FranU Awarded $100,000 NetVUE Grant to Expand Vocational Discernment Initiative

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University has been awarded a $100,000 NetVUE Program Development Grant to expand its Empowering Futures Project and deepen vocational discernment opportunities for undergraduate students.

Funded through the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the two-year grant will advance the Empowering Futures Expansion Project, extending FranU’s efforts to help students explore purpose, calling and career pathways.

“We are delighted that NetVUE believes in our vision and continues to support this cause,” said Keyo Johnson, director of vocational discernment and career development. “Their initial investment gave life to Empowering Futures, and this new CIC funding allows us to expand that work in ways that are sustainable and deeply impactful.”

The expansion builds on the success of the University’s original Empowering Futures Project launched in 2024 and reflects a continued commitment to forming students who view their professional lives as vocations of service. By integrating this work more fully into Student Affairs, FranU aims to increase access to mentorship, tools and guided reflection for students across campus.

Receiving this Council of Independent Colleges grant is both humbling and energizing,” Johnson added. “It allows us to build intentionally on the vision we have already begun at FranU, creating a stronger, more unified approach to vocational discernment across our campus community.”

The initiative will introduce a 12-week training series for a new cohort of Student Affairs professionals, equipping them with a holistic approach that emphasizes practical skill development, storytelling and self-reflection. The training will conclude with an off-campus retreat designed to deepen participants’ engagement in discernment practices.

The Division of Student Affairs is excited to support the expansion of the Empowering Futures initiative,” said Esther Penns, dean of students. “This work strengthens our ability to serve students in a unified and intentional way, ensuring that vocational discernment is integrated across our division in alignment with FranU’s student success goals and strategic plan. Under Ms. Johnson’s leadership, this program equips our team to better accompany students as they discern purpose, direction, and calling throughout their FranU experience.”

In the second year, cohort members will lead a focus group centered on student purpose and career exploration, including the formation of a new cohort of Franciscan Peer Leaders (FPLs). This scholarship-based leadership program aims to further the University’s mission of forming Franciscan servant leaders through the integration of faith and leadership development.

As part of the award, FranU will participate in national NetVUE initiatives and share outcomes and student impact stories, contributing to broader conversations on vocational discernment in higher education.

This latest grant builds on FranU’s longstanding investment in helping students connect their education to purpose, reinforcing its commitment to forming graduates guided by purpose and dedicated to serving the common good.