March 2026 Newsletter

In this edition:

• President's Message
• JASPA Five-Year Institute Webinar Series
• JASPA Innovation Grants
• JASPA 2026 Award Winners
• Functional Area Network Sessions
• Upcoming Programs
   

President's Message

Dear JASPA Community,

As we reflect on our recent annual conference, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our program co-chairs, Briana Maturi and Sonya Alexander, as well as our wonderful host committee at Rockhurst University, led by Taryn James and Breyanna Primous. The hospitality was exceptional, and the Kansas City BBQ was amazing. Thank you for being such gracious hosts!

I also extend my appreciation to all who attended the conference. Your participation, dedication, and insights made this gathering not just a success but a true celebration of our shared mission. Together, we fostered a spirit of collaboration and learning that will guide us in the months ahead. We celebrated our award recipients, recognized our volunteers, and were inspired by our keynote speaker, Mayor Sly James. Our time together always rejuvenates me as we look forward to the busy spring on our home campuses.

I have been reflecting deeply on our apostolic preferences, particularly in leading young people toward a hope-filled future. In these challenging times, we are reminded of the Ignatian value of cura apostolica—the care for our mission and those we serve. This principle calls us to remain steadfast and compassionate, ensuring that we support one another and our communities. As we navigate uncertainty, let us embody this spirit of care, encouraging empathy and resilience in all our endeavors.

This season brings a unique convergence of Easter, Passover, and the end of Ramadan, each symbolizing hope, liberation, and renewal. These sacred moments remind us that light follows darkness and that transformation is always possible. As we welcome spring, let us embrace this time of renewal with open hearts, allowing the messages of these celebrations to inspire our actions and interactions. Shortly after Holy Week, our campuses will begin send-off celebrations for our students, including campus traditions, spring weekends, award ceremonies, baccalaureate masses, and the culmination of student achievement at Commencement. Our students, particularly our graduates, deserve our applause and pride as we send them out as people for and with others.

As we invite spring into our lives at this important inflection point, please consider the following examen:

• Gratitude: Reflect on the connections you have made with your JASPA colleagues. What moments filled you with appreciation?
• Cura Apostolica: Consider how you have shown care for Jesuit, Catholic higher education this past year. In what ways can you deepen this commitment moving forward?
• Hope and Renewal: Think about the new beginnings represented by this season. What aspirations do you hold for yourself and our community?

Let us carry these reflections with us as we continue our work, inspired by our shared values and the promise of renewal. AMDG! For the greater glory of God.

With gratitude and hope,

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

JASPA Five Year Institute Webinar Series

The Five-Year Institute Featured Session Series provides the chance to enjoy sessions from the 2025 Five-Year Institute for no cost from the comfort of your home campus!

Faith in Action: Integrating Catholic Social Teachings to Enhance Trauma-Informed Care in Higher Education
Apr 10, 2026 2:00 PM Eastern Time
Register Here

Fostering Belonging through Restorative Practices - Collaborative Approaches to Student Conduct and Community
May 5, 2026 3:00 PM Eastern Time
Register Here

Questions? Contact Brian Regan, JASPA Vice President for Online Enrichment - reganbi@bc.edu
 

JASPA Innovation Grants

Each year, JASPA awards a limited number of Innovation Grants each academic year to advance the goals and values of JASPA. These grants support projects that apply current research to address pressing issues in Jesuit student affairs. Priority consideration will be given to proposals received by Monday, April 13, 2026.

Application: JASPA Innovation Grant Proposal Application 2026

Please contact the chair or vice chair with any questions: 
Patrick Rogers (College of the Holy Cross), JASPA Innovation Grants Chair, at progers@holycross.edu
Jonathan Hinrichs (Boston College), JASPA Innovation Grants Vice Chair, at jonathan.hinrichs@bc.edu

Innovation Grants Committee

Serving on the Innovation Grants Committee is a terrific opportunity to learn more about the work going on at other institutions, and it is a rewarding way to meet and engage with JASPA colleagues. The Innovation Grants Committee will review and make recommendations for funding to the JASPA Executive Board. If you are interested in serving on the Innovation Grants Committee, please contact Patrick Rogers at progers@holycross.edu.

2026 JASPA Award Winners

We would like to congratulate all those who were nominated for an Ignatian Medal during the JASPA 2025-2026 school year. They are as follows: 

Aaliyah Smith  -  Boston College
Jack Andreana  -  Boston College
L. Steven Maisonet  -  Canisius University
Company Scholars Program  -  Fairfield University
CARE Team  -  Fairfield University 
Women's Luncheon  -  Fordham University 
Critical Conversations on Race  -  Georgetown University 
Streaks Support Series and Summit  -  John Carroll University
Leave No Crumbs  -  Loyola University Chicago 
Rambler Brotherhood Project  -  Loyola University Chicago 
Restorative Justice Practices (RJP) Steering Committee  -  Loyola University Maryland
Tiffany Kinnard  -  Loyola University Maryland
Chris Rice  -  Loyola University New Orleans
Bora Ajdini  -  Marquette University
Kelly Albrecht  -  Marquette University
Ann Hinck  -  Rockhurst University
Mary Akerele  -  Saint Peter's University
Shawn Kenney  -  Saint Peter's University
Adriana Sanchez  -  Santa Clara University
Miranda Cortez  -  Santa Clara University
CARE System  -  Santa Clara University 
Peter Vandeventer  -  Seattle University
Layah McDonald  -  St. Louis University
Father Pedro Arrupe Housing Scholar Program  -  St. Peter's University
Kojo Ocran  -  University of San Francisco
Project Success Program at The Learning Center  -  University of San Francisco
Stella Luong  -  University of San Francisco
Flourish: Pre-Fall Program - Loyola University Maryland
Leticia Alavez-Lopez - Marquette University

A special congratulation to those who won an Ignatian Medal!

Reverend Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J. Award
Dr. Kent Porterfield - Gonzaga University

Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Service to JASPA
Tedd Vanadilok - Santa Clara University 

Ignatian Medal for Outstanding New Professional in Jesuit Student Affairs
Marie Castro - Fordham University 

Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Graduate Assistant in Jesuit Student Affairs
Elijah Virachittevin - University of San Francisco 

Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Commitment to Diversity and Social Justice Award
Dr. Charlene Brown-McKenzie - Georgetown University 

Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Campus Program or Initiative
Collaborative Sexual Violence Prevention for Intercollegiate Athletics - Seattle University 

Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Jesuit Student Affairs Work
Colleen Campbell - Loyola University Maryland 

Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Academic Partnership
ONE FAMILY Pre-Fall Program -  Loyola University Maryland 

JASPA Scholarship Award
Dr. Jeff Ng - Fordham University 

Functional Area Network Sessions

Functional Area Networks (FANs) have a few sessions coming up, please feel free to attend any (or all!) of the sessions even if they are not within your FAN area or even within your specific area of higher education. We are happy to engage with everyone who is curious about what student affairs may look like in another area. Please also share with your colleagues who may find interest in the FAN webinars. Academic Support Services,

Advising, and Retention FAN session
Topic: Forming Independent Learners: Integrating Academic Skill Development into Advising and Support Services at Jesuit Institutions
Date: Wednesday, April 1, at 9 am PST
Zoom: https://usfca.zoom.us/j/2167584967

Commuter Services FAN Session
Date: Wednesday, April 22 at 3:00pm Eastern. Commuter Student Services FAN Group Gathering.  Microsoft Teams link for the meeting: Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23926565135655?p=c6KTkZmiuw21cQ6zLd
Meeting ID: 239 265 651 356 55
Passcode: HP3ZR7LL

Administrative & Business Operations FAN/JASPA
Date and Time: Thursday Apr 30, 2026 ⋅ 2pm – 2:50pm (Eastern Time - New York)
Description: Join us to keep the momentum going after the Administrative and Business Operations FAN session at the JASPA conference. This informal virtual gathering is a chance to connect, reflect on key takeaways, share new ideas, and help shape what comes next for our network. It would be wonderful to connect whether you were able to attend the FAN session or were not - all perspectives are welcome.
Zoom Link: https://bccte.zoom.us/j/4139347735
 

Thank you for your continued engagement with our FAN Groups. Stay tuned for more upcoming webinars in other FAN areas.

Upcoming Programs