January 2026 Newsletter

In this edition:

• President's Message
• JASPA Pulse Check
• JASPA Awards - Nominations Open
• JASPA Annual Conference - Registration & Call for Programs Open
• JASPA Summer Internships for Graduate Students
• JASPA Functional Area Networking (FAN) - Call for Leads
• Upcoming Programs
   

President's Message

"Finding God in All Things: Reflections on Our Call to Accompany Students"

Happy New Year!

As we enter this new academic semester, I find myself reflecting on a question central to Ignatian spirituality: Where is God calling us in this work? Last week, Michele Murray, Senior Vice President for Student Development and Mission, and I had the privilege of presenting to 20 higher education professionals representing our AJCU schools on the culture and purpose of student affairs. Together, we explored what it means to be educators of the heart alongside educators of the mind.

The Practice of Presence

In that room -- filled with Provosts, Deans, Faculty Chairs, Advancement professionals, Financial managers, and Mission Officers -- we engaged in what St. Ignatius might call a corporate examination. We paused to recognize the immense value we collectively bring to the student experience. We reminded one another of a fundamental truth: our work extends far beyond administrative functions. We are companions on a sacred journey, walking alongside students who carry heavy burdens and who are searching for their meaning and purpose in this world.

This reflection grounded our cross-divisional work in gratitude -- an essential Ignatian posture of recognizing God's gifts even amid challenges. It reminded us that we are all participants in the mission of Jesuit higher education, each contributing uniquely to the formation of the whole person.

Companions on the Journey

Our work in this climate is not for the faint of heart. It requires what Ignatius called fortitude -- the strength to remain present in difficult moments. Consider what we do daily:

• We sit with students who are questioning their identity and vocations, practicing the Ignatian art of discernment alongside them.
• We accompany students on their journeys of healing and discovery, embodying the cura personalis -- care for the whole person -- that defines our tradition.
• We build communities of openness, respect, and dialogue for the greater good, creating spaces where the magis -- the more, the greater -- can emerge.
• We teach life lessons and leadership skills to help students become people for and with others -- citizens of the world who serve.

The Student Experience as Sacred Space

The student experience we aim to provide is nothing less than an opportunity for transformation. In Ignatian spirituality, we speak of "finding God in all things" -- in the ordinary moments of residence hall conversations, in the struggles of a student facing mental health challenges, in the joy of community celebrations, in the difficult work of building inclusive spaces.

When we create conditions for students to discover their authentic selves, to discern their deepest values, to develop as leaders rooted in justice and compassion -- we participate in something profoundly spiritual. We are cultivating what Ignatius called the magis: helping students ask not just "What can I do?" but "What more can I do? How can I love and serve more deeply?"

Moving Forward with Purpose

As we move deeper into this semester, I invite us all to practice a brief Daily Examen focused on our work:

• Gratitude: What moment today reminded me why this work matters?
• Presence: Where did I encounter God (or grace, or meaning) in my interactions with students?
• Honesty: Where did I fall short of my best self? Where did I meet challenges?
• Renewal: What is God (or my deepest values) calling me toward tomorrow?

Let us continue this sacred work with hearts full of gratitude and eyes open to find God in all things -- especially in the faces of the students we serve.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam -- For the Greater Glory of God

In solidarity and service,

Deb Cady Melzer
JASPA President
Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students
Loyola University Maryland
 

JASPA Pulse Check

Thank you to everyone who took December's Pulse Check! You can view the December results in the graphic below, which shows that people remain the primary source of meaning, the end of the year feels challenging but reflective, and what's desired right now is space and renewed energy.

This month, we're turning our attention to our upcoming annual conference at Rockhurst University in Kansas City! Click here to take this month's short, three-question survey.


 

JASPA Awards - Nominations Open

Nominations are now open for the JASPA 2026 Awards. Every year, JASPA recognizes initiatives and individuals for their hard work and dedication to promoting the Jesuit ideals on our respective campuses.

Award submissions are due by January 30.

Please take a moment to 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

All award descriptions can be found at:
https://www.jesuitstudentaffairs.org/cpages/awards
 

JASPA Annual Conference - Registration & Call for Programs Open

"Mission in Motion: Foring Students in a Changing World"
Saturday, March 7, 2026
@ Rockhurst University
Kansas City, Missouri

We are very excited to host you all in Kansas City, MO, at Rockhurst University for the JASPA Annual Conference. This one-day event will include the Annual Conference, JASPA Banquet & Awards, and Club JASPA (evening social).

The conference will begin in the late morning, and all events will conclude by 10:30 PM. All Saturday events will take place on the Rockhurst University campus located just a few miles from the city center. Look for more information including a full schedule and keynote announcement via email and socials in early February! 

Registration is now open! View rates and register here.

• As a reminder, Kansas City has a wonderful FREE streetcar service that can be used to get around town and to Rockhurst’s campus, so JASPA will not run shuttles from the NASPA conference hotels. Check out the route here: RIDE THE STREETCAR.

• For those only attending the JASPA Annual Conference and looking to reserve hotel rooms closest to campus, please view the local options and deals here: HOTEL OPTIONS HERE.

Call for Programs is now live! The theme for the annual conference is "Mission in Motion: Forming Students in a Changing World" and we hope that inspires your program submission. We want you to share with your JASPA colleagues how you're forming students and hosting conversations and events about the realities they'll handle as Jesuit Educated leaders in the world! Presenting at the JASPA annual conference is a wonderful opportunity to share your knowledge and showcase programs, initiatives and host conversations around this topic with fellow colleagues within the Jesuit network.  

• Deadline for submissions is February 16.
• Decisions will be sent out via email by February 20.

Questions related to the Annual Conference can be directed to the following: 

• Briana Maturi, bmaturi@lmu.edu, Program Co-Chair
• Sonya Alexander, salexander3@fairfield.edu, Program Co-Chair
• Breyanna Primous, breyanna.primous@rockhurst.edu, Host Committee Co-Chair
• Taryn James, taryn.james@rockhurst.edu, Host Committee Co-Chair
   

JASPA Summer Internships for Graduate Students

Do you know any current graduate students looking for a summer internship? We have compiled a list of internships hosted by JASPA-member institutions and we hope to fill those positions with graduate students looking to stay within the Jesuit network and/or deepen their commitment to the Jesuit approach to student affairs.

There are currently 21 open internship positions that span across the country and functional areas. Encourage your students to apply to as many of these internships as they want! Priority deadline for students to apply is February 1. Positions will be open until filled.

Please note that many of these positions are cross-posted with other sites, such as NODA or ACHUO-I. The goal of this program is to prioritize those students that submit their application through our portal. Please share this message broadly with your network as well.

Full Summer Internship List: JASPA Summer Internships List

To apply: Student Application Portal

Please direct questions to:

• Molly Dugan, duganm@xavier.edu, Director of Student Integrity, Xavier University
• Doug Mc'Acy, douglasmcacy@creighton.edu, Director of Alumni Relations, Creighton University
   

JASPA Functional Area Networking (FAN) - Call for Leads

Are you interested in becoming more involved with JASPA?

Consider becoming a Functional Area Networking (FAN) Lead! If you're interested in becoming a FAN Lead, please email Sydney Begoun, Vice President for Networking, Service, and Recognition about interest at srbegoun@loyno.edu.

The Functional Area Networks in need of a lead include:

• Academic Support Services, Advising & Retention
• Assistant/Associate Vice Presidents & Dean of Students
• Commuter Student Services
• Event Services
• Global Studies
• Greek Life
• Health & Wellness
• Ministry, Spirituality & Service
• New Student Programs/Orientation, First Year Programming and Family Programming 
• Social Justice, BDEI & LGBTQIA+
• Student Conduct
• Student Engagement
   

Upcoming Programs