New Campus Ministry Director Named

Luke Lavin, PhD, has been named Seattle University’s director of Campus Ministry. Lavin, who currently leads Gonzaga University’s campus ministry team, will join SU on July 17.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Gonzaga University, Lavin served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (Micronesia). He went on to receive a Master of Divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara in Berkeley and returned to Gonzaga to earn a PhD in Leadership Studies.

Joining Gonzaga’s Office of Mission and Ministry in 2015, Luke was named Director of Campus Ministry in 2018 and, among other contributions, creatively led the team and ministered to the university community through the challenges of the COVID pandemic.

“Luke is steeped in Jesuit education,” wrote Vice President for Mission Integration Catherine Punsalan-Manlimos in a message to campus. “As many of those who were able to participate in the search process witnessed, Luke is a deep listener and discerner and strong pastoral presence who possesses a profound understanding and love for the Ignatian tradition.

“For colleagues in Campus Ministry and throughout the university, he will be a thoughtful leader and collaborator, and for the students to whom he ministers, a welcoming and compassionate source of support.”

“I am overjoyed and honored to be a part of the SU community in this role,” said Lavin. “My family and I are excited to join in the life-giving work of Jesuit education, accompaniment and growth at SU. I look forward to meeting the community soon!”