Cooperation between Aquinas College and the Diocese of Grand Rapids has been a longstanding theme, as both work towards their common goals within the community of faith. To this end, many outstanding individuals have contributed in an exemplary manner, renewing both College and Church in their mutual mission. Particularly, Monsignor William H. Duncan has served the school in a variety of capacities, graciously bestowing his time and talent to the College community. In recognition of this selfless gift, Aquinas will honor Monsignor Duncan’s work with an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity.

While initially an administrator with St. Mary’s hospital, Monsignor Duncan admitted that a religious vocation was always an attraction he had pondered as a possibility. “It finally got the point to where I had to address this spiritual yearning deep within,” he said. “So I talked with a spiritual advisor, and eventually came to the decision that, yes, I had to answer this question. I resigned my position at the hospital and entered the seminary in the fall of 1986, and it was quite a journey. Once I began there I realized that, yes, this was the place where I had been called to be.”

Upon ordination to the priesthood in 1990, Monsignor has served the Diocese of Grand Rapids in a variety of capacities, both as pastor and administrator. Earning a licentiate in canon law (J.C.L) in 2002, he has worked as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the diocese for twelve years. Additionally, Monsignor Duncan has been the pastor of St. Sebastian Parish in Byron Center since 2007. “It’s a privilege to be a part of peoples’ lives at some very important moments between birth and death,” he said, “those special spiritual moments as people move along their faith journey. It’s a blessing to be with people and help them reach a deeper understanding of their relationship with Christ in the Church.”

Throughout his time at the diocese, Monsignor has maintained a strong relationship with Aquinas College, both as student, instructor, trustee, and avid supporter. Having taken classes at Aquinas while preparing for seminary, he later returned to teach as an adjunct instructor. “I loved the energy of the students and their inquisitive nature,” he said. “You can easily see a thirst to understand, for people to grasp their faith and the tradition behind it.”

Thus invested in the College’s mission, Monsignor Duncan joined the Aquinas Board of Trustees for eleven years, and as chair for three years. “The Board is a group of community leaders who are entrusted with the stewardship of the College,” he said. “They are really the keepers of the flame, who make sure that the mission of the Church in Catholic higher education continues on in a healthy, dynamic, and faithful way. I met many wonderful people during my time on the board, who shared their unique perspectives and contributions to the constant renewal of the College.”

Therefore, when discussing Aquinas’ role in the diocese, Monsignor Duncan emphasized its critical task in the Church’s local mission. “We are really fortunate to have a Catholic College within our diocese,” he explained, “because it offers the community something that no other college can bring - the Catholic perspective. The Catholic intellectual tradition is a very important contribution to higher education worldwide, and for us to be a part of it is a great opportunity. It’s something that we, as the diocese, want to make sure is always strong and committed to the Dominican charisms and the broader Church! It enriches our whole community. The presence of the Church in every community is to call people to an experience of Christ in a way that makes life meaningful. The College, then, holds an important place in that mission.”

In this light, if advising a prospective student, Monsignor would strongly recommend Aquinas as a viable, faith-infused option for higher education. “I think Aquinas offers a unique opportunity for deepening one’s faith at a very important point in life,” he said. “They offer the experience of a very connected campus, and the ability to grow in faith and knowledge at the same time. So, I would invite them to give it serious consideration and allow their lives to be enriched, through the combination of the knowledge and faith that Aquinas offers.”

Recognizing his vast contribution to the Aquinas community, Monsignor Duncan will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity. “I am quite humbled by it and am very grateful to Dr. Olivarez and the Board,” he said. “It’s a privilege to be able to serve the College, to promote its mission and support it.”