Reverence, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship. The RISES values.
From day one, you have seen them everywhere. RISES is plastered on walls and referenced in every course you take, not just theology.
All of this exposure to the acronym RISES, and yet, almost nobody knows how it came to be.
There are two ways to tell the origin story of RISES.
One is short and simple.
While the acronym is relatively new, the values themselves have existed for centuries. They have been a core part of Christianity, originating from God, then adopted by Saint Francis and Saint Claire, to the Franciscan sisters, and now, to the Neumann community.
The sisters, long before the acronym existed, practiced these principles in their work in healthcare and schools, helping communities while living out the values that would eventually become RISES.
According to Sister Pat Hutchinson, the sisters’ ministry values are:
- Personhood in Community
- Ongoing Conversion
- Loving Service
- Stewardship,
- Witness to justice, peace, and reconciliation.
These ministry values laid the foundation for RISES, with each principle reflected in the simplified, student-friendly version: Reverence, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship.
But where did RISES, the exact acronym, come from?
Leading up to Neumann’s transition from College to University in 2009, the school sought to articulate and communicate its values anew.
A committee was formed, including Sr. Pat Smith, a former theology professor, and Sr. Pat Hutchinson, who guided the discussion as part of the committee shaping the new principles.
As Smith explained, the values were already around but not yet refined.
“Some of the values were three or four words, with blah, blah, blah,” said Smith.
The original values were narrowed down and started out looking like this.
- Love for all Creation,
- Integrity
- Service
- Excellence
- Social Responsibility/Stewardship of resources
Before RISES, Smith recognized that the values were longer, harder to remember, and less concise.
The committee played with the words, shortening and replacing things.
“Stewardship of resources” became just “stewardship.”
“Love for all creation” became “reverence.”
While some might assume ‘respect’ would fit, “reverence” was chosen “because it captures a deeper sense of honoring others and our world, in line with the Franciscan tradition”, said Smith.
Lastly, Smith added one of the finishing touches, changing “academic excellence” to simply “excellence.”
Not only did this make the principle applicable to many facets of Neumann life, but it also allowed the acronym to spell RISES — a subtle reminder that Neumann rises on its values.
What began as an idea from a small committee of sisters is now a familiar refrain underpinning the work of the university.
“It was just a seed we planted… And when we do our job, that seed grows,” said Smith.
And it is safe to say that seed has certainly grown.
Campus Minister Rachel Dunlap, who often interacts with students, said, “I see our students actively living out the RISES values every day, in both big and small ways.” She shared examples of how each value manifests in campus life:
Reverence shows when Campus Ministry leaders take the time to get to know their fellow students’ stories.
Integrity is evident in student-led clubs that let students pursue their passions and act on their values.
Service shines through students volunteering in our communities, especially during Mission Day or campus-wide meal packing events.
Excellence is reflected in student-athletes who balance academics and sports while striving to do their best in each.
Stewardship is embodied by the Franciscan Justice Circle as they advocate for just environmental policies.”
Dunlap said she could keep going and give many examples for each of the values — and to think, those are examples from just one person.
That’s not to mention the entire student body and other faculty who also carry on these values in ministry, service, academics, and athletics.
“RISES isn’t just an acronym on a wall,” said Sr. Kathy, Vice President of Ministry and Mission, reflecting on the values. “It guides decisions, shapes actions, and inspires the Neumann community every day.”
The sisters planted the seeds, tended the garden, and now RISES lives in all corners of campus, as students, faculty, and staff carry the values forward every day.
