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Search for What Matters

SEARCH FOR WHAT MATTERS

The insights of St. Ignatius and his view of the human person have appeal and relevance for people of a wide range of convictions and creeds. In our religiously-diverse community, we provide ways of encountering and experiencing the search for purpose and meaning. This quarterly luncheon speaker series provides a space on campus for the discussion of core values and experiences among faculty, staff, students, and alumni.  One faculty member, one staff member, and one Jesuit faculty/staff member are invited each year to respond to the single question: "What matters to me and why?" This popular series serves to foster a culture of discernment and vocational reflection in the Ignatian tradition. 


 

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‘The world doesn’t need my comprehension to be beautiful’

When asked to participate in the Ignatian Center's “Search for What Matters” speaker series, teaching professor Andrew Ishak prepared for months with a level of introspection that would’ve made Kierkegaard proud. He combed through a decade of student evaluations for hidden clues about his soul, conducted a “rigorous analysis” of his Spotify listening habits, and rewatched “Forrest Gump.” What followed was not an evasion but an exploration—instead of one certain answer, he offered 10 “best guesses” of what matters most to him. Read more here.
November 12, 2025 51³Ô¹Ï
Dr. Erin Kimura-Walsh

Dr. Erin Kimura-Walsh

Director of the LEAD Scholars Program

February 25, 2026
Andrew Ishak

Dr. Andrew Ishak

Teaching Professor, Department of Communication

April 28, 2026
Fr. Bill ONeill, SJ

Fr. Bill O'Neill, SJ

Resident Scholar,
Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education
Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

Professor Emeritus of Social Ethics,
Jesuit School of Theology



NOVEMBER 2, 2022 | Brigit Helms | Executive Director at Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship

MARCH 22, 2023 | Margaret Russell | Associate Professor of Law

MAY 3, 2023 | Fr. Luis Calero, S.J. | Rector of the Jesuit Community

OCTOBER 25, 2023 | Fr. Julian Climaco, S.J. | Campus Minister, Liturgy & Music

FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | Dr. Allia Griffin | Lecturer, Ethnic Studies

MAY 1, 2024 | Chris Harris | Director, Office for Multicultural Learning - Campus Climate & Belonging 

DECEMBER 3, 2024 | Lisa Swendsen | Assistant Vice President, University Event Planning Office

FEBRUARY 25, 2025 51³Ô¹Ï | Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator |  Dean of the Jesuit School of Theology

MAY 7, 2025 51³Ô¹Ï | Dr. Hooria Jazaieri | Assistant Professor of Management, Leavey School of Business