I am particularly hope-filled to begin my appointment as Executive Director of the Ignatian Center, and Vice President for Mission and Ministry. As ICJE is incorporated into the Division of Mission and Ministry, the Center will continue the deep and fruitful programs of the Bannan Forum, Arrupe Engagement, Thriving Neighbors, Immersions, and Ignatian Spirituality. Building upon this good work and from these experiences, the Center will join with the Office of Campus Ministry and the Mission Church. Together, we will respond to the Division’s charge to foster deeper engagement with the University’s Jesuit and Catholic mission. SCU’s decision to create a Division of Mission and Ministry testifies to the importance of mission work already taking place across all academic and support units on campus, as well as our community’s desire to elevate this as one of our highest priorities. 

We are also thrilled to launch the new Mission and Ministry website and invite you to check it out. 

The program highlights in this newsletter showcase the good work of the Ignatian Center, generously supported by our donors and benefactors. This is only a small glimpse into the tremendous hope-filled efforts of so many members of SCU "to build a more humane, just and sustainable world."

We can say, echoing the words of Dag Hammarskjöld: To all that has been, thanks! To all that shall be, yes!

So, today, as we celebrate our Ignatian Tradition on this Feast of St. Ignatius, we remain all the more energized and dedicated to our work exemplifying and amplifying our Jesuit and Catholic mission. May God bless us and keep us steady in our focus on justice and community, here, there, and everywhere.

Alison Benders
Executive Director, Ignatian Center
Vice President, Mission & Ministry

Amid the many challenges of the 2020-21 academic year, the Ignatian Center provided students, faculty, staff, and the greater community with opportunities to embrace Jesuit wisdom by inspiring reflection, discernment, and action - here, there, and everywhere.

READ THE 2020-21 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

The Division of Mission and Ministry is charged with clearly articulating and broadly communicating Santa Clara University’s Jesuit, Catholic mission and character.

VISIT THE NEW WEBSITE