Mission

The Brother Bernard Rapp, FSC Lecture on Faith & Science brings to campus scholars who explore the dynamic harmony and tensions of the Catholic faith and the scientific disciplines. Grounded in º£½ÇÉçÇø’s mission values of knowledge, wisdom, and fidelity, the lecture series promotes dialogue, exploration, and discovery while shedding light on the mysteries of the human spirit. The lecture is part of the University’s Cumbee Catholic Scholars Initiative.

Brother Bernard Rapp, FSC (1933-2020)

Named for the late Brother Bernard Rapp, FSC, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and University Archivist who retired on January 30, 2018 after 45 years of service to º£½ÇÉçÇø, this lecture recognizes Brother Bernard’s distinguished career as a dedicated teacher, an exemplary scientist, and a person of great faith who was committed to his vocation as a Christian Brother.

A native of St. Louis, Brother Bernard taught in the sciences from 1973 to 2000. He began assisting the late Brother Ambrose Groble, FSC, founder of the University Archives in 1992. Brother Bernard was named Archivist in 2000 following his retirement from teaching. In documenting and collecting Lewis history, Brother Bernard conducted dozens of oral interviews with alumni, faculty, administrators, and staff about earlier years at Lewis. He collected artifacts, catalogued publications by Lewis writers, and entered thousands of pieces of information and documents into existing and new files to assure that the history of the University would be accessible and viable for future generations. Brother Bernard died in August 2020. This lecture aims to celebrate his legacy and commitment to the Lewis community.

The lecture is coordinated by the Office of Mission and Identity in collaboration with faculty members from the sciences, theology, and other departments. 

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