After more than 50 years as Campus Ministry, the University department dedicated to student spiritual growth has transitioned to the Center for Spirituality and Faith. 

Kathleen Quiazon ’99 hit the ground running this summer—and as the new director for the Santa Clara University Center for Spirituality and Faith, “radical hospitality” was at the forefront of her mind. The center has been remodeled and renewed, but beyond new signs and placard changes, the true significance of these updates lies in how they affect the community it serves. 

This transformation means more than physical makeovers, or a simple name change. According to Quiazon, Campus Ministry previously could feel “accessible to a certain segment of the student body, whereas this new name is one we hope will invite all.” 

Quiazon hopes the change will help to build conversation, and envisions the Center becoming a hotspot for student connection, exploration and broader interfaith dialogue. Whether it be through guiding students through the “big human questions” concerning AI, career ambitions, or simply helping those who are curious about their spirituality regardless of their faith background. 

Andrew Laguna, S.J., the director of Catholic Life at the University, expands on this sentiment to acknowledge the gaps that were previously unfilled with Campus Ministry, and how the change aims to eliminate any biases the Center could hold in a majority Catholic environment. 

“Not everyone knew what campus ministry meant—maybe it had a bit of a Christian bias,” said Fr. Laguna. “But the Center for Spirituality and Faith is very descriptive of who we are.”

While Santa Clara University continues to be proud of its Jesuit values and commitment to Christian faith, approximately half of the student body identify with religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Judaism or no religious affiliation at all. As a result, the Center for Spirituality and Faith declares open doors to every single student on campus, to create social spaces for conversation. 

For students at a Jesuit university who may not see their lived experience reflected in traditional campus ministry, The Center for Spirituality and Faith extends an invitation. 

Fr. Laguna hopes to attract and welcome everyone who has an interest in growing spiritually. For students of any faith backgrounds, he states that the Center “wants to help deepen commitments to that religious tradition.” He views radical hospitality as something tangible, something real for students to connect with beyond a “rebrand” or “makeover.” 

In response to a potential past Christian bias with Campus Ministry, Fr. Laguna says he wants to open the floor to students themselves, “We’re new—we’re not exactly sure what has existed before for some students. I would encourage those students, if they feel not represented, to come visit us and have a conversation.” 

Quiazon and the CSF staff are embracing new ideas for campus engagement—such as meals in front of the Mission Church on Saturdays, or partnering with student groups in the Multicultural Center, like the Jewish Student Union, Sikh Student Association or various Christian groups across campus. 

Not everything is changing, however, as Spanish language masses, liturgical services and mosaic dinners based in interfaith conversation will roll over from the Campus Ministry. Still, at its core, the Center for Spirituality and Faith is asking for Broncos to lean in. Quiazon is looking for student participation, leadership, and is “excited to walk together, and look at the everyday from a spiritual perspective.” 

Along with the new center comes new staff and faculty. Daniel Martinez ’24 is eager to kick the year off with new events and weekly fun to introduce the new space to the University community. As the administrative associate, Martinez turns ideas into execution at the center. 

And one of the youngest staff members, he will also help facilitate the shift towards a more inclusive, modern hub for student spiritual growth. 

“It’s really up to you, we are really here to listen, be in dialogue, walking with y’all,” said Martinez. 

From Thai tea, coffee and donuts every Wednesday morning to QR codes with surveys across campus, the center hopes to tap the student body not only for ideas, but for help in building a  well rounded and inclusive atmosphere. 

An echo to the center’s dedication to student partnerships, Fr. Laguna encapsulates the sentiment best; “We believe in co-creation.” 

For the Center for Spirituality and Faith, the change is not merely a new sign outside of Benson, but an invitation.