Dean of Campus Spiritual life, Fr. John Haugen will be stepping down at the end of this year and replaced by Fr. William

Fr. John Haugen, known as Padre to many students.

Fr. William Joensen

Joensen, who is currently the Chair of the Loras Philosophy, Religion and Theology Division as well as the priest for Clarke College in Dubuque.

Look for updates on MyDuhawk.com as more information becomes available.

Here is Loras’ announcement written by President Jim Collins:

Dear Members of the Loras Community:

I wish to make you aware of an administrative personnel change that will become effective this summer.

Dean of Campus Spiritual life, Fr. John Haugen, will be leaving Loras for a well-deserved sabbatical and then some advanced studies. As you know, Fr. Haugen has brought great energy and leadership to many of our Catholic Identity initiatives. He has been tireless in his work and advocacy for Loras.

Last year, Fr. Haugen celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his priesthood ordination. This milestone in Fr. Haugen’s life has prompted him to reflect upon his priestly ministry going forward. Some time ago, Fr. Haugen and Archbishop Hanus discussed the possibility of a new assignment. Since Fr. Haugen requested Archbishop Hanus to consider a reassignment, Archbishop Hanus and I have had a few conversations about a potential transition. I am very grateful for the collaborative conversations that the Archbishop and I have had. We both acknowledged that choosing Fr. Haugen’s successor would be challenging. It was my strong recommendation, affirmed by Archbishop Hanus, that the next Dean of Campus Spiritual Life be a person with Catholic college/campus experience, known to and respected by the Loras community.

Therefore, I am pleased to inform you that Fr. William Joensen will be Loras’ next Dean of Campus Spiritual Life. Fr. Joensen is a highly regarded teacher, scholar and academic division chair. He has also been serving as the Chaplain for Clarke College, Director of Spiritual Formation for the St. Pius Seminary Program at Loras and supply priest in local parishes.

With this new assignment, Fr. Joensen will continue as a member of the academic and seminary faculties. He will relinquish his duties as Chair of the Loras Philosophy, Religion and Theology Division, as Clarke’s chaplain and as supply priest. Since Fr. Joensen will maintain his current teaching responsibilities, Archbishop Hanus will present another priest to assist Fr. Joensen with some of the campus liturgy responsibilities. Director of Campus Ministry, Colleen Kuhl, provides great leadership for our solid and dedicated Campus Ministry team so we are able to continue the momentum and continuity in that regard.

Change and transition are always challenging for close-knit campuses like Loras. Part of the difficulty relates to the forging of relationships with people like Fr. Haugen and then having to say, “good-bye.” Recognizing this, I nevertheless ask that you join me in prayerful support for Fr. Haugen at this time of transition. He has come to love this community and departing will be no easy undertaking. We owe him our gratitude and best wishes.

Likewise, I ask you to join me in offering congratulations and support for Fr. Joensen. He did not seek or expect additional responsibilities. Nonetheless, his selfless willingness to serve the College at this time is exactly why I believe he will build upon the work of Fr. Haugen to offer outstanding leadership and ministry for the continued good of Loras College.

Finally, I offer thanks to Archbishop Hanus and the Division of Spiritual Life for their assistance and support during the transition. They have and will continue to invest faith, personal sacrifice, practical wisdom, and great compassion as we enrich and foster our students’ faith, hope, and love for God and neighbor.

Cordially,
Jim

James E. Collins ’84
President
Loras College