Neumann University News One Neumann Drive, Aston, PA 19014-1298

For Immediate Release – October 24, 2018 Contact: Stephen Bell 610-558-5549

AFCU Appoints Executive Director for Mission

The Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU) has appointed Debi Haug as its executive director for mission. She will be based at Neumann University (Aston, Pennsylvania), one of 24 colleges that are members of the organization.

Haug has 18 years of experience in Catholic ministry, including campus minister at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon; campus minister and wedding coordinator at Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame; campus minister for Winthrop University, Rock Hill, South Carolina; and campus minister at Ball State University Newman Center and University Parish at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana; She has also served at parishes in Portland, Oregon and South Bend, Indiana.

After graduating with a BA in Pastoral Leadership from Marian University, a Franciscan institution in Indianapolis, Indiana, Haug served as a youth minister for the Jesuit Retreat Program in Milford, Ohio.

Her post-graduate education includes courses in Theological Studies at St. Meinrad School of Theology in Indiana and current matriculation in a Certificate in Franciscan Studies at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. Her roots in Franciscan education extend back to elementary school, where she was taught by the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, the same congregation that now leads the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

“I feel honored to have been chosen,” says Haug, “and am eager to collaborate with the Board of the AFCU to enhance the mission effectiveness of the organization and its member colleges and universities.”

The executive director for mission works with the AFCU leadership to set mission- related priorities for the organization and offer services that will support mission programs to member institutions. Haug will also play a lead role in budget management, communication, and coordination of the annual presidents’ meeting.

Founded in 1997, the AFCU seeks to nurture a community of academic institutions committed to the Catholic and Franciscan spiritual and intellectual traditions and to promote scholarship and curricula that, in keeping with the vocations of Saints Francis and Clare, address the needs of the poor, attend to the environment, and promote peace.

The 24 AFCU member institutions serve more than 50,000 students across the country from New Jersey to California.

Current AFCU members are Alvernia University, Alverno College, Briar Cliff University, Cardinal Stritch University, Felician University, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, Franciscan School of Theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Hilbert College, Lourdes University, Madonna University, Marian University, Neumann University, Quincy University, Saint Francis University, Siena College, Silver Lake College of the Holy Family, St. Bonaventure University, St. Francis College, St. John’s College, University of Saint Francis, University of St. Francis, Villa Maria College, and Viterbo University.

To learn more about the AFCU, visit www.franciscancollegesuniversities.org.