The new vice president for University Mission and Ministry is no stranger to area Jesuits, nor the board of trustees for that matter.
Having served as the minister of Jesuit Hall for the last six years, and as a board of trustees member for 20 years, Edward O’Brien, S.J. was recently appointed to replace the retiring A. James Blumeyer, S.J.
“I want to reinforce everything Father Blumeyer has done here,” said O’Brien. He spoke highly of continuing the strength of Campus Ministry, which he described as one of the strongest of its kind in the nation.
“I hope that the students and faculty can see the deep meaning of their lives when they serve others,” O’Brien said.
Despite a dwindling number of Jesuits at the University and throughout the country, O’Brien thinks the Jesuit tradition can continue to thrive. “If we work at it, it will not be a problem,” he said. “We have to communicate that philosophy to our community.”
O’Brien also hoped to attract other Jesuits to the University by showing them the “lively life that Campus Ministry brings to the students.”
He spoke of the success of the Bridges retreat program that teaches the Jesuit vision to faculty over eight months of weekly discussions. Over 2,000 faculty and staff have participated in the program.
Director of Campus Ministry Michael Doody, S.J., said, “Fr. O’Brien certainly has a breadth and depth of experience in Ignatian spirituality and academic experience. He is one of the most pastoral men I’ve had the privilege of knowing.”
Prior to serving as minister of Jesuit Hall, O’Brien, a native of St. Louis, was pastor at St. Matthew’s Parish in North St. Louis. The University maintains close relations with the parish through service opportunities.
One of O’Brien’s fondest experiences as a Jesuit was helping to establish a retreat center in Kenya, with African Jesuits.
A member on the board of trustees, O’Brien has served on the Academic, Executive, Technology and Parks committees.
He will resign his membership prior to assuming his new position on July 1.
