b'MARGARET PINNELL, PHD campus, Pinnell began to wonder whether UD mightChair and Professor, School of Engineering lose the very thing that makes it unique.University of DaytonDayton, Ohio Thats why she found the invitation to become aMarianist Educational Associate (MEA) appealing. Her leadership roles at the University of Daytons A member of the programs 2010 cohort,School of Engineering have made professor and interim Pinnell appreciated how the initial for-dean Margie Pinnell keenly aware that a significant mation workshop deepened her Catholicshift has occurred.faith and awakened a desire to partici- ITS VERY GOOD FORWeve had a lot of faculty retire in recent years, pate more fully as a lay person. It alsostirred up a sense of responsibility for MY SPIRITUALITYso we have about 50 percent of our faculty who arenew, she said. Many came here to teach right out making sure that the charism infusesof grad school, and they chose UD because they everything we do, she said.liked it, but they may not quite understand why. This commitment plays out in many practical ways.But its no secret to Pinnell. Our role as MEAs is to try to be an example on campus,Photo courtesy of Chaminade UniversityWhat makes UD incredibly specialjust like thinking about how were engaging with others onevery Marianist high school or college Ive ever set committees and so forth, she said. Her efforts borefoot onis the Marianist Charism, she said. But todays fruit on one recent project, when she served on annewly hired faculty members dont have the advantage intentionally diverse committee tasked with revisingshe enjoyed when she enrolled as an undergrad in 1983: UDs promotion and tenure document.a nearly ubiquitous presence of vowed Marianist It was really important to meand othersthatbrothers and priests who embodied the charism in our Marianist values were embedded throughoutclassrooms, on committees and at department meetings. that document, she said, and MEA formation wasThe charism manifests itself in a variety of ways, very helpful in ensuring we were using words andshe believesamong them: a commitment to educate resources that aligned with the charism.in the family spirit; adaptability; a welcoming and Life as an MEA, it turns out, is an ongoing journey.inclusive culture; a focus on social justice; and an Formation made me realize that I have a ton to learn,ability to read the signs of the times, while always Pinnell said. But I do it because it makes me better atseeking continuous improvement. But with fewer my job, and because its very good for my spiritualityvowed Marianists around to model such traits on and sense of well-being.Margaret Pinnell (right) confersPHOTO BY CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY PHOTO BY JULIE WALLING NOETHwith fellow MEA Marianne Dodaro in her office at Universityof Dayton.marianist.com/donate 9'