Today´s young people- the students of universities- will become the leading figures in political, academic and spiritual life in Slovakia in few years. Will they be able to defend the newly acquired liberty of this country from the attacks of relativism, superficiality and various forms of modern addictions?

We believe that it is only people of character and understanding who have a true sense of social responsibility and of the real meaning of service to society. A leader is not born but made. The Collegium of Anton Neuwirth wants to offer students a life changing experience that will be crucial to their lives as well as to the life of this society.

Can we afford to leave the formation of the new generation to the whims of chance?

Method:

- selection of 15-20 talented undergraduate students

- one year-long stay at the Collegium boarding house

- seminar examining the intellectual, cultural and spiritual tradition of Western Civilization twice per week:
- course on moral, political and juridical philosophy
- course on classical literature
- colloquia on current issues

- 7 intensive community weekend programs including events such as:
- seminar on the arts
- volunteer work with the disadvantaged of society
- communication and leadership training

- community living experiences

- spiritual formation and retreats

A young man entering the university stands before many open doors. Will he join a group that will waste their next five years idling away their time or will he study responsibly? Will he invest all his energy into quest for money and fame or will he decide to use his gifts for the good of the whole of society?  
We too stood before these dilemmas and we know that the environment in which a young student faces these decisions plays a crucial role in determining the choice that he makes. A young man will apply his talents to the common good only under the influence of inspiring peers and the mentorship of his elders. There is no better environment for the personal growth of an undergraduate student in his formative years than a healthy community of scholars and friends who will join with him in his pursuit of the truth. 

The Collegium of Anton Neuwirth will create conditions for the establishment of a close-knit community of friends, which will provide lifelong support for members even after their departure from the Collegium.   
 
Method:  

- communal housing in the castle in Ivanka pri Dunaji

- regular community activities

- an opportunity for common prayer

- individual support and mentorship for the students in their personal, spiritual and professional growth

- introduction to a network of inspiring organizations and individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving others

Many societal problems of today are the consequence of ideas proclaimed—even preached—yesterday. Arguments presented in public discourse about marriage, the role of parents in their child’s education, abortion, euthanasia, and civil unions demonstrate that many leaders of contemporary public discourse lack common sense. As a result, reason is forgotten and prejudices and ideologies win the debate.  

Who will be able to explain why the permanent and exclusive relationship between a man and a woman is the best environment for raising children? A loss of principled leaders that know the truth and can persuasively share it will result in a valueless Slovak society.   

Right reasoning is a habit that can be acquired. It would be difficult to find better teacher than the greatest thinkers of Western Civilization. And it will be these figures who, through their works, will be the chief teachers of the students at the Collegium of Anton Neuwirth.  In dialogue with these thinkers, student will learn not only to think critically and solve problems but also to formulate their views and present them convincingly in word and letter.    

Method: 

Course on moral, political and legal philosophy:  
-analysis of selected texts by Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, Leo XIII, Jacques Maritain, John Paul II and others  
- two 1.5 hour classes a week  
 
Course on classical literature:  
- one 1.5 hour class a week  
 
Colloquia on current issues:  
-one 1.5 hour class a week  
 
Lectures by distinguished figures from Slovakia and abroad  
- one a month  
 
High quality instructors:  
-William Carroll, Faculty of Theology, University of Oxford
- Martin Luteran, alumnus, Faculty of Law, University of Oxford
- Juraj Sust, political philosophy professor, University of Cyril and Metodius in Trnava

This project follows in the footsteps of great men and women in Slovak history. Anton Neuwirth was imprisoned for six years in a Communist prison because he would not deny his beliefs. After the fall of Communism, he participated actively in political life and reached out to those who opposed his views because, as a man of integrity and character, he saw the need for constructive public dialogue. He was deeply concerned with the education of youth and dreamed of a time when there would be a place where young students could prepare systematically for responsible service in society. Can we afford to leave behind such heroes? Can we survive if we ignore their legacy?

The Collegium of Anton Neuwirth is proud to identify with the legacy of the great figures of Slovakia but, following their example, it will remain open to the currents of the whole world. We believe that this project will be a fulfillment of the unrealized dream of the martyrs of the 20th century. Their sacrifice for our freedom is a solid example and a great challenge to us.

Method:

- regular discussions with living witnesses of Communism

- study of the ideologies of the 20th century

- propagation of the story of Slovak victims of Communism among young people

- student exchange with the John Jay Institute in Colorado Springs, USA

 

Does anyone doubt that there is a major struggle underway for the orientation of Slovak society? What will Slovakia look like in ten or twenty years? Will it be a country of consumerism and individualism where the elderly die by means of a merciful dose of death and two men adopt children? Or will it be a country where a healthy attitude to life, love, suffering, family, and community emerges victorious?   
 
This fight is happening right now in individual hearts and minds. Every day there are new victims. Public opinion polls give clear evidence of the gradual deprivation of the values of Slovak society. We believe that the presence of an organized and well-spoken group of educated and virtuous leaders who will publicly testify to the truth will inspire many others and can eventually reverse this trend.  These people, however, are not just born. Who will work to prepare them?
 
The Collegium of Anton Neuwirth may be just a drop in the sea. But perhaps it just may be that proverbial flake that moves an avalanche. Either way, it is certain that the Collegium offers an effective and practicable way of introducing a positive influence on the future of Slovakia.  

“The spiritual education of the new generation should be seen as the central task of a society. In the hierarchy of societal tasks, education should be first and highest.” 

Ladislav Hanus, from Man and Culture


“School should prepare a man for reaching the sense of his existence, the end of a human life.” 
 
Anton Neuwirth


 
“I can see how a small dream has grown into strong, flourishing and living fellowship…”

 
Michael Novak, American Enterprise Institute, on the Ladislav Hanus Fellowship