The beginning of a new semester is an exciting time — but it can also be an anxious and stressful experience for some.
In addition to the many resident assistants, each residence hall has a hall minister to provide pastoral care and be a spiritual presence for all residents and building staff.
In collaboration with the staff, hall ministers are charged with helping form a residential community that expresses the university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission, while accompanying individuals dealing with stress, illness, loss, loneliness, relationships, spiritual and emotional health and more.
In this Q&A, Alexandra Kilgore, hall minister for Abbottsford Hall, talks about what she likes the most about Marquette University and Milwaukee.
What was your undergraduate degree in? Why did you pursue that discipline?
In undergrad I studied philosophy, politics, and theology. I got my bachelor’s from The Catholic University of America in 2021, my Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame in 2023 and my Master of Bioethics from Johns Hopkins University in 2026. Before I started my Ph.D. here at Marquette, I taught elementary school from 2021-2026. Engaging in education and philosophy simultaneously has been a great opportunity to pursue both theory and practice. Plus, little kids already know all the answers to life’s deepest questions without reading any Aquinas.
Why did you want to be a hall minister?
I had an amazing experience in a similar role as a student minister at CUA when I was a college senior. I was drawn to the hall minister position at Marquette as an opportunity to walk with others on their spiritual journeys and create a warm, welcoming residential community alongside the hall staff.
What makes Marquette special to you?
The inventor of Bagel Bites is a Marquette alumnus! But truly, the people here are what make Marquette so special.
What is your favorite memory made at Marquette or in Milwaukee?
I’m new to Marquette and the Milwaukee area, but when I got the phone call this past spring that I had been accepted to the Ph.D. program I was in the middle of teaching 5th grade English language arts centers and got to scream and celebrate with all my students! In and around Milwaukee I’ve also enjoyed hiking the Seven Bridges Trail, seeing the Milwaukee Art Museum flap its wings and spending time with my loved ones who live in Ozaukee County.
What is one thing you’re looking forward to this academic year?
This school year I’m looking forward to getting to know my residence hall community and teaching college students for the first time!
Favorite books: I’m biased, but my favorite books are those written by my dad, author Kenton Kilgore. I also love to read Kafka and Ann Patchett.
Favorite location on campus: St. Joan of Arc Chapel
Favorite hobbies: Reading, hiking, camping
Favorite restaurant in Milwaukee: Cassis
Favorite dessert: Boston cream pie cake
