COMPANIONS IN MISSION
A program for faculty and staff to learn more about who we are: our history, mission, and identity
WHO? All full time faculty and staff
WHAT? A year-long program that helps participants grow in their understanding of LMU's mission and identity
WHY? You want to learn more about our university's history, values, and mission, and get to know some of your colleagues across campus along the way!

Companions in Mission is a year-long program that aims to develop a group of faculty and staff who are (1) well grounded in the Ignatian heritage shared by the Jesuits, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange and (2) capable of communicating its meaning and adapting its implementation in the everyday life of the University.
Sponsored by the Office of Mission and Ministry, Companions in Mission launched in 2012 and recruits new cohorts each year. Cohort members gather throughout the year to learn about the history of LMU and Ignatian education, engage in communal reflection and service, and explore what the university's mission means to and for them. All programming is designed to help participants grow in their understanding of LMU’s rich heritage and deepen their commitment to its mission as a Catholic and Jesuit, Marymount university.

A typical year in Companions in Mission includes:*
- an on-campus retreat (weekend half-day) in early September
- four luncheon presentations during the fall on various aspects of LMU's history and mission, Ignatian spirituality, and Ignatian pedagogy
- an off-campus weekend retreat in February
- a weekend service experience in the spring (one-day or overnight)
- a concluding spring luncheon
All reading materials and participation costs are sponsored by the Office of Mission and Ministry.
*Local and university health and safety guidelines may impact programming content and format for 2020-2021. Where possible, programs will be adapted for greatest accessibility while preserving health and safety of participants.
Companions in Mission may serve as a follow-up experience for those who have made the Busy Persons Retreat or participated in the President’s Institute, Western Conversations, or similar programs. But we also encourage those who have not yet had an opportunity to take part in other mission and identity programs to apply for Companions in Mission. All are welcome to participate.

A letter for staff to share with their supervisors is available for download here:
QUESTIONS? Contact Katherine Brown, Director of Mission and Identity Programs, at katherine.brown@lmu.edu or 310-338-5707.
Companions in Mission Alumni
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Alejandra Alarcon
Hawley Almstedt
Nataly Blas
Chelsea Brown
Stacey Cabaj
Deanna Cooke
Gabriela De Anda
Leticia Duenas
Rebecca Hong
Linh Hua
Layla Karst
Yu Li
Darnise Martin
Jin Mims
Grace Paz
Alyssa Perez
Carissa Phillips-Garrett
Emilou Reyes
Diane Sant
Yvonne Wehrmann
Sarah Yoshikawa
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Freddie Armijo
Rosa Calderon
Eva Cruz-Aedo
Artemio Diaz
Kierstin LaSalle
Lisa Mitchell
Giannina Nurena
Christine Palau
John Paul Ramirez
Katie Styles
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Sharon Elenbaas
Sara Espinoza
Jessica Frazier
Amie Gonzalez
Nirinjan Khalsa-Baker
Alice Martini Doyle
Mugdha Yeolekar
Sharmila Narayan
Laura Rodi
Csilla Samay
Jose Santiago
Allison Soeller
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Nadya Balabanova
Arnab Banerji
Ann Cortez
Ruby Cruz
Denise Folga
John Jackson
Katie Jones
Lisha Maddox
Amiya Powell-Hodge
Desirae Zingarelli-Sweet
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Gary Bolton
Kristine Bunikiewicz
Debbie Cavanagh
Eileen De Alva-Gonzalez
Rick Elmasian
Jamie Hazlitt
Joshua Hege
Kelly Nelson
Kat Saturne
John Skidmore
Adam Stafford
Margo Thole
Louisa Vakili
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Samii Hartman
Maureen Herbert
Chris Hill
Maryann Krikorian
Shawn Lamb
Tiffany Markarian
Christine Parra
Fred Puza
Sandra Seisdedos
Kyle Studebaker
Shannon Taylor
Kerry Toolan
Leon Weibers
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Alicia Amador
Nicole Bouvier-Brown
Seranda Bray
Christine Chavez
Chris de Silva
Maruth Figueroa
Tom Gutto
Briana Maturi
Susie McDaniel
William McKinney
Judy Park
Shannon Pascual
Gustavo Vejarano
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Lydia Ammossow
Stephanie August
Matthew Bazar
Jill Bickett
Rob Burchfield
Maria Cano
Renee Florsheim
Alice Gandara
Lorianne Harrison-Reyes
Matthew Jauregui
Chake Kouyoumjian
Sandra Luca
Kevin Wetmore