted Hasson's role in amplifying the voices of Catholic women across various fields and acknowledged her impact on advancing a culture of life.

The Veritas Center for Ethics in Public Life aims to engage in scholarly reflection on contemporary ethical issues from a faithful Catholic perspective. Through research, writing, and academic conferences, the center seeks to uphold the natural moral law and defend human freedom and dignity in society.

Mary Rice Hasson's appointment as a visiting fellow at the Veritas Center underscores her dedication to addressing critical societal issues through the lens of faith and reason. Her expertise and leadership are expected to enrich the academic and ethical discourse at Franciscan University of Steubenville.