Portrait of a Graduate

The Bishop McGuinness graduate is becoming a spiritually grounded young adult whose life is oriented toward Christ. Through prayer, reflection, worship, and service, the graduate is developing a well-formed conscience guided by Gospel values and Catholic teaching. Faith informs judgment, decision-making, and the courage to persevere in the face of challenge.

The graduate

• seeks a personal and active relationship with Jesus Christ;
• demonstrates a developing, well-formed conscience rooted in Catholic moral teaching: “Conscience . . . is an act of a person’s intelligence, the function of which is to apply the universal knowledge of the good in a specific situation and thus to express a judgment about the right conduct to be chosen here and now” (St. Pope John Paul II,Veritatis Splendor 32); 
• uses good judgment in personal, academic, and social decisions;
• lives a values-based life shaped by integrity, humility, and responsibility;
• shows perseverance and moral courage when confronted with adversity or failure;
• defends the inherent dignity of all human life from conception to natural death;
• reflects prayerfully on life experiences to discern God’s presence and call;
• recognizes faith as something lived through action, not merely professed in words.

The Bishop McGuinness graduate demonstrates strong academic preparation and a genuine love of learning. Intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and reflection guide the graduate’s pursuit of truth across disciplines. Faith and Reason are understood as complementary, enabling the graduate to think critically, empathetically, and ethically.

The graduate

• approaches learning as a Christ-centered pursuit of truth and wisdom;
• demonstrates intellectual empathy by engaging respectfully with diverse perspectives;
• thinks critically and communicates clearly in written, oral, and digital forms;
• is literate in historical, theological, and social contexts that shape the modern world;
• reflects thoughtfully on ideas, experiences, and learning processes;
• perseveres through academic challenges with resilience and discipline;
• applies knowledge to real-world problems with ethical awareness;
• values intellectual honesty and takes responsibility for academic work;
• demonstrates curiosity that leads to deeper questioning and lifelong learning.

The Bishop McGuinness graduate understands relationships and community as essential to human flourishing. Rooted in Christ’s call to love and serve, the graduate seeks healthy relationships, meaningful service, and active participation in building a just and compassionate society.

The graduate

• builds healthy, respectful, and life-giving relationships with others;
• seeks community and values collaboration, belonging, and mutual responsibility;
• lives a service-oriented life modeled after Christ’s example of self-giving love;
• demonstrates perseverance and courage in standing up for what is right;
• works actively for the common good at the local, national, and global levels;
• shows concern for marginalized and vulnerable populations;
• integrates faith and action through service, advocacy, and leadership;
• demonstrates intellectual curiosity about social issues and their root causes;
• recognizes personal responsibility in promoting justice, peace, and human dignity.