Q. One of things you’re known for is giving students opportunities to help direct their peers on retreats. What do you look for in these student leaders? What qualities has experience taught you are integral for leadership at this level?

A. I look for faith in Christ, passion, a willingness to be transparent and a desire to be a servant…someone who can get beyond themselves to participate in the common good.

Q. A lot of the good work you do with students and staff is really measurable only in qualitative terms, isn’t that true? What are the qualities that you hope to see developing in your students?

A. The number one thing I am interested in is a passion for and love of Christ. I figure that if people are willing to be led by Christ, then all the other things like knowledge, insight, communication, leadership I can develop with God’s help of course.

Q. You stay in touch with a lot of alumni as they move onwards and upwards into the world. What are the ways you see alum developing their leadership gifts or skills? How do you see them taking the next step as young adults?

A. I see alums getting involved in their universities, their churches, other kinds of service. The next step, which is hard for many, is to commit to a community of faith in the people of God. The lack of intimacy and apparent personal disinterest by the institutional church is a roadblock for many.

Q. How do you see the connections between student leaders and candidates for the Jesuits? Or do you?

A. I see a huge connection here. I tell young women and men who manifest the theological and cardinal virtues, who care deeply about others, who enjoy service, to seriously consider a vocation to ministry, especially junior and senior students (as well as those who I think would be great Jesuits). I tell them that the same qualities that make a great husband and father (or mother) are the absolutely same qualities needed in a Jesuit. Marriage and priesthood are different roles which require in my mind the same kind of devotion, character traits and commitment to servant leadership in order to honestly be sacramental in the best sense.

Q. Finally, you have spoken to young men about the priesthood. As an educator have you ever encountered resistance from families or co-workers about these conversations?

A. I have encountered resistance to this but not all that much. Parents long for that intimacy with their kids (and potential grandkids) in an ongoing way. Some parents feel like they lose their son if he enters into seminary and/or Jesuit formation. I want young people to be one with their deepest passion and telos. I am not afraid of the resistance; I see it as a sign of love and care.

That is certainly the way I feel about my own children and my oldest son Matt who is finishing up his first year in seminary in DC at Catholic U. for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. I am happy that he is happy. I think most parents feel the same way if really pressed.