Dr. Cecille Medina-Maldonado has joined the Campus Ministry staff as the team’s assistant director of multicultural ministry, supporting inclusive Masses and programs for Marquette’s diverse student body.
Medina-Maldonado took a winding road to Marquette, discerning throughout her collegiate and professional career where she belonged before settling into ministry and serving others.
In this Q&A with Marquette Today, Medina-Maldonado outlines what her journey looked like and what she is looking forward to accomplishing in her role here at Marquette.
What is your undergraduate degree or focus in?
My undergraduate degree is from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My degree is in food science and human nutrition with a concentration in hospitality management. I switched majors halfway through undergrad, having always loved serving others through food, and intended to start a career in hospitality. I did start in the hotel industry and, through some trial and error, realized that wasn’t quite for me either. I took a few theology classes at Loyola University Chicago, where I went on to receive a master’s in theological studies in 2017. It became clear that theology was where I belonged. I earned a Ph.D. in systematic theology here at Marquette just this year in 2025, with a specialization in the theology of Rev. Bernard Lonergan, S.J.
What inspired you to follow this eclectic path?
When I studied hospitality, it grew out of a love of service. I was really active as a student at the Catholic Newman Center at U of I, and the two areas I found myself most happy in were being a sacristan for the chapel and on the food service teams for retreats. I was very sure I was meant for service behind the scenes. However, the reality of corporate hospitality didn’t match up with what I hoped it would be, and I missed being in a Catholic environment. Being out in the “real world” had me encountering people and issues that I hadn’t seen much of in my undergrad days, and it led to bigger questions that I couldn’t answer yet. So, I went back to school and finally had that “aha!” moment of where I belonged, which was in pursuing answers to those bigger questions with an eye to lived experience.
What are you most looking forward to in your role?
I’m most looking forward to getting to know students and watching them grow into themselves. I get a glimpse of that when I teach, but in Campus Ministry, I’m seeing students outside of the classroom when they’re a little more themselves. This also brings the joy of seeing students come in as first-years and develop through graduation.
How do you anticipate working with students to accompany them on their faith journeys?
In my role as the Assistant Director of Multicultural Ministry, I work with and support a diverse body of students. This means providing space, support and opportunities for cultural celebrations while away from home. For example, many Spanish-speaking students have only ever attended Mass in Spanish with their families, so having a Spanish-language Mass to go to means a slice of home and worship in their native tongue. It’s already tough enough to transition to college when you’re away from home — it was the Mass and the Newman Center at U of I where I was able to feel like I belonged in an otherwise massive institution. That allowed me to dive into my faith, so I’m hoping to do the same for Marquette students. This extends to all students of multicultural backgrounds — whether it’s Simbang Gabi or smudging, I want to be able to provide the space and support for cultural and religious celebrations that make it easier to connect with one’s faith and community.
What have been your first impressions of working at Marquette as an alumna?
I’m learning a lot more about higher education and administration. There are elements that remind me of my undergraduate days and elements that remind me of how much growth I’ve gone through. I see a much bigger picture these days, and I think it helps me provide the right support for students as they prepare for their lives after Marquette. I see a lot of students concerned about choosing the “right” major or the “right” career, and I try to remind them that it’s okay to switch — I certainly did! I’ve been impressed with the amount of service hours that students put in, though. There always seems to be some service opportunity around, and I think it’s what makes Marquette students stand out from others.
Fun facts:
Favorite movie: “Pride & Prejudice” (2005)
Favorite book: “How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You”
Favorite spot on campus: Gratitude Garden outside St. Joan of Arc Chapel
Favorite food: Empanadas
