By: Jess Larkin ~Copy Editor~

Xavier’s newest program, the Center for Innovation (CFI), gives students the chance to apply their creativity in the real world. Formed to encourage every student’s “spark” of innovation, the CFI develops students’ ability to think creatively and solve real world problems.

The CFI will host an open house from 2 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the center on 1601 Dana Ave. to introduce the program.

The CFI, like Ignatius of Loyola, encourages students to “go forth and set the world on fire.”

The idea, rooted in Jesuit tradition, holds that every student has a “spark” inside of them that can “set the world ablaze.”

The program gives students the tools to take their ideas and apply them in beneficial and influential ways with its goal to train students to use innovation to solve problems.

A new minor in the new school of Arts and Innovation, Innovation Engineering and classes in critical making and human-centered making, are also available to help students get involved in innovation design, which is designed to give students the means to inspire and execute their own ideas and communicate them to the rest of the world.

The CFI encourages students to develop their new ideas and use them to solve real-world problems.

Xavier is the only Jesuit university offering this type of program which helps students prepare for their careers by providing connections in accordance to different majors and career paths.

“We inspire and connect, so that together we can transform and ignite the world, just like Ignatius did. Just like Francis Xavier did. Just like all the Jesuits that came after them and who were true innovators and changed the way Catholics think, learn and communicate. We are continuing their mission today,” Shawn Nason, the executive director for the CFI, said in an email.
“Xavier University has a long history of inspiring others to make the world a better place,” Nason said. “The CFI continues that mission. It is a place where students, faculty, local business partners and sponsors, entrepreneurs, community leaders and organizers can come together to find meaningfully unique and innovative solutions — and change the world — one idea at a time.”