In April 2005, Cabrini College became the first institution of higher education in the United States to sign a memorandum of understanding with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official international relief and development agency of the U.S. Catholic community.
For Cabrini, this partnership reflects the global spirit of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Cabrini’s ongoing commitment to provide an education of the heart.
For CRS, the partnership with Cabrini and four other institutions (University of Notre Dame, Santa Clara University, Seattle University, and Villanova University) provides a strong link between their work with vulnerable people in 100 nations and students at Catholic colleges and universities in the U.S.
The Cabrini-CRS partnership includes many ways for students and other campus community members to become involved in global issues, including:
CRS Ambassadors
Student leaders trained to provide campus awareness programs on key issues for global humanitarian work including fair trade, food security, migration, HIV/AIDS, peace-building, and microfinance.
Global Solidarity Network
In-class electronic Skype sessions allow Cabrini students and faculty to learn about current humanitarian issues like human trafficking and refugees through direct, real-time contact with CRS partners around the world
Global Connections for Faculty
Mentoring and resources for faculty who seek international humanitarian components for their courses, research, and international study-travel with students.
Sport-Theme Annual Events
- The Fair Trade Walleyball Tournament draws wide participation for fun and builds awareness about fair trade as a way U.S. consumers can support communities overseas.
- Nets for Nets features varsity basketball games to raise funds for anti-malaria bed-nets for families in West Africa.
Cabrini-CRS Partnership Advisory Committee
Composed of students, faculty, and staff, this group meets regularly throughout the academic year.