Academy of Catholic Thought and Imagination
The Academy of Catholic Thought and Imagination at Loyola Marymount University is a community of scholars who work in dialogue with the Catholic intellectual tradition by developing, critically examining, communicating, or otherwise engaging the rich resources of Catholic thought and imagination, especially as it is informed by Jesuit and Ignatian vision. The Academy serves as a hub for scholarship, interdisciplinary research, innovative pedagogy, and creative outreach across LMU’s campus in the southwest United States and beyond.
ACTI Fellowship Call for Papers
The Academy of Catholic Thought and Imagination (ACTI), in collaboration with the Center for Faculty Development (CFD), announces the ACTI Fellowships 2025. This initiative offers three to five summer grant scholarships to Loyola Marymount University (LMU) faculty (tenured, full-time non-tenured and clinical) to produce a 15-30 page reflection (a traditional academic article or a companion written piece to a creative project) on the theme: Inquisitive and Creative Ways to Respond to Artificial Intelligence.
Each fellow will receive a stipend of $5,000.
The fellowship aligns with ACTI's mission to foster interreligious dialogue, interdisciplinary approaches, social and environmental justice, and contemplative reflections on the intersection of spirituality and technology. Inspired by David Bohm's perspective on creativity and unity in scientific and artistic endeavors, this program encourages faculty to explore the evolving relationship between human creativity and AI.
Each faculty member will present their paper to the LMU community at the Center for Faculty Development in the Fall of 2025. These three to five seminal papers will serve as the foundation for a colloquium to be organized in the Spring of 2026 by ACTI, CFD, and ITS, furthering the dialogue on the intersection of artificial intelligence, creativity, and humanistic inquiry. While the fellowship promotes critical and creative engagement with AI, it does not implicitly support or condemn artificial intelligence, instead fostering a space for thoughtful and nuanced exploration.
ACTI in the LMU Community
Anima Mundi
Anima Mundi: The Soul of the World was a live performance over three nights in early December 2023. The show included a recorded soundtrack, a live choir, and an animated film. This collaborative artistic experience utilized 2D animation, 3D printing, and high-definition video mapping projection. José García Moreno wrote, designed, and directed the film. Timothy Law Snyder composed music for the project, and John Flaherty arranged and directed the music.

Advocate Podcast
Advocate is a podcast series telling stories with sound about prominent faculty, staff, and students at LMU. This show opens doors to understanding diverse faiths, races, and ideologies. We seek those who are overlooked or considered less traditional. The aim of our show is to cherish our history and simultaneously share vibrant experiences within our campus-wide community and beyond.

Laudato Si' Spotlight
Recent coverage of environmental activism as it relates to reparations and justice, which includes residents of the African continent.

Friends of ACTI Events
In Ghosts of Segregation, photographer Richard Frishman explores the lingering presence of segregation, slavery and institutional racism hidden in everyday American architecture.
Visit the Film Website
Wildwood is an upcoming stop-motion animated dark fantasy and sixth feature film produced by American animators Laika.

Featured Mission and Ministry Event
Join the Center for Religion and Spirituality for their event, redefining gender roles in faith-based communities and unpacking the dangers of ignoring women.
ACTI's Environmental Alliance
Loyola Marymount University has signed on to the Laudato Si' Action Platform, a global initiative inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical On Care of Our Common Home (Laudato Si') that will guide our journey to ecological renewal by 2030.