Catholic Student Center Staff
Fr. Rob Walsh
I am a UMD alum (‘92) and returned to the campus in 2010 as Chaplain. My primary aim is to foster the Catholic culture among students here. I love serving the students through offering Mass and Confession, as well as spiritual direction. Once you turn 21, let me know and we’ll go out for a beer!
Ann Gradowski
I am married with 5 kids, a graduate of Georgetown University ’86 &’07, and a parishioner at St. Jane deChantal in Bethesda. I have been involved in youth and young adult ministry since 1979, and started at the CSC in 2008 in Administration and Development and love it! I am known as the CSC MOM, for giving awesome hugs, and always have chocolate (and tissues) in my office.
Lisa Lytwyn
I am originally from New Jersey. I graduated in 2009 from Rutgers University, and I’ve been working in campus ministry ever since. In 2011, I moved to Maryland to work at the CSC and I love serving the students at UMD. In 2016, I married my husband Matt. A year later, I finished up my Master’s in Theology from St. Joseph’s College of Maine. My favorite CSC things: Retreat, teaching RCIA, women’s ministry and meeting one on one with students.
Matt Aujero
Father of four awesome kids, I’ve been a Campus Minister at the CSC and married to my wife Mimi since 2013. Originally from North Carolina, I graduated from the Catholic University of America in D.C. in 2010. From there I’ve spent a year each as a missionary in Costa Rica then as a Catholic volunteer recruiter visiting more than 60 different campuses. My favorite CSC things include our focus on the Eucharist, our men’s ministry and our retreats. I’ll also let you know the best places to eat in College Park!
Paulina Lobos
Facilities Manager
I am originally from Guatemala, and the longest current staff member having worked here since 1999! I maintain our facility and bring a warm smile and friendly conversation (especially to young students learning Spanish) to anyone I meet. According to Fr. Bill Byrne, chaplain from 1999-2007, the best thing he ever did here was hire Paulina!
Hannah Dragonas
I grew up in Massachusetts and went to the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT. During my Sophomore year at UVM I encountered the love of Jesus and fully entered into the Church! I have served the past two years as a FOCUS missionary at George Mason in Virginia, and I’m very excited to begin my time as a team director at the University of Maryland! I love a good adventure, skiing, hiking or traveling and I can’t wait to see what Maryland has in store for me!
Reese Tollette
Howdy, y’all! I’m from San Antonio, TX and graduated from Texas A&M (Whoop!). After graduation, I made my home in the great state of Colorado where I worked for a few years as a Marketing Executive. I love mountain biking, snowboarding, craft beer, attempting to sport, and making music on guitar & vocals. After finally listening to God’s call into ministry, I joined FOCUS and am super jazzed to be serving as a first-year missionary at Maryland. Go Terps!
Maura Blanchfield
I’m from Fairfax, VA and just recently graduated from George Mason University with a B.S. in Events Management! I’m excited to jump over D.C. and start living the Maryland life in my first year as a FOCUS Missionary. I love to discover new coffee shops, enjoy ice cream, play with dogs, and have a random dance party here and there (if you ask nicely, I may show you a bit of the Irish dancing I did for 12 years before college)! See you around!
Kassandra Sanchez
California gal, Alumni of UC Santa Barbara. In the midst of my career with the CA State Senate, the Lord radically called me for more. I leave behind the comfort the world offers to serve as a first year FOCUS missionary. I am excited to explore Maryland and walk with students in their encounter and mine with the one person who can truly fulfill the deepest longings of our hearts over sports, sunsets, poetry, food, and a good latte!
Mike Cassidy
I am from Williston Park, NY and I graduated from St. John’s University with a degree in Philosophy. I love watching and talking about sports, especially football, baseball and hockey. If you’re from New York we can commiserate about how much we miss NY pizza and bagels.
Photo Credit: ODEV Photography