- Would you share with us a bit of your family background and education?

– I was born in St. Petersburg, Florida into a Methodist family. From an early age I was active in my church and really got more involved in their youth program as I grew older. When it came time for me to decide on a college, I attended Washington/Lee in Virginia. It was there and through the influence of a biology teacher that I began my journey toward Catholicism.

– Where did your educational and ministerial journey take you from there?

– I moved to New Rochelle, New York and worked with the Sisters of St. Joseph at Providence House, a residence for women and children, for one year. After that experience, I stayed in New York for three more years and did a Master’s Degree at Columbia University while teaching at St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School for one year. During that time I was also going through the RCIA process where I received great support and strength. It was on April 6, 1996 that I became a Catholic and in time even more aware that I was being called to a career in ministry.

– What was your vocational preparation for a career in ministry?

– Since I desired to pursue a career in ministry, I wanted to further my theological education. In doing so, I began an M. Div. program at New York’s Union Theological Seminary but soon realized that it was not meeting my needs. Subsequently, I moved to the Boston area and did the three year program of studies at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, where I also met my husband.

– How did your journey lead you to Assumption?

– I heard about the opening for a campus minister at Assumption through a classmate at Weston. This is my twelfth year, having begun in the Fall of 2000.

– What aspects of the position have been your focus?

– The original focus of the position was the overseeing of the retreat programs.

I am happy to say that our offerings, which foster the spiritual growth and formation of the Assumption community, have expanded over the years. For example, our retreats include: Start 1, a one night experience, Start 2, a 48 hour deeper level prayer experience, the November, once a year retreat, wherein the team of students help plan and run it and the February senior retreats which reflect on their four years while looking ahead to life beyond college. In addition, we offer a weekend silent retreat in April for those who have attended  Start 1 and 2. This retreat, which we began in 2008, draws seniors and between 12 and 15 alums.

– What other opportunities does campus ministry offer to the Assumption college community?

– In addition to retreats, we invite sophomores in February to a session which explores the notion of vocation and career opportunities. This program we co-sponsor with Public Affaires Office. In the area of developing student leadership, we work with a CORE team of students which is ecumenical and include a Jew, a Congregationalist and a Russian Orthodox. We work together in the areas of liturgy, semester break programs, various prayer opportunities and retreats. During Lent we are offering a Bible Study for Women. I would also like to mention a group of ten students that meet every other week to discuss relationships and a variety of moral values.

– What do you see in the area of possible growth in campus ministry at Assumption?

– First of all I would like to see more student involvement in our programs, especially men. It is also a goal to broaden our range of influence on campus and beyond.

Thirdly, we would like to establish small faith communities which would meet on a regular basis. Lastly, we are always searching for better ways to continue and extend our retreat experiences.

– Would you say a word about the discussion group you formed after 9/11/01?

– Yes, this has grown to be a very special group of students, faculty and staff which began in the Fall of 2001. In fact our first gathering was September 12, 2001 and in light of our national tragedy, we asked the question, “How Can I Find God?” We meet every other month now for an hour and usually have a guest speaker, lunch and discussion.

– Would you have any further thoughts or closing words?

– I would just stress that, we, in campus ministry, are here for everyone in the college community, students, faculty, staff, administration and alums. I do strive, as much as possible, to stay in touch with graduates, as relationships formed during these years are often for a lifetime. We are a family.

– How could folks be in touch with your office?

– We can be reached at: campusministry@assumption.edu