Rev. James L. Heft, S.M., and Ph.D., will deliver "Catholic High Schools: Facing the New Realities," the 2012 Ruggiero Lecture, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13, University Center, DeSales University, Center Valley.

The event, sponsored by the Salesian Center for Faith & Culture at DeSales, is free and open to the public.

Heft is the Alton Brooks Professor of Religion and president of the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at the University of Southern California, and author of the book, "Catholic High Schools: Facing the New Realities."

Heft received his undergraduate degree in education from the University of Dayton and recieved a master's degree and Ph.D. in Historical Theology from the University of Toronto.

Heft has published and edited numerous books and authored more than 150 articles and book chapters. He has served on the United States Bishops' Committee on Education and chaired the Board of Directors of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.