Meet Our Classical Studies Team
Ross AyerI graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a Bachelor’s of Science in Theology and Mathematics. Recently, I have completed my Master’s in Theology at Franciscan as well. The classical track is a wonderful addition to the mission of Seton LaSalle since it enables us to return to the roots of our society. Through a wholesome study of the great thinkers throughout human history, our students are well-formed in mind and soul, ready to face the challenges of modern life.
Nick AstleI attended Saint Francis University, where I earned BAs in Religious Studies - Philosophy and History, with a concentration in secondary education. I am currently pursuing an MA in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville. I love the Classical Studies program because it is an opportunity to walk with students as we follow Christ together, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Kenneth GriswoldI have a BA in Theology from the University of St. Thomas in Houston with minors in history and philosophy and an MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. I am excited for our classical track, because it will allow us to dive deeply into and have amazing discussions about the Great Books that have built Western Civilization.
Brian KilsavageI am a graduate of Seton LaSalle Catholic High School, and earned a degree in Secondary Social Studies Education at Duquesne University. In my career at Seton LaSalle, I have taught all levels and nearly all the courses in the curriculum.
Anna MaleskiI have a B.S. in Secondary Education from Duquesne University with certifications in Latin and English. With my focus on the classics and literature, I am very excited to engage students in a pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness in these realms within our Catholic classical curriculum!
Elijah DiMichele
When I was approached to be a member of Seton LaSalle’s classical track, I was almost as excited as I was honored. I graduated from Point Park University with a BA in English Literature, where I studied, analyzed, and reflected on the same literary minds that I now teach my students. Using these great thinkers and writers as a complement to the ideals and values of the Catholic faith, allows the students to acquire a robust, comprehensive perspective to use to engage with today’s world.
About The Department
The goal of the Classical Studies Department is to foster a love of learning what is True, Good, and Beautiful, and to point students to the source of all being, God Himself. The curriculum utilized by the instructors in the program is inspired by the Great Books, as compiled by Mortimer Adler. Students will engage in reading, writing, and discussion grounded in first principles and primary source texts, as we aim to facilitate joyful encounters with truths, while preparing students for a lifetime of learning. They will participate in the Great Conversation of the West through a comprehensive and integrated approach to the humanities, meaning that our courses align with each other and together aim to steep students in the rich intellectual tradition of the Catholic Church, uniting faith and reason, history and literature, Latin and philosophy, so that students can make connections, learn, and discuss concepts with breadth and depth.
The courses are taught at the honors level with significant emphasis on building strong scholarly habits and growing in virtue, while maintaining a rigorous program of study. The courses in the program focus in the domains of Literature, History, Theology, Philosophy, and Latin (the required language for the program). To complete their education, the students in the Classical Studies Program will naturally also take mathematics, science, and more with students in the Traditional Track In this program of study, students will be challenged to find themselves as recipients of the legacy of Western thought, and must hone their understanding of and appreciation for the wisdom passed down by generations before their own.
We encourage you to view a video about a Classical Catholic curriculum:
We also invite you to visit the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education website:
