Leaders from Lasallian universities across the globe gathered in Nairobi last December for the XIV International Encuentro of the International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU), marking a milestone in global cooperation, governance renewal, and shared mission in higher education.
Hosted in Africa for the first time, the Encuentro brought together rectors, presidents, senior administrators, and representatives of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The meeting was further distinguished by the presence of the Superior General, Br. Armin Luistro, and the Vicar General, Br. Carlos Gómez, underscoring the strong institutional bond between Lasallian higher education and the wider Lasallian educational mission worldwide.
The future of Lasallian universities
Over several days of dialogue and exchange, participants addressed strategic priorities shaping the future of Lasallian universities, including internationalization, academic innovation, research collaboration, social engagement, and the role of higher education in responding to regional and global challenges. Particular attention was given to Africa’s growing importance in the global higher education landscape and to the need for more inclusive and balanced forms of academic cooperation.
The Encuentro also served as a decisive moment for IALU’s governance and institutional development. Among a number of significant resolutions, a historic decision was taken to formally establish the Region of Africa within the Association, recognizing both the expansion of Lasallian higher education on the continent and its strategic relevance within the global network.
This step formed part of a broader regional restructuring of IALU, designed to strengthen representation, enhance coordination, and better reflect the diversity of its member institutions worldwide.
Governance and leadership
During the General Assembly, elections were held for the Association’s senior leadership. Dr. David Livingston was elected President, and Dr. Josep Santos was elected Vice-President, each for a three-year term.
In line with IALU’s governance framework, Regional Directors were elected within their respective regions, also for three-year mandates. The representatives elected are:
- Br. Manuel Orozco – South and Central America.
- Dr. Dan Allen – United States.
- Dr. Luis Ignacio Salgado – Mexico.
- Dr. Philippe Choquet – Europe and Bethlehem.
- Br. Paulos Mesmer – Africa.
- Br. Kenneth Martinez – Asia.
Creation of the Joan Landeros Award
Another notable outcome of the Encuentro was the creation of the Joan Landeros Award, established in honor of Dr. Joan Landeros, in recognition of her instrumental role in the development, consolidation, and sustained growth of IALU. The award celebrates outstanding service and leadership in advancing collaboration among Lasallian universities.
The first recipients of the Joan Landeros Award were Dr. Ryan Butt and Dr. Chris Kennett, recognized for their pivotal work in conceiving and developing the La Salle Business School Alliance, a flagship initiative strengthening academic cooperation within the Lasallian network.
The XIV Encuentro in Nairobi reaffirmed the vitality, diversity, and unity of the global Lasallian university community. Participants emphasized that renewed governance structures, expanded regional representation, and a continued commitment to collaboration will be essential to advancing academic excellence, social responsibility, and the Lasallian mission in the years ahead.
Building on the momentum generated in Nairobi, IALU enters a new triennium with an expanded regional presence and a renewed sense of purpose, committed to deepening cooperation among Lasallian universities in service of students, societies, and the common good.
* Article written by IALU. Photos: IALU.
