The International Capstone Experience is the defining moment of the Catholic University MBA program. More than a simple study-abroad trip, this week-long "Leadership Pilgrimage" serves as the integration of our entire curriculum, fusing business strategy, ethical leadership, and a global perspective. By stepping outside the classroom and into the centers of global influence, students are challenged to bridge the gap between academic theory and the complexities of the modern world.

Reflecting on the Journey
"Going forward, for what high purposes shall you lead? And will you have the courage to exercise your leadership ‘fiercely and faithfully’ every day of your life?"
— Harvey Seegers, Senior Associate Dean, Ordinary Professor, and Director of the MBA, 2026 Concluding Remarks

A Tradition of High Purpose
In the Spring of 2026, our MBA candidates journeyed to Rome, the Eternal City, for an immersion into the heart of Western civilization and the Catholic faith. Under the theme of "Leading with High Purpose," the program explored how the cardinal virtues of justice, prudence, fortitude, and temperance, which we call "Super Habits," are the essential foundations for any successful executive. Through exclusive site visits and intellectual seminars, students examined how leadership is not merely about managing resources, but about fostering human flourishing in a rapidly changing global economy.

Lessons in Faith and Fidelity
The concept of "Fiercely and Faithfully"—the motto of the Pontifical Swiss Guard—served as a recurring theme throughout the week. Students were invited into the Swiss Guard Armory for a private reception, where they learned about the 600-year legacy of elite service and discipline. This experience challenged students to consider their own professional commitment: to lead with the same courage and fidelity in their future boardrooms and communities.

This spirit of excellence was balanced by deep spiritual reflection. Whether participating in daily Mass at the Altar of St. Joseph in St. Peter’s Basilica or descending into the Scavi to stand before the tomb of St. Peter, students were reminded that true leadership is rooted in a sense of history and a commitment to a purpose higher than themselves.