Over the summer, Saint Anselm College hired a new Campus Minister for Faith Formation, Andrew Poland. When you meet him, it doesn’t take long to sense his enthusiasm for working with college students. His background weaves together theology, ministry, and higher education, bringing both and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of community to his new role. A native of Merrimack College, where he completed his undergraduate degree in theological studies and business, he admits that his path into ministry wasn’t exactly planned. “I actually applied to Merrimack not even realizing it was a Catholic college,” he says with a laugh. But that unexpected decision set in motion a journey that would ultimately define his vocation. At Merrimack, he joined the Austin Scholars, a living-learning community that blended service, reflection, and faith. Students in the program committed to two hours of service every week and led retreats: an exchange that came with the perk of better housing. The program was led by Sr. Jean, a mentor who would profoundly influence his approach to ministry. “Her way of operating was, you give them the shiny thing first– and then, to keep that, you have to do two hours of service,” he recalls. “Even if you go in not necessarily for the right intentions, the way the program is set up, you come out of it doing the right thing.” After Merrimack, he pursued two master’s degrees at Villanova University– one in higher education and ministry, and another in theology. Those experiences helped him bridge the gap between faith and student life, preparing him for a role that combines both. “College is a unique time,” he explains. “And I think that having a group of people your age engaging in [ministry] is a unique time to be experiencing that altogether.” Now at Saint Anselm, he oversees retreats, reflection breaks, service experiences, small group support, and the B.R.E.A.K. and P.A.U.S.E. programs, which offers students opportunities to slow down and reconnect spiritually amid the busy pace of college life. His enthusiasm for the role is clear: “I’m really excited to work with college students,” he says. “It’s such a meaningful stage of life, and faith can be an incredible grounding force during it.” Interestingly, when he first applied to Saint Anselm, he admits he didn’t know much about the college. “Everyone that has gone to Saint A’s never stops talking about the culture here,” he says. “It’s much more engaged in what it means to be a member of the community. I’m still trying to figure out what makes people so excited about it– and that’s what excites me.” He’s found comfort in the college’s scale and spirit, which remind him of his own undergraduate experience. The sense of closeness among students, faculty, and staff is something he deeply values. “I want to be part of that group of people where, when you’re walking around campus, you’re waving hello to someone you know,” he says. Looking ahead, he has clear goals for his time at Saint Anselm: to expand the retreat program, build up the Office of Campus Ministry’s social media presence, and become more visible in the community. He hopes to help students see campus ministry not just as a program, but as a living network of relationships, reflection, and support. Andrew encourages students to attend this fall’s Subiaco Retreat! It will be an off-campus, student-led event to connect more with one’s faith life. Scan the QR code below to sign up! If you are in the Campus Ministry and Residential Life suite, stop by and say hello to Andrew! You can always reach him via email at [email protected] for more information on how to get connected.