IMRI Marks 50 Years with New Vision Amid UD Challenges
Michael Oliss | Contributing Writer
Enrollment cuts, faculty departures, and financial insecurity plague colleges around the country. As shown by the tumultuous first week of March, the University of Dayton is not immune to economic hardships. However, inside the International Marian Research Institute, its newest executive director is not thinking about survival – Dr. Neomi De Anda is planning for a bright future.
The IMRI at UD has long been a global hub for the study of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. Founded in 1975 in collaboration with the Marianum Pontifical Theological Faculty in Rome, the institute has spent decades advancing Marian scholarship through research, education and its extensive collection housed on the seventh floor of Roesch Library. Although they no longer have an official relationship with the Marianum in Rome, the two entities consistently share resources and maintain a mutually beneficial relationship.
The institute has played a critical role in preserving and expanding the academic study of Mary’s theological and cultural significance. For years, it offered pontifical degrees in Marian theology; in 2016, the program stopped admitting students and the final class graduated in 2021. Today, Marian studies at UD continue through a concentration in the university’s religious studies master’s program. IMRI remains active in research and public scholarship, hosting the Marian Forum and its own podcast – “All Things Marian.”
Dr. Neomi De Anda was appointed IMRI’s executive director in July 2023. An associate professor in UD’s Department of Religious Studies, De Anda has an extensive background in theology, with expertise in Catholic Hispanic theology and social justice. A lay Marianist and past president of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States, De Anda has been recognized for her contributions to scholarship and teaching.
Her leadership comes as UD navigates financial uncertainty. In response to demographic shifts and a declining college-age population, the university is reducing enrollment by 10 percent to 15 percent and implementing faculty and staff reductions, according to the Dayton Daily News. In fact, UD announced on March 4 that 45 faculty and 20 staff positions will be eliminated by the 2025-26 academic year. IMRI has not been publicly named in restructuring efforts, but the broader financial landscape raises questions about the future of specialized theological institutes like it.
Despite these challenges, De Anda has an ambitious vision for IMRI. She has outlined a five-year plan to expand the institute’s research initiatives, increase community engagement and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Her goals include launching a peer-reviewed journal on Marian studies, expanding partnerships with scholars and religious leaders, enhancing online resources, and hosting symposia exploring Mary’s role in contemporary religious and social issues. She also hopes to establish an endowed chair in Marian studies at UD to ensure the long-term sustainability of the field.
“Unless the market completely tanks,” De Anda told Flyer News, “the IMRI will continue. We run very financially conservative. We make our own food if we can or we work with local businesses to keep the money close. We are an institute of higher education and we think and rethink ways of being that aren’t all about spending and making money.”
At De Anda’s side are Research Professor Dr. Gloria Dodd and Administrative Assistant Cynthia Sanford. They both speak about the community aspect of Marianism and the love of Dayton as reasons the IMRI will have no issue maintaining its future. Dodd, president of the Mariological Society of America, and Sanford, who will celebrate her one-year anniversary at the Institute in April, both speak positively and passionately about UD and the IMRI.
“This was an employment opportunity,” Sanford told Flyer News. “I didn’t realize I would be landing in such a fascinating place. I’ve been in Dayton my whole life and UD has always been here, but now that I’m here, I’m opening my eyes; I’m studying Mary; I’m learning new things. I feel like a student.”
Dodd has similar positive feelings regarding the institute and its future. She explains how the IMRI has kept up with the times: “There was the Marian Library and then UD started offering summer courses and attracting scholars,” said Dodd. “That’s how it all started. The IMRI was under the Department of the University Libraries. Now, it’s a standing institute under the College of Arts and Sciences.”
This move, physically apart from Roesch and structurally into an independent institute from the Marian Library, was a big change for the employees, but it shows the IMRI has seen uncertain or transitory eras before and has prevailed. IMRI’s explicit future remains uncertain as UD continues downsizing, but De Anda’s leadership provides hope for its continuance.
By expanding its presence and research output, she aims to secure the institute’s place as the top center for Marian studies outside of Rome. Nearly 50 years after its founding, UD’s IMRI stands strong, but it must balance a millennia of tradition with the evolving needs of modern academia. With new direction, the institute is positioning itself to continue its legacy while adapting to a changing world.
FAQs about the University of Dayton’s International Marian Research Institute (IMRI)
Q: What is the International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) at the University of Dayton?
A: The International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) is a research institute within the University of Dayton’s College of Arts and Sciences. Founded in 1975 in collaboration with the Marianum Pontifical Theological Faculty in Rome, IMRI serves as a global hub for the academic study of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Its mission encompasses advancing Marian scholarship through research, education, and the maintenance of an extensive collection housed in Roesch Library. While the formal relationship with the Marianum in Rome has evolved, the two institutions continue to share resources and maintain a mutually beneficial connection.
Q2: What historical role has IMRI played in Marian studies?
A: IMRI has played a crucial role in preserving and expanding the academic study of Mary’s theological and cultural significance for decades. Notably, it previously offered pontifical degrees in Marian theology, attracting students and scholars dedicated to this field. Although the degree program stopped admitting new students in 2016 and the final class graduated in 2021, IMRI continues to be a center for Marian scholarship through its research initiatives, public scholarship endeavors like the Marian Forum and the “All Things Marian” podcast, and its unique collection of resources.
Q: What is the current leadership situation at IMRI?
A: As of July 2023, Dr. Neomi De Anda was appointed as the new executive director of IMRI. Dr. De Anda is an associate professor in the University of Dayton’s Department of Religious Studies with expertise in Catholic Hispanic theology and social justice. A lay Marianist and past president of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States, her appointment brings a new vision and direction to the institute.
Q: What are the significant challenges currently facing the University of Dayton, and how might they impact IMRI?
A: The University of Dayton, like many colleges across the country, is currently facing financial insecurity due to enrollment cuts and a declining college-age population. This has led to university-wide restructuring efforts, including faculty and staff reductions. While IMRI has not been specifically named in these restructuring plans, the broader financial landscape raises questions about the future stability of specialized theological institutes within the university.
Q: What is Dr. De Anda’s vision for the future of IMRI?
A: Despite the financial challenges facing the university, Dr. De Anda has an ambitious five-year plan for IMRI. Her vision includes expanding the institute’s research initiatives, increasing community engagement, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Specific goals include launching a peer-reviewed journal on Marian studies, expanding partnerships with scholars and religious leaders, enhancing online resources, and hosting symposia on Mary’s role in contemporary issues. She also aims to establish an endowed chair in Marian studies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the field at UD.
Q: How is IMRI planning to navigate the current financial uncertainties UD?
A: Dr. De Anda believes that IMRI is well-positioned to weather the current financial challenges due to its fiscally conservative approach. The institute actively seeks cost-effective solutions, such as supporting local businesses and exploring alternative ways of operating that are not solely focused on spending and generating revenue. This financial prudence is seen as a key factor in the institute’s continued operation.
Q: What are some of the key strategies IMRI is employing to ensure its long-term relevance and impact?
A: To secure its future as a leading center for Marian studies, IMRI is focusing on expanding its digital presence and increasing its research output. This includes enhancing online resources, launching a new academic journal, and actively engaging in public scholarship. By adapting to the evolving needs of modern academia and expanding its reach, IMRI aims to maintain its legacy and continue its contributions to the field.
Q: How does IMRI balance its long-standing traditions with the changing landscape of higher education?
A: IMRI, with its nearly 50-year history and deep roots in Marian scholarship, recognizes the importance of its traditions. However, under the new leadership, the institute is also actively seeking ways to adapt to the evolving needs of modern academia. This involves embracing digital platforms, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and addressing contemporary issues through the lens of Marian studies, demonstrating a commitment to both its rich heritage and future relevance.
REPORTER’S NOTE: Google NotebookLM, an AI tool, was used to create the frequently asked questions.