Newman Center awards Catholic U. pres.

Patrick Ellis wants students to question religious theories instead of memorizing them. The first annual John Henry Cardinal Newman award was given to Catholic University President Patrick Ellis for his ability to convey to students the importance of religion in college at the Newman Center Sunday morning. He was recognized as leading a life similar to that of Newman's -- characterized by intelligence, charisma and dedication. Bob Cardie, director and organizer of the event, said Ellis was devoted to incorporating religion into the center of the students' lives, as opposed to leaving it in the margins. "He could recognize the bond of faith, academics and culture," said Cardie. "He was very involved with the students and wanted to teach them the importance of religion in a secular university." Ellis himself said he believes theology makes education complete -- a belief he shared with Newman. Although today many people may think of religion as a cause of divisiveness, Ellis said religion is a source of love and challenges the mind. The award winner also encouraged students not to accept everything. He said students, instead, should "dare to ask why." But if there is not an answer to the question, he continued, at least there will be a relationship to the question. "It's important to learn for learning's sake," said Ellis. "Students should take classes for enjoyment, for their own personal reward, not only because it's a core course." The male chorus burst into song prior to Ellis' speech, and concluded their tunes with audience participation in "Rock my Soul." Presidents of area colleges, faculty, administration and a few students came to watch Ellis accept his award. Ellis, at one point, was asked to pray that many students would attend. His response was "that would require a miracle." While only a handful of students attended yesterday's ceremony in honor of Ellis, the people that were there to hear his powerful words said they learned the importance of conviction and of testing one's limits.