University Ministry records, 1965-2005

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Summary

Title:
University Ministry records
Dates:
1965-2005
Creators:
University of San Diego. University Ministry and University of San Diego. University Ministry
Abstract:
The records of University Ministry (formerly Campus Ministry) document the foundation of Ministry as a campus department. Records also include planning materials for the variety of activities and programs offered by University Ministry as well as photographs and video highlighting outreach programs and retreats.
Extent:
7.5 Linear Feet (7 record cartons and 1 record doc box)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Folder Title], Box # Folder #, [Collection Title], Copley Library, University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections. [Date accessed].

Background

Scope and content:

The University Ministry records document the founding of the Campus Ministry program and later functions of Campus and University Ministry through correspondence, meeting minutes, memoranda, promotional materials, photographs, and reports. Among these records are Reverend Laurence Dolan's proposals to begin the Campus Ministry program as well as documentation of the history of campus ministry at USD. Correspondence, meeting information and news releases document the functions of the Ecumenical Center for World Religions through the 1970s. Brochures, news releases, an array of photograph albums, and a video document the programs and events that University Ministry offered each year. Among these programs are campaigns to raise funds for local and national nonprofits, the 'Spring Breakthrough' program in which students participate in community service activities over Spring Break, summer outreach programs, and retreats. Also included are fund raising and capital campaign materials related to CASE, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Biographical / historical:

University Ministry, known as Campus Ministry until 1994, became a formalized department at the University of San Diego in the early 1970s. Prior to that time, two Chaplains served the College for Men, College for Women, and School of Law. Though not given the formal title of 'Campus Ministry,' ministry was integral to student life. The College for Women had counselors who served each class by planning events and advising students on a variety of issues. Students were also required to attend First Friday Mass and an Annual Spiritual Retreat.

Campus Ministry became more formalized in the 1960s/1970s with efforts from organizations such as the National Catholic Educational Association Commission on Campus Ministry to set guidelines for how universities should approach campus ministry. When the College for Men and College for Women merged, Reverend Benjamin Carrier became the USD Chaplain and a Campus Ministry Committee was formed to support groups and organize programs. Shortly thereafter, Reverend Laurence Dolan was appointed chaplain and first Director of Campus Ministry in the Fall of 1974. Among the goals of Campus Ministry were to "encourage growth in the areas of liturgical initiative, pastoral counselling, coordination of various expressions of religious life and Christian witness to social and moral issues" (Undergraduate Bulletin of the University of San Diego, 1974-1975).

Campus Ministry resided as a unit within Student Affairs until 1993 when it became part of Mission and Ministry. Campus Ministry then changed names to University Ministry in 1994, and the mission of supporting an active Catholic faith community on campus has remained. Each year, University Ministry coordinates liturgical celebrations, organizes faith based programs, offers community service opportunities, and plans retreats.

Processing information:

This collection was initially processed by Tessie Camina in 2009. Further processing was conducted by Ashley Toutain in 2017. Accession added by Gabrielle Wood in 2025.

Arrangement:

The University Ministry records are arranged into three series: Series I. Administrative Records Series II. Financial Records Series III. Photographs and Video

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Tessie Camina in 2009. Updated by Ashley Toutain in 2017. Additional updates by Gabrielle Wood in 2025.
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2025-12-10 13:44:18 -0800 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

These records are open for research.

Terms of access:

University Ministry records are the physical property of the University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections. Copyright, except in cases where material has passed into the public domain, belongs to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns.

Preferred citation:

[Folder Title], Box # Folder #, [Collection Title], Copley Library, University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections. [Date accessed].

Location of this collection:
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110 2492, US
Contact:
(619) 260-2730
spcoll@sandiego.edu
Website