New Around Here

A warm welcome to the new dean of the Jesuit School of Theology, Joseph G. Mueller, S.J.

Joseph G. Mueller, S.J. has been named the new dean of the Jesuit School of Theology. Replacing University President Kevin O’Brien, S.J., Mueller will start his role at the 86-year-old Berkeley-based institution July 1.

Mueller, 60, has taught at Marquette University for more than 20 years.

“I am looking forward to helping JST form the next generation of lay and ordained ministers for the Church,” said Mueller. “I want to help our school continue to grow as it addresses the changing needs of the Church in all the regions and countries where our alumni serve.”

Joseph Mueller, S.J.
Joseph G. Mueller, S.J. takes over for JST Interim Dean Alison Bender, who has served in that role since June 2019. Photo by Jim Gensheimer
A Reflection

On Monday, April 21, 2025, after news of Pope Francis’s death arrived at Santa Clara University, Dennis C. Smolarski, S.J. stood in the Mission Church and gave a homily for Mass. His words reflected on the miracle of Easter, hope, and the example Francis gave others to follow.

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