Alumni Testimonials
Gustavo Lopez, '16
M.A. Pastoral Theology
Pediatric Hospice Chaplain, Providence TrinityKids Hospice
"I received my pastoral theology masters from LMU in the summer of 2016. A year after graduation I was able to begin my vocation as a chaplain by beginning my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program. During summer I did a 3-month internship at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Soon after I began my one-year residency program at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. Recently, I finished my CPE program and I am working under Providence TrinityKids Hospice Care as a Pediatric Hospice Chaplain.
I am fully aware that when people read the word chaplain on my badge, they immediately see me as a symbol of religion, faith, and God. For this reason I know that I must be well prepared to be theologically challenged; it is extremely important for me to feel secured in my theology, so that I can be a supporting presence for the patients and families I serve.
This is why I am very happy to have attended LMU under the theology program. I feel the classes on Ignatius spirituality and our Jesuit theology have given me a strong base to be able to accompany the people I meet as a chaplain. As an LMU graduate I feel I have gained a spiritual wisdom that not only has prepared me as a Chaplain, but has provided for me an understanding of how to engage with our culture and society as a Catholic, Christian, and Citizen."
Peter D. Bennett, '07
M.A. Pastoral Theology
Lecturer, University of San Diego
"The most important quality of the Graduate Theology program at LMU is the strong sense of community that exists among students, faculty, staff, and the broader LMU family. To this day - despite the distances of time and space - I have the sense that I "belong" with everybody who is connected to LMU Graduate Theology. As my career has moved from parish ministry to high school education to university professor, retreat and workshop presenter, and spiritual director, what I experienced about community at LMU has formed the way that I approach the very human realities of education, work, and ministry."
Jill Origer Tabit, '09
M.A. Theological Studies
President, New DAWN Africa, Inc.
"LMU gave me tools and confidence to go out in the world and make a difference! Rooted in solid theological foundations, bolstered with critical thinking skills, my education empowered me to start a Non-Profit with the mission of global social justice."