JST-SCU Relocation
JST-SCU is excited to relocate to the Mission Campus of Santa Clara University in fall 2027.
The relocation of the Jesuit School of Theology from Berkeley, where it has resided since 1970, to Santa Clara’s Mission Campus is a major move that will enhance the theological, global, and academic reach of Santa Clara University. Having JST-SCU’s students and scholars– who hail from more than 35 countries – study contextualized theology alongside Santa Clara’s arts and sciences, business, law, and engineering schools will open up new opportunities for global partnerships, networks, and leadership.
The pilgrimage we are making to the Santa Clara University Mission Campus is deeply rooted in the JST-SCU strategic plan, En Camino, as we humbly endeavor to become the JST-SCU that only God can imagine. This move also will greatly advance our Impact 2030 goal of establishing Santa Clara University as the leading Jesuit university in service to global society and the global Church, and becoming a global hub for collaboration that advances economic, social, ecological, and political development.
We are thrilled for the new opportunities the relocation will bring to JST-SCU students, faculty, staff, and the wider university community.
Are you interested in supporting our relocation? Please reach out to Will Williams, Senior Director of Development for JST-SCU.
The relocation process will culminate in a fall 2027 grand opening of the new space at Santa Clara University, located on a newly renovated third floor of Guadalupe Hall.
You can read more by going to our press release. This website will be updated as the move details are firmed up. Questions about the relocation can be sent to jst@scu.edu. Check back regularly, including the Frequently Asked Questions below.
| Frequently Asked Questions |
"This is a vision of integration. It summons us to forge new bonds, weave new alliances, foster new collaborations, discover new opportunities, and build a new community."
JST-SCU's History of Pilgrimage
Our school was originally established in 1934 as Alma College in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and was first affiliated with Santa Clara University from 1958 to 1970 before disaffiliating and moving to Berkeley to associate with the GTU. JST-SCU was formally reintegrated with Santa Clara University in 2009 while remaining in Berkeley.
This upcoming move will continue the integration, bringing JST-SCU back to the South Bay, closer to its origins near the Santa Cruz Mountains.
1934-1969
Located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Los Gatos, CA, is what remains of Alma College. For over thirty years, Alma was a place where Jesuit priests went to study and live their faith. Following Vatican II's call for the church to open her doors and windows, and an ecumenical desire to be in community, Alma College began our pilgrimage by moving north to Berkeley, CA, in 1969.
1969-2009
After moving from Los Gatos, Alma College was renamed to the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, and became a member school of the Graduate Theological Union, located adjacent to the University of California at Berkeley. The Jesuits new to Berkeley were tasked with engaging with the world in a new way in Berkeley.
2009- 2027
In 2009, The Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley (JSTB) became integrated as a graduate school of Santa Clara University. This stage in our pilgrimage marks the transition to The Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. For nearly two decades, JST-SCU in Berkeley has been a member school of the GTU, a neighbor to Cal, and a hub for women and men studying culturally contextualized theology.
2027-
Much like the Jesuits of Alma College, our community will now make a pilgrimage south to Santa Clara University's Mission Campus, completing our integration with Santa Clara in Summer 2027. This move will foster deep collaboration with campus partners at Santa Clara University, expand opportunities for our students to participate in and contribute to the life of Santa Clara University, and place us at the heart of critical conversations happening in Silicon Valley. Our new home, pictured above, will be a renovated space on the third floor of Guadalupe Hall.
Relocation Timeline
- February 2026: Relocation Announced
- October 2026: Ceremonial wall-breaking at Guadalupe Hall to begin the remodeling phase.
- Summer 2027: Begin moving from Berkeley to SCU
- Fall 2027: Classes start at SCU
JST-SCU En Camino Photo Album
Becoming All God Imagines
JST-SCU's new home will be on the third floor of Guadalupe Hall.
Alma College
March 2026: JST-SCU Staff and Faculty Pilgrimage to Alma College
Historic Rendering of Alma College
The previous dorms and chapel of Alma College. Photo taken on 2026 visit.
Gesu Chapel, JST-SCU Berkeley
JST-SCU Bell and Exterior of Academic Building in Berkeley
Stained Glass Window in JST-SCU's Gesu Chapel
New Student Orientation 2026: Incoming Students tour Guadalupe Hall.
Dean Orobator, S.J., and President Julie Sullivan smile together after the ceremonial wall-breaking at Guadalupe Hall.
Members of JST-SCU, GPPM, and the Department of Religious Studies joined us for the ceremonial wall-breaking.
Community members view a blueprint at the ceremonial wall-breaking.
A Prayer for a Time of Change
Community members gather to celebrate the ceremonial wall-breaking.
Dean Orobator, S.J., and President Julie Sullivan lift the ceremonial sledgehammer in celebration of the wall-breaking at Guadalupe Hall.