Campus Ministry Staff

 

Steve Blaha headshot

Steve Blaha
Interim Director 
(414) 288-3686

Marquette alumnus Steve Blaha has worked at Marquette since 2007. Steve coordinates Camino groups, directs Ignite, co-coorindates Hall Ministry, and helps students discern membership in the Catholic Church. Steve loves to be outdoors camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming.


 

Sameer Ali headshot

 

Sameer Ali
Muslim Chaplain
(414) 288-3685

Since 2019, Sameer Ali is the Muslim chaplain and provides spiritual and emotional support to students as well as education to the Marquette community about the practice of faith on campus. When off campus, Sameer enjoys reading and fishing as well as indulging in a meal at Syrian restaurant Damascus Gate — and possibly getting a cannoli from Glorioso’s for dessert.


 

Pablo Cardenal

Pablo Cardenal
Assistant Director
(414) 288-3689

Pablo has a passion for student affairs and leadership in higher education, but really wants to follow his passion of meeting and accompanying students. If Pablo isn’t in his office he is likely grabbing a bite to eat at AJ Bombers — his early go-to restaurant in Milwaukee — or indulging in his favorite hobby, drawing, outside the Grotto of the Blessed Virgin behind St. Joan of Arc Chapel.


 

Debbie Duff headshot

Debra Duff
Director of the Gospel Choir
(414) 288-5538

Gospel Choir Director Debbie Duff arrived on campus in March 2020 and joined Campus Ministry in November 2021. Duff loves spending her free time in Coughlin Hall and when the season is right, enjoys watching Christmas movies while eating her favorite dessert: lemon cake.


 

Grant Garinger headshot

Grant Garinger, S.J.
Liturgical Coordinator
(414) 288-3485

Fr. Grant Garinger, S.J., is the liturgical coordinator in Campus Ministry and joined the Marquette community in 2003. In addition, Fr. Garinger is a spiritual advisor, confessor and a campus priest. In his free time, he loves watching movies — like “Meet Joe Black” — and sitting on the 5th floor balcony of the Jesuit Residence reading “Interview with the Vampire” by Anne Rice.


 

Vevette Hill-Nwagbaraocha

Vevette Hill-Nwagbaraocha
Assistant Director
(414) 288-3694

In January 2023, Vevette joined the Campus Ministry team to support the university’s mission through Service Immersion and Pastoral Outreach with Students of African Descent.  Her passion is supporting students in their journey to recognize, utilize, and appreciate their unique gifts. 


 

Andrew Mountin headshot

Andrew Mountin
Assistant Director
(414) 288-3695

Liturgical Music

Andrew Mountin was hired in 2022 as the assistant director of campus ministry for liturgical music, returning to his alma mater after earning his master’s degree in 2015. Andrew was deeply involved in Campus Ministry during his time as a student and could often be studying outside of Campus Ministry in the Narthex. When he isn’t working Andrew can be found watching “Miracle” and snacking on chocolate chip cookie dough frozen custard.


 

Fr. Romano headshot

Nathaniel Romano, S.J.
Assistant Director
(414) 288-4507

Fr. Nathaniel Romano, S.J., joined the Campus Ministry team in 2022 nearly 20 years after he graduated from the university. Fr. Romano is the new assistant director of liturgical programs and is an adjunct professor at Marquette Law School. While he was undergrad, Fr. Romano could’ve been found studying in any quiet corner of the library — likely with his favorite slice of pepperoni pizza.

 


 

Gregory Zimmerman headshot

 

 

Gregory Zimmerman
Administrative Assistant
(414) 288-1973

Gregory Zimmerman serves as the Campus Ministry Administrative Assistant and apartment minister in McCabe.  


We are assisted in our ministry by: