Washington D.C., Jun 10, 2009 / 02:02 pm (CNA).- Archbishop Allen Vigneron, the new head of the Archdiocese of Detroit, is taking on another new role as the head of the Catholic University of America's Board of Trustees.

The election of Vigneron took place on Tuesday during the final meeting of the board for the year.

Archbishop Vigneron earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in philosophy from the university and was on the school’s board for four years.

"I have enjoyed my service on the Board of Trustees and look forward to the opportunity to lead my fellow members in the years ahead," Vigneron said after the board meeting, according to a university news release. "I owe a great debt to Catholic University. It is here where I studied philosophy 20 years ago, an intellectual discipline and experience that has helped me be the bishop I am today."

The archbishop added that, "Catholic University has tremendous potential to serve the Church. In my new capacity, I will do everything I can to advance the school’s mission to my brother bishops, to fellow Catholics and beyond."

The President of CUA, Fr. David O'Connell expressed his pleasure at hearing of Vigneron's election. "I am delighted that Archbishop Vigneron has accepted his election as chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees."

"He has been an outstanding and loyal trustee over the years, with a tremendous interest in teaching, scholarly research and the whole academic life of The Catholic University of America, particularly its Catholic identity and mission. I have been impressed by his comments and questions at board meetings and by his profound knowledge of Catholic higher education. He will be a great advocate for CUA as the national university of the Catholic Church in our country. I look forward to working closely with him," Fr. O'Connell added.

Archbishop Vigneron succeeds Bishop William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, who has served as Catholic University’s board chairman for the past eight years.

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