In the early stages of planning in 2004, the original founders of Wyoming Catholic College realized that a college has the moral duty to explain clearly what it stands for. Consequently, they asked Dr. Robert K. Carlson, one of their fellow founders, to write this philosophical vision statement, which was officially adopted by the Board of Directors of the College in 2005. This statement sets forth and clarifies the fundamental philosophical, religious, and educational principles underlying the mission of the College. The two appendices by Dr. Jeremy Holmes, approved by the Board of Directors in January, 2012, expand on two important aspects of the College adumbrated in this vision statement, namely, our Outdoor Leadership Program and our technology policy.

In the vision statement, Dr. Carlson considers it necessary to discuss the philosophical and religious underpinnings, the occasion for the College, and the nature of liberal education. He then orders this discussion to three purposes: the immediate, the proximate, and the final. The immediate purpose is the development of physical, moral, and intellectual virtues; the proximate purpose is the acculturation of our students—which makes them true citizens of Western culture; and the final purpose concerns happiness and the role that liberal education plays in helping the students achieve it.

In July of 2005, Wyoming Catholic College was founded to fulfill this philosophical vision statement. As the College grows, we pray that, with God’s help, it will always remain true to the principles contained in this statement. (A pdf version can be downloaded HERE.)