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Alumni Profile: Ann Hillman
Ann Hillman, a 2004 St. Norbert graduate, works as the University
Minister for Retreats and Community Outreach at Dominican University in
River Forest, IL. After pursuing a major in Religious Studies with a
concentration in Youth Ministry and a minor in Peace and Justice, she
moved to the Chicago area to work with teenagers in a parish ministry
setting. As a Youth Minister, Ann spent time with high school students
leading retreats, service trips, social events, and other opportunities
for faith-based reflection and leadership development. She was also a
member of the parish Pastoral Staff, serving the programs and needs of
the wider parish community.
In 2009, Ann moved into college
campus ministry at Dominican University, a Catholic university in a
suburb of Chicago. Here, she strives to create environments and
opportunities in which students can explore their faith and beliefs,
work to create a more just world, and assume faith-based leadership
roles on campus and in the wider community. Working in ministry at a
small university requires the ability to do “a little bit of
everything,” from training liturgical ministers to supervising student
leaders to providing pastoral care for students in need. Ann’s most
specific ministry revolves around the coordination of the retreat
program. She works with several teams of students to plan, develop, and
lead various retreats throughout the academic year while also creating a
culture of contemplation and reflection across campus. Mentoring
student leaders is a daily part of her ministry as she provides
formation opportunities for leaders, works in one-on-one mentoring
situations, and helps students to discern and best use their strengths
and talents.
“My favorite part of ministry is companioning with
students as they ask the ‘big questions’ of life and develop their
gifts and skills in ways that seek to serve others and the common good,”
Ann says. “It is my greatest joy to walk with students through their
experience of life, and to help them examine it through a lens of faith,
asking: ‘Where is God in my life, what do I believe, what are my gifts
and where am I being called to serve God and serve the world?’”
“It
was really important for me to seek employment at a place where the
mission matched my own values, many of which were solidified during my
time at St. Norbert. I have found a great fit at Dominican, where the
campus culture revolves around collaboration, collegiality, and
community.”
Ann is also enrolled in a Master of Pastoral Studies
program at Loyola University Chicago. While at St. Norbert, Ann found
her involvement with TRIPS, Campus Ministry, the Justice House, and the
Program of Faith, Learning, & Vocation to be particularly helpful in
preparing her for work in full-time ministry.
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SNC Class:
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| 2004 |
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Position Area(s):
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Parish Ministry
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Major/Minor(s):
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Religious Studies
Peace and Justice |
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