Santa Clara University Renamed Campus Ministry
The department transitioned to the Center for Spirituality and Faith to improve inclusivity for all students.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Religion — General
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In summer 2026, Santa Clara University officially renamed its Campus Ministry department to the Center for Spirituality and Faith. This change followed more than 50 years of operation under the previous name.
Why it matters
The university sought to eliminate potential Christian bias within the department. The goal of the transition is to increase inclusivity for students who identify with non-Christian religions or have no religious affiliation.
The department operated as Campus Ministry for more than 50 years before the rebranding. Approximately 50% of the student population identifies with non-Christian faiths or no religious affiliation.
The players
Santa Clara University
This private Jesuit university is located in Santa Clara and serves a diverse student body.
Kathleen Quiazon
She serves as the director of the newly renamed Center for Spirituality and Faith.
Daniel Martinez
He serves as the administrative associate for the university's updated religious and spiritual center.
The details
Santa Clara University remodeled the department's physical space and updated signage and placards throughout the Benson Memorial Center to reflect the new title. The center retains traditional services like liturgical ceremonies and Spanish language masses while adding new outreach efforts, such as Saturday meals near the Mission Church.
Timeline
The department operated as Campus Ministry for more than 50 years.
Kathleen Quiazon began her role as director in the summer of 2026.
The official article was published on October 3, 2026.
Culture Shift
This transition reflects a broader shift among American universities to align traditional religious resources with the growing pluralism of their student bodies. By moving beyond a singular religious framework, the institution mirrors a nationwide pivot toward more inclusive, multi-faith support models.
Students and faculty can now access a broader range of spiritual programming designed to support diverse traditions beyond the university's Jesuit roots. These changes simplify participation for those seeking non-denominational resources or inclusive engagement opportunities like community meals.
The takeaway
Universities are increasingly updating their organizational structure to ensure support systems reflect the changing beliefs of their student population. Institutional name changes often serve as a catalyst for deeper engagement with diverse student groups through expanded programming and space.
Further reading
For more information on trends in religious life on college campuses, visit the Religion — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Santa Clara.
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