History
Spring 1992
Fr. Michael Engh SJ, then professor of history at LMU, visits the Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Marquette University to learn more about its ministry of giving the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola to faculty and staff. The vibrancy of the program showed how Ignatian spirituality can be a helpful resource for a whole campus community. He proposes to the LMU Jesuit Community the possibility of a similar center on our campus.
Fall 1992
Fr. Tom Rausch, Rector of the LMU Jesuit Community, and Fr. Engh discuss with faculty and staff possible ways of respond to a growing desire for Ignatian formation. Fr. Clancy Wallen SJ, emeritus professor of mathematics, begins guiding LMU faculty and staff in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Spring 1999
Fr. Engh and LMU President Fr. Tom O'Malley SJ, sign an agreement establishing the Center for Ignatian Spirituality at LMU with an endowment from the LMU Jesuit Community and a matching gift from the University Hill Foundation.
Spring 2000
Fr. Tom Powers SJ, the first director of the Center, launches its work, with a base in the LMU Jesuit Residence. Then-President, Fr. Robert B. Lawton SJ, says, "The Center will strengthen the Ignatian tradition here at LMU. It will integrate academic pursuits with personal and religious formation."
Summer 2000
The Center for Ignatian Spirituality moved to its next home, in Leavey Faculty Center, and opens officially.
January 2003
Fr. Randy Roche, SJ, is appointed to succeed Fr. Power. An Advisory Board of faculty and staff is set up to help focus the Center’s work.
2003-2020
Sr. Frances Gussenhoven RSHM, Sr. Anne Hennessy CSJ, and Fr. Wayne Negrete SJ serve consecutively as associate directors.
Summer 2018
The Center for Ignatian Spirituality relocates to Xavier Hall, as part of an enlarged division of Mission and Ministry under LMU vice-president John Sebastian.
August 2023-Present
Fr. Roche was appointed as University Chaplain, and Fr. Dorian Llywelyn SJ becomes the Center’s third director.
