Dear Colleagues:

It is with deep sorrow that I share the difficult news that Joseph G. Mueller, S.J, the Dean of the Jesuit School of Theology, passed away on January 12, 2023. We pray that Fr. Mueller finds rest in God’s loving embrace, and we offer our deepest condolences to the Jesuit Community and to his father, his eight siblings, and his eight step-siblings. 

Fr. Mueller joined the Santa Clara community in August 2020 and assumed leadership of the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley. During his tenure, Father worked tirelessly to enhance the theological education and spiritual formation of the School’s entire community. He also elevated the academic reputation of the School by recruiting a cadre of noteworthy theologians whose scholarship will have a profound impact on the future of the Church, and obtained significant grants to enhance Latina/o theology and ministry. On a personal level, Fr. Mueller was a kind and humble man whose thoughtful analysis, good humor, and wise counsel was of great benefit to the President’s Cabinet and the Provost’s Council. 

Prior to his arrival at Santa Clara, Fr. Mueller was an associate professor of theology and an administrator at Marquette University for more than 20 years. During his tenure, he served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in Marquette University’s Helen Way Klingler College of Arts and Sciences and as Director of Graduate Studies and Assistant Chairman for the Department of Theology. In 2017, he was also named rector of Marquette University’s Jesuit Community. He represented the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for seven years on the Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches of Christ.

While much of Fr. Mueller’s recent efforts were spent in administrative service to Santa Clara University and Marquette University, he loved teaching and research. In recent conversations, Father reflected on the joy of working with students to critically analyze complex theological texts and advance new ways of thinking about the nature, structure, and mission of the Church.

In the coming weeks, let us find time and space to remember, honor, and celebrate the gift of Fr. Joseph Mueller’s generous life. Details about future arrangements will be forthcoming. Notes of condolence may be sent to the Jesuit Community in Berkeley.

Jesuit Community 
℅ Jesuit School of Theology 
1735 Le Roy Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709

Losing a member of our community, especially a dear friend and treasured mentor, brings up grief and sadness across our campus. I encourage those who need support to reach out for assistance. Members of Campus Ministry, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and the Office of Student Life are available to assist those who need comfort and support. Additional resources are below.

With deepest sympathy and prayers,

Julie Sullivan
President

Campus Ministry. Staff are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 408-554-4372 and campusministry@scu.edu.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Located at Cowell Center, CAPS is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is reachable at 408-554-4501. Students also have access to 24/7 support at 408-554-5220. You will speak with a licensed mental health counselor who will listen, offer guidance, and help you set a plan.

Office of Student Life (Jesuit School of Theology): The Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 510-549-5018.

Office of Student Life (Santa Clara Campus). The Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 408-554-4583.

Students can also contact Campus Safety Services for assistance reaching service providers, especially after hours (408-554-4441).

For faculty and staff, grief counseling sessions are available through our Employee Assistance Program, Concern EAP, by calling 1-800-344-4222 (Company Code: scueap). Counselors are available 24/7.