The Presidential Search Committee at the University of Dallas in Irving, Tex., is currently in the process of selecting a new president.  The top three finalists were announced to the University community last Monday, October 26.  Each candidate will come to the Irving campus for a two-day visit to meet with University of Dallas trustees, faculty staff and students.  At least two of the candidates have expressed their respect and admiration for the University’s Catholic identity, The University News reported.  According to the news site, presidential candidate Thomas Mengler “is drawn to Catholic higher education.”  He said, “The Catholic identity of the University of Dallas is very important to me.”  Mengler expressed his personal interest in the University’s core curriculum, an essential element of the Catholic liberal arts.  Thomas Keefe, another presidential candidate, told The University News , “My impression of the University of Dallas is that it's an extraordinarily good academic institution with a dedication and fidelity to the Catholic Church, and it has huge potential.  Those three things together are a very attractive package.”  Keefe also reportedly lauded liberal arts education, saying it “allows you to understand the joy of the world around you.”  The news site reported that a third candidate, Larry Penley, was unreachable for comment.  The candidate chosen will take office no later than June 1, 2010.  University of Dallas is featured in The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College, now a free online resource, for its strong Catholic identity.  Source: The University News