At a special event Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010, on the University of Mary campus, close to 200 friends and members of the community gathered to pay tribute to Bishop Zipfel for his lifetime commitment to Catholic education and the young people of the region.

"The Bishop Paul A. Zipfel Catholic Studies Program is both a fitting name for this extraordinary initiative and an appropriate tribute to this teacher, shepherd, and servant leader, who has promoted Catholic education as a way of enriching not only the mind, but also the heart," said Father James Shea, president of the University of Mary. "As Bishop Zipfel prepares to retire after more than 13 years serving the Bismarck Diocese, the program bearing his name will carry forward his mission of Catholic formation."

Designed for students who wish to deepen their knowledge of Catholicism's rich history and living tradition, the Catholic Studies Program begun at the University of Mary this fall explores the Catholic Church's contributions to human thought and culture, past and present, across academic disciplines. The program invites students to examine ways the Catholic faith can be integrated into any academic and professional area and any aspect of human culture and personal and communal life. It also provides opportunities for reflection and discussion of significant issues in light of Christian faith.