Our Blog

By: Cindy Perry, Office Coordinator

The mission of University Ministry is to support the faith development of all students and empower them to live out God’s love in the world. Through retreats, liturgies, programs and events, students have the opportunity to integrate faith into their lives, discover their unique callings and reach out in service to others. All faiths are welcome in our office!

In this 2015-2016 academic year, we will offer 20 retreats, run over 100 CLC’s (small group Christian Life Communities), offer daily and Sunday Masses, provide students a directory of local churches where other Gonzaga students are actively participating, and more.

In order to run so many programs, the university employs a team of people to help students navigate their spiritual lives. Meet the University Ministry staff:

Michelle Wheatley – Director: Michelle manages our office and team, providing support for all the University Ministry programs. She also mentors our Student Chaplains and SALT (Student Assistant Leadership Team).

Fr. Brad Reynolds, SJ – Assistant Director: Fr. Reynolds mentors SALT, co-coordinates the Career Discernment Retreat, provides Sacramental Ministry, and co-coordinates Pilgrimage.

Jeff Brogan – Coordinator: Jeff co-coordinates the First Year Retreat, assists with CLC’s, advises the Ignatian Family Teach-In and Students for Life, and leads the Senior GRADitude Nights.

Rev. Janeen Steer – Coordinator: Janeen is a Presbyterian Minister. She co-coordinates the First Year Retreat, facilitates CLC’s, advises FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and co-coordinates the Women’s Retreat.

Sr. Laura Michels, SNJM – Coordinator: Sr. Laura co-coordinates the Career Discernment Retreat, oversees our daily and Sunday Masses, co-coordinates the Busy Students Retreat, and serves as Chaplain for the Men’s Baseball Team and Women’s Basketball Team.

Ali Johnston – Coordinator: Ali is the Search Retreat coordinator, co-coordinator of the Women’s Retreat, and oversees online ministries.

Fr. Alan Yost, SJ – Coordinator: Fr. Alan coordinates the Montserrat Contemplative Retreat and works with St. Aloysius Church on the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and Confirmation. Fr. Alan also collaborates with UMEC (Unity Multicultural Education Center) on Spanish Masses.

Steve Schaubel – Music Coordinator: Steve facilitates music for liturgies and special Masses.

Luke Lavin – Coordinator: Luke is new in the fall to the University Ministry team. Luke will coordinate the Cardoner and Men’s Retreats and provide some special programming during Advent and Lent.

All of our team members wear many hats. Each is available for Spiritual Direction or mentoring, and our office is a good place to just stop and talk. Students come to us to share the joys of college life as well as the challenges. Our office is located on the first floor of the Hemmingson Center. For more information on our programs, visit our website at www.gonzaga.edu/um, give me a call at 509-313-4242, or email me at perryc@gonzaga.edu.

I look forward to meeting many of you at Orientation!

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