St. Mark's College

President Turcotte writes about his recent visit to the Vatican where Pope Leo spoke to Canadian and American Catholic educators.

”At a moment when societies across the world wrestle with division, loneliness, and uncertainty about the future, Pope Leo’s message was both simple and profound. Education is not merely about information. Technology is not an end in itself. The ultimate task of both is to serve the human person,” writes Dr. Turcotte.

As Chair of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada (ACCUC), Dr. Turcotte was attending the annual Rome Seminar hosted by our American counterparts, the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU). Together, our organizations represent nearly 250 Catholic colleges and universities and tens of thousands of students annually.

https://bccatholic.ca/voices/dr-gerry-turcotte-bccath/the-higher-purpose-of-higher-education The B.C. Catholic

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Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we are proud to honor the connections within our community by highlighting our new academic regalia, designed by Musqueam artist Janna Becker.

This new Indigenized regalia was revealed in a formal gowning ceremony during Convocation. The designs include a Coast Salish-styled cross that symbolizes connection, balance, and the continuity of cultural teachings.

The project reflects the ongoing relationship between the Colleges and the Musqueam people, on whose traditional territory the schools are situated. We are incredibly grateful for this collaboration with Janna Becker and for her creativity, collaboration, and expertise in bringing this project to life.

To the dads, the mentors, the role models, and the father figures who help shape us into who we are .....thank you. Whether you’re a parent, a mentor, or someone who’s stepped up to guide a student on their journey, today we’re celebrating your support, your wisdom, and your steady encouragement. We’re grateful for the community of people who help our students thrive. Happy Father’s Day!

We had the privilege of welcoming campus ministry leaders from across Canada for three days of professional development in ministry and personal renewal. The Canadian Catholic Campus Ministry National Conference brought together campus ministers and chaplains serving post-secondary institutions across Canada, along with dedicated ministry partners. Thank you to everyone who participated!

A special round of applause for Gerard Garcia, our very own Campus Minister, for being the lead organizer of the conference which was hosted in partnership with UBC Catholic Campus Ministry at St. Mark's parish. We were grateful to receive a sponsorship from City In Focus to support the conference.

There’s something so special about seeing hard work get its moment in the sun. We are incredibly proud of this year’s award winners. Beyond the academic honours, these students have shown so much heart and leadership during their studies.

Please join us in the comments to congratulate this year’s recipients.

We spotted a familiar face in this photo with Pope Leo: our very own Dr. Gerry Turcotte! Dr. Turcotte, President of Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College at UBC, is in Rome with the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.

Pope Leo spoke with the group of educators on Wednesday morning. As Vatican News writes, “Pope Leo XIV said Catholic education must cultivate not only a love of learning but also a deep passion for Christ, “the Truth,” warning that without this, students will be less prepared to recognize truth and shape their lives accordingly.

Pope: Catholic universities must lead students to Christ - Vatican News Addressing U.S. Catholic college presidents and rectors, Pope Leo XIV said Catholic education must cultivate not only a love of learning but also a ...

What do your St Mark’s College profs do during the summer session? Conferences! This week Profs and attended the Canadian Theological Society, where they both serve on the executive committee and moderated several panels. Conferences are one way for scholars to share their research and receive feedback from their peers.

Interested in theology? Contact [email protected] for more information or head over to stmarkscollege.ca to browse our course offerings and programs!

What are you waiting for? Your theological journey begins with St. Mark’s!

Looking back at these Convocation moments and feeling so proud of what our students achieved. A massive congratulations to everyone who graduated.

"Where the world has a great need, and you find a great joy meeting that need, then you know the hand of God is upon you."

At our 2026 Convocation, we had the privilege of honoring Dr. Thomas Jay Cooper with a Doctorate of Sacred Letters. In a moving address, Dr. Cooper reflected on 35 years of ministry, the power of community, and the importance of engaging the world with faith and compassion.

It was a powerful reminder to our graduates and to all of us about the purpose of faith in a changing world.

🔗 Read Dr. Cooper’s full Convocation address at the link in our bio.