Patrick Rombalski and the Jesuits
If you have been talking with students this year, they have probably mentioned Patrick Rombalski, maybe in not-so-glowing terms. Whether or not he is directly responsible for the new set of alcohol and drug sanctions, the visibility of the Vice President for Student Affairs is undeniable. Jessie Hallerman, a new staff member in the Vice President’s Office has nothing but good to say of this multi-talented man, “He loves what he does and I love working for him.” Hallerman participated in a program called Rostro De Cristo last year and now is the Assistant Director. Rombalski, as Executive Director of Rostro De Cristo, brought this enriching program with him to Boston College when he assumed the role of Vice President last June.
Patrick Rombalski grew up in Maine and attended a Jesuit High School. While continuing on to college was not an automatic decision for him, he applied to several Jesuits schools and two military academies, finally attending Marquette University in Wisconsin. Rombalski reminisced, “I really enjoyed my first year at Marquette. I was happy to be there, learning and growing.” He majored in Theology because it interested him, not because he was particularly concerned with life after school. Rombalski briefly considered the priesthood and urges anyone considering a vocation to utilize the many resources available at Boston College. His overall view of his undergraduate experience is one of wonderful memories. “It was an amazing time of growth. I really made the faith and spirituality that I had grown up with my own. There are so many different ways of living out the rich tradition of the Jesuits,” he continued.
Rombalski was very involved on campus at Marquette, serving in the student government, in many clubs, and as a Resident Assistant. Looking back the his experiences in undergraduate life really helped him discern what he wanted to pursue after college, “I enjoyed being a part of young people’s lives and delighted in seeing them develop and grow during those four formative years.” Rombalski found an excellent mentor in the Dean of Students at Marquette, who helped guide his graduate applications. Rombalski chose Iowa State University, “it was a very different place from Marquette. Working with a university office of campus ministry is different from working in a Newman Center at a secular institution. There are different sets of challenges along with the many commonalities.”
Patrick Rombalski lives in Needham, MA with his wife and two sons.
Patrick Rombalski on Student Affairs at a Jesuit Institution
January 2009
In This Issue
A Fire that Kindles Other Fires
Student Affairs at a Jesuit Institution
Office of the Vice President of Mission and Ministry
Mission and Ministry Website Home
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