Dominicans have been involved in campus ministry for 800 years. When St. Dominic had only twelve friars, he sent them out to the six great universities of Europe. Many thought he was foolhardy, but Dominic followed the Gospel admonition and sent his men out two-by-two. His decision was quickly vindicated. While those men were sent out as teachers, something more was going on. The Order flourished, and thousands joined!
Accompanying and guiding young people at a crucial time in their lives—when they are stepping out on their own and trying to determine what is true and what their lives will be about—is the hallmark of campus ministry. So what we did 800 years ago, we do today. Perhaps it has never been more important.