
The unit that promotes Loyola Marymount University’s Catholic identity and collaborates with partners on integrating mission across campus is getting a new name: The Center for Mission and Identity.
“We want faculty and staff to recognize that the newly named Center for Mission and Identity is meant to be a real resource for them, in particular to provide tools for them to connect their work to mission,” said John Sebastian, vice president for Mission and Ministry. “We want to create an open and welcoming space for faculty and staff and to partner with us.”
The Center for Mission and Identity has several new partnerships this year, including its first CTE Faculty Fellow, theater arts Professor Stacey Cabaj. “Cabaj will help us think about how we can better provide resources to faculty in order to bring mission to life in their classrooms,” said Sebastian. “The center’s programming has played an invaluable role in my pedagogical and spiritual formation at LMU. I look forward to serving as a thought partner and creative resource to our community this year,” said Cabaj. Csilla Samay, assistant dean for international student and initiatives, is also working with Mission and Ministry through the Cabinet Associates program.
There are numerous programs within the center that invite staff and faculty participation. Kat Brown, director of mission and identity programs, said her goal is to help all faculty and staff have lived experiences rooted in the traditions of the Jesuits, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange and the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. “Our programs are oriented toward accompanying faculty and staff in better understanding LMU’s mission and equipping community members to incorporate some of those values, practices, ideas, orientations in their own work and lives as professionals,” said Brown. “That is going to look different for each person and, as a result, we have a variety of different programs as well as the lenses and applications that are the focus of those programs.”
The Center for Mission and Identity is one of several departments housed in the Office and Mission and Ministry, including the Academy of Catholic Thought and Imagination, Campus Ministry, Center for Ignatian Spirituality, Center for Religion and Spirituality and the CSJ Center for Reconciliation and Justice. Click here for more information.