Connecting the Dots of Experience, Reflection, and Action 

Ignatian education, at its heart, involves an interplay between experience, reflection, and action. That is why we emphasize immersive experiences here at Santa Clara, both inside and outside the classroom, and why we continually invite students to reflect on those experiences in light of who they are called to be – and how they are called to act – in our world. In a word, this is discernment, and it allows each student to discover the sparks in themselves and in their communities that shine with the light of something bigger than themselves. Out of discernment flows a spirituality dedicated to ever-deeper engagement with self, others, and God, and ever-more-committed work for justice and the full flourishing of all peoples.

At the Ignatian Center, all of our programs and community-engaged student learning involves this cycle of experience, reflection, and action, typically over an academic quarter or week- or weekend-long immersion. But we also found some students had a hunger to go deeper – through a more sustained commitment to community-based internships and through an extended process of preparation and reflection.

The Ignatian Fellowships provide a unique, multi-quarter approach that “connects the dots” for the fourteen students highlighted in this issue of our newsletter. These SCU undergraduates have been chosen from dozens of applicants, and they have spent part of this fall quarter in a formation program that has fostered their capacity for engaging with diverse communities. During winter quarter, they will take up weekly in-person work with local non-profit organizations in which they have particular interest, and twice a month they will come together for reflective discussions on their work facilitated by our ICJE mentors. Ignatian spirituality permeates this process, allowing students to ask questions of themselves, their understanding of the world, and their faith, and guiding them toward career choices that most reflect their deepest convictions and truest selves.

A Deepened Commitment to Justice

We are so excited to announce that we have 14 amazing Ignatian Fellows this year! These students have participated in formation sessions throughout the Fall quarter in preparation for their Winter quarter work with a community partner of their choice. Please join us in congratulating the 2024-25 Ignatian Fellows!

Meet the 2024-25 Ignatian Fellows