Bro. Thomas Giardino, S.M., executive director of the Association of Marianist Universities since 2019, plans to transition out of his role after the 2024-25 academic year to pursue other Marianist priorities and initiatives.
Giardino said he planned his departure to give the association sufficient time to conduct a search and select a new executive director by July 1, 2025. Though he is stepping down, Giardino plans to remain engaged with Marianist initiatives and the association.
The Association of Marianist Universities is a ministry of the Marianist Province of the United States with a mission to support, promote and advance Marianist higher education through cooperation among the three Marianist universities—Chaminade University of Honolulu, St. Mary’s University in Texas and the University of Dayton in Ohio.
“I’m confident there are people who can fill the executive director position with fresh ideas and energy,” Giardino said, adding he looks forward to contributing in new ways.
“I hope to work on editing and translation of vital documents at the North American Center for Marianist Studies, and do some programs with them along with continuing to promote formation opportunities for the universities and the larger Marianist family.”
While a member of the Marianist general administration, Giardino led the development and implementation of the Characteristics of Marianist Education and Universities, which outline the common elements of Marianist educational philosophy.
Meanwhile, during his tenure as executive director, he launched two symposia that each attracted more than 100 participants and initiated the Marianist Education Bridge Project in collaboration with the Province Office of Sponsorship, a retreat for 40 marketing and communications professionals from the three universities and Marianist K-12 schools.
He also launched a Marianist lecture series at all three universities and established affinity groups in which employees at the three universities could share best practices, collaborate on projects and integrate Marianist principles in their units.
Building and sustaining lay Marianist communities has been a longtime priority for Giardino, who worked with University of Dayton President Emeritus Bro. Raymond Fitz, S.M., to launch the Marianist Educational Associates in 2005. Giardino expanded that initiative as a signature program for the association during his leadership.
“Formation of lay leadership in the universities is a key focus for a stable Catholic and Marianist mission and identity,” Giardino said.
“I will continue to work on this, no matter the position.”
In addition to executive director of the association, Giardino has served in other roles promoting Marianist education, including director of education for the Marianist Province of the United States, executive director of the International Center for Marianist Formation and international director of education and general assistant for education in the Society of Mary general administration.
He is a trustee at St. Mary’s University, trustee emeritus at the University of Dayton, and a previous member of the Board of Regents at Chaminade.
Giardino professed vows in the Society of Mary in 1962 and graduated from the University of Dayton in 1965 with bachelor’s degrees in theology and education. He earned a master’s degree in sociology from Duquesne University and a master’s degree in spirituality from the Catholic University of America.
