April 2025 Newsletter
In this edition:
- President's Message
- Vice President for Programming
- Nominations for 2025 JASPA Awards
- NJSLC Website & Registration
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President's Message
Dear JASPA Colleagues,
In Central Massachusetts it snowed overnight recently. Although the trees with their blanket of white were beautiful to see, winter weather in mid-April was not a welcome sight. The daffodils that had just found their way through the cold, wet earth were bowed low, and the birds whose morning songs had just begun to greet each day were silent.
Snow in April seems like a harsh response to someone who is looking for signs of hope.
But… through my office window the dogwood's blossoms are still clinging to their branches, and the crocus are still standing at attention. The untimely snow did not crush them or cause them to whither and retreat. They persist, and no amount of weather confusion will deter them from their path. These delicate signs of spring are made of sturdy stuff.
You and I are made of sturdy stuff, too.
As we celebrate Passover and Easter in the Jewish and Christian calendars, respectively, we are reminded that people before us in every age and in every culture have come through unimaginable trials and have prevailed. God worked miracles then and continues doing so today. We -- like our ancestors -- are stronger than we know, and we are not alone.
On all of our campuses we are facing any number of uncertainties and safety concerns. The stress is real for students, faculty, and staff. When the moment threatens to overwhelm, look for the hidden signs of strength in even the most tender of places. Hope and the courage to move forward can be found there. And remember: We are made of sturdy stuff.
Best wishes for a hope-filled spring.
Michele
Michele C. Murray, Ph.D.
President, JASPA
Senior Vice President for Student Development and Mission
College of the Holy Cross
Vice President for Programming
Looking to join the JASPA Executive Board? We are searching for our next Vice President for Programming!
As a member of the executive board, the Vice President for Programming oversees volunteer committee chairs that implement mission-driven professional development at our signature events including the Annual Conference, 5-Year Institute, National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference (NJSLC), and other programming opportunities for our membership.
Executive board positions are two-year renewable terms. Also, executive board positions require confirmation from the applicant’s institutional senior student affairs officer.
If you are interested this position, please contact Tedd Vanadilok at tvanadilok@scu.edu (JASPA Vice President for Technology & Communication, Santa Clara University).
Nominations for 2025 JASPA Awards
Every year, JASPA recognizes initiatives and individuals for their hard work and dedication to promoting the Jesuit ideals on our respective campuses. These awards will be announced at the JASPA 5-Year Institute in June. Please consider submitting a nomination for the following awards:
Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Academic Partnership
Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Commitment to Diversity and Social Justice
Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Campus Program or Initiative
Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Graduate Student in Jesuit Student Affairs
Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Jesuit Student Affairs
Ignatian Medal for Outstanding New Professional in Jesuit Student Affairs
JASPA Scholarship Award
Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Service to JASPA
The Tanya Winegard Lifetime Achievement Award and The Reverend Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J., Award are selected by the JASPA Executive Board.
Please follow the link to the JASPA awards page to see detailed descriptions of each award.
Nominations must be submitted by April 30 at 11:59pm PDT. If you have questions about the awards or would like to serve on the selection committee, please contact Alyse Hudock at hudocka@bc.edu (JASPA Awards & Recognition Chair, Boston College).
NJSLC Website & Registration
Saint Louis University is hosting the 2025 National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference (NJSLC) on July 22-26. Registration will be launching within the next week or two so we will send a detailed email when registration opens.
View the NJSLC website.
If you have questions about NJSLC, please contact Jackie Weber at jackie.weber@slu.edu (Director of Student Involvement, Saint Louis University).
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