Meet the University Ministry Team!

We would like to take the opportunity to share a little bit about ourselves and our roles in ministering to your students through University Ministry. You can also continue to learn more about our programs and events through our website, set to launch in February: www.dom.edu/ministry.

A native Californian, Michael E. Sanderl, Director of University Ministry, received his Doctorate in Education, with an emphasis in Catholic educational leadership, from the University of San Francisco, his Masters degree in Theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, and his Bachelors degree in Religious Studies from Saint Mary's College of California. Prior to Dominican University, Michael served as Dean for Mission and Ministry, faculty member, and resident director at Saint Mary's College of California. He brings a background and passion for Catholic identity in higher education to the continued growth and development of the University Ministry Center and the faith formation and spiritual development of the University community. Michael and his wife, Stacey, enjoy live theater, the cultural opportunities of the Chicago area, and the opportunity to travel.

Sister Patty Gallagher, University Minister for Music and Liturgy, grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and is a graduate of Rosary College (Dominican University) with a major in music. She holds advanced degrees in music from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, and in theological studies from the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, CA. In addition, she has done graduate work in art history in Florence, Italy. She is a member of the Sinsinawa Dominicans and spent many years teaching, working in the government of the Order, and serving as a pastoral minister. Sr. Patty has a passion for beauty in all parts of life and especially in church music. Growing up in a cathedral parish planted this love for beauty in music and ritual from an early age. She is especially enthusiastic about helping students grow to love the creative possibilities for developing vibrant, creative, and good music for liturgy. In her spare time, she loves to travel as well as explore the city of Chicago and its environs, including the lake, with all the city has to offer culturally, architecturally and musically.

Ann Hillman, University Minister for Retreats and Community/Outreach, grew up in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and received a Bachelors degree in Religious Studies and Youth Ministry from St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. Ann comes to Dominican with experience in parish Youth Ministry, where she led retreats, service trips, and youth programs for high school young adults. Her passions for ministry include providing opportunities for authentic communities of faith to grow and flourish, and helping students explore their vocation and life callings. Outside of ministry, Ann enjoys golf, camping, and loves taking advantage of living in the great city of Chicago - especially by spending time at the Lakefront!

Matt Palkert hails from his beloved state of Minnesota where he came to appreciate some of the finer things in life, such as summers at the lake, Minnesota Twins baseball, and a good sledding hill. Matt graduated from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota with a degree in Theology and Pastoral/Youth Ministry. After teaching at the high school level for a few years he returned to his alma mater to join the campus ministry team and complete graduate studies in peace and justice education. At Saint Mary's, Matt fell in love with college campus ministry. Wanting to further prepare himself for this ministry he made his way to another of our Lady's universities - Notre Dame - where he recently completed the Divinity program. Matt oversees the areas of faith formation and service and justice for University Ministry.