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Religious and Spiritual Life

The Chaplains serve as confidential spiritual counselors and provide ethical leadership to the seven schools of The Claremont Colleges. Located in the McAlister Center, our Chaplains include a Pastor, a Priest, a Rabbi, and an Imam. Each of the Chaplains encourages and supports all religious and spiritual student groups and communities on campus. The Chaplains are here to strengthen individual faith and promote interfaith relations by offering religious support and engagement opportunities and to foster a faith community for students as they pursue their education.

Contact

Phone | (909) 621-8685
Email | chaplains@claremont.edu
Hours | Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Religious and Spiritual Life
McAlister Center for Religious Activities
919 North Columbia Avenue
Claremont, CA 91711

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Religious & Spirtual Life Staff

Description about the chaplains interfaith service model, spiritual counseling, and general office support.

Continue down to learn meet our Religious and Spiritual Life staff.

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Chaplains

RSL Staff

Chaplains

Muslim Chaplain
hadi.qazwini@claremont.edu

Imam Dr. Hadi Qazwini

Imam Dr. Hadi Qazwini (pronounced haa-dee qaz-wee-nee) is a Muslim scholar, educator, and chaplain with nearly two decades of experience supporting the spiritual and personal growth of diverse communities. He has served as an imam, university chaplain, and educator in Southern California and across the United States, and has taught widely on Islam, interfaith engagement, and religious diversity.

Imam Qazwini brings to his work a deep commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and holistic wellbeing, and he values creating spaces where people of all backgrounds can explore meaning, purpose, and belonging. Working as Muslim and Interfaith Chaplain at The Claremont Colleges since 2023, he is honored to serve as part of the Interfaith Chaplains team and to partner with students, faculty, and staff in cultivating spiritual, emotional, and intellectual flourishing.

A native of Pomona and the child of Iraqi immigrants, Imam Qazwini grew up with strong ties to the local community and fond memories of visiting Claremont with his family. He began his academic journey at the University of California, Irvine, before pursuing advanced training in Islamic studies at the seminary (ḥawza ‘ilmiyya) of Qum, Iran, where he studied Qur’anic studies, theology, philosophy, and law from 2004-2010. He later completed his BA in Sociology at UC Irvine (2011), an MA in Islamic Studies and Leadership at Claremont School of Theology and Bayan Islamic Graduate School (2014), and a PhD in Religion (with a focus on Islamic Studies) at the University of Southern California (2022).

Alongside his scholarship, Imam Qazwini has provided spiritual care, mentorship, and educational programming at several universities, helping students navigate questions of faith, identity, and wellbeing. He has also taught courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including World Religions, introductions to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and Sunni-Shi‘a relations, and he advises nonprofit organizations focused on education, interfaith cooperation, and humanitarian relief.

Both his personal background and professional experiences deeply inform his chaplaincy work and vision. Growing up in an immigrant family and serving diverse communities has given him a keen appreciation for the ways that faith, culture, and identity intersect, and it grounds his commitment to fostering inclusive spaces where every person feels valued and supported.

Outside his professional work, he enjoys reading, traveling, playing tennis and pickleball, and spending time with his wife and their four children. He welcomes conversation and connection. Students and community members are always invited to visit him at the McAlister Center.

The Muslim Life Program at The Claremont Colleges provides opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage in worship, learning, and community.

Weekly Jumma (Friday) Prayer serves as a central gathering for the Muslim community on campus, offering spiritual reflection and connection.

During Ramadan, Muslim Life programming includes hosting iftars (including an annual interfaith iftar), prayers, and other activities that create a supportive and welcoming environment for fasting community members and those who are interested in learning about Islam and Muslims.

Throughout the year, Muslim Life programming organizes discussion circles, study sessions, and special events that explore faith, identity, and contemporary issues, often in collaboration with student groups (such as the Muslim Student Association) and interfaith partners. These gatherings aim to nurture spiritual growth, foster meaningful relationships, and build a vibrant and inclusive Muslim presence on campus.

As the Muslim and Interfaith Chaplain at The Claremont Colleges, I am a confidential resource and available to meet with all students, staff, and faculty for one-on-one conversations, spiritual and religious counseling, or simply to talk through questions of meaning, faith, or personal challenges.

Whether you are seeking guidance, exploring your spiritual journey, or just need a listening ear, I welcome the opportunity to connect.

You can reach me by email (hadi.qazwini@claremont.edu) to schedule a meeting or stop by my office at the McAlister Center during the week.

Protestant Chaplain
joel.daniels@claremont.edu

Reverend Dr. Joel Daniels

Rev. Dr. Joel Daniels has served in ministry and higher education for over twenty years, working as a student pastor, church planter, pastor, professor, and chaplain. His primary passion in each of these roles has been to help people find meaning and depth in a world that is often pushing people into busyness and stress. Although his ordination is within Protestantism, Joel loves to talk about all spiritualities, supporting students, faculty, and staff across the spectrum of beliefs. Because the Religious and Spiritual Life chaplain team is inherently interfaith, Joel has the great pleasure of serving our campus Buddhist community.

Joel grew up in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee. Spirituality was always central to his lived experience, growing up within various Pentecostal communities. When high school was winding down, he felt led to give his life to ministry. After college, he served as a student pastor in Knoxville, TN for five years, and then he and his family moved just outside Boston, MA to start a church. During that time, he had the chance to pursue a master’s degree from Boston University School of Theology, reigniting his love of learning.

Transitions are the rhythm of life, and that is true for Joel and his family. After five years starting and then pastoring a church, they transitioned to Washington, DC where Joel pursued his Ph.D. at Georgetown in world Christianity and religions of China. Additionally, Joel served as a Chaplain-in-Residence at GU, where his entire family – now a family of 5 – lived in one of the dorms, serving students while also trying to find open washers and dryers in the dorm’s laundry room.

After completing his Ph.D. in March 2020, just a week before the COVID shutdown, he taught full-time at American University as a Professorial Lecturer in Asian religion and philosophy, also serving as the Undergraduate Director of Religious Studies. 

His love of academics and caring for students, faculty, and staff opened him and his family to consider college chaplaincy, which ultimately led him to this position. 

On a more personal note, Joel’s wife is a therapist, and they have three children and two dogs. The excitement in their house is constant! In his free time, Joel enjoys reading books about the mystics of all spiritualities, sitting in the silence of Mt. Baldy, and seeking out the little things that are full of meaning. He welcomes all conversations, even those that don’t seem “religious.”

The Claremont Colleges have a plethora of Christian communities, meeting weekly across the many campuses. There are Bible studies, community groups, hangouts, dinners, and worship services led by our wonderfully talented and compassionate students, all designed to help our community find peace and hope amidst the noise of college life. 

In Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL), there is a weekly contemplative group that meets, practicing a form of lectio divina, where the group reads various short texts and then discusses. 

During Holy Week, the many Christian communities come together for an ecumenical Good Friday service, led predominantly by students. For our Orthodox community, RSL helps students connect to our local churches.

Although there is a distinction between Christian groups, RSL is extremely inclusive, welcoming students, faculty, and staff to participate in all communities, particularly those groups that they might know less about. One goal in RSL is to encourage the larger community to experience other religions and spiritualities, and in the process, to better understand others through relational connection.

Like my colleagues, I am a confidential resource for students, faculty, and staff. It can feel intimidating to seek out a “chaplain,” but all that really means is that I’m a person who is here to listen and offer support – there is no topic too big or small!

You can always reach me by email (joel.daniels@claremont.edu) or come by our office during the week. I look forward to connecting with you soon!

salomon gruenwald headshot

Interim Jewish Chaplain
salomon.gruenwald@claremont.edu

Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald

Hi, I’m Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald, and I’m honored to serve as the Interim Jewish Chaplain at The Claremont Colleges. I’m here to support Jewish students—and anyone curious about Judaism—in building meaningful community, exploring spiritual life, and navigating the joys and challenges of college with honesty, courage, and care.

I’ve spent the last 16 years serving a large, diverse synagogue in Denver, Colorado, where I helped create soulful prayer experiences, mentored teens and young adults, and walked with people through moments of celebration, grief, growth, and transformation. I care deeply about Jewish learning, music, and justice, and I love creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and connected.

I’m a first-generation American and Latino Jew—my grandparents fled Nazi Europe and found refuge in Peru, where my parents were born and raised. I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, not far from Claremont. I studied sociology at UC Irvine and earned a master’s degree in anthropology and women’s studies from UC Santa Barbara. I was ordained in 2008 at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles. My life experience and education inspire my commitment to pluralism, diversity, and compassionate leadership. I’m currently training in mediation and conflict resolution.

During the school year, I travel between Claremont and Colorado. I’m always up for coffee and conversation, a walk across campus, or helping you find your place in the Jewish community—whatever that looks like for you. Please reach out and say hello!

I work closely with 7C Jewish clubs and Jewish Religious Affiliates to provide weekly programs and events open to anyone interested in participating in Jewish life at the Claremont Colleges.  Please visit the RSL calendar and club websites for upcoming events.  For the most up-to-date information, follow me on Instagram.

Currently Active Jewish Clubs and Religious Affiliates:
Claremont Hillel: https://www.claremonthillel.org/

Claremont Chabad: https://www.claremontchabad.com/

Nishmat: https://claremont.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/nishmat 

Haverim: https://claremont.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/haverim

Weekly Offerings:

Kabbalat Shabbat Services – Fridays, 5:00-5:45 pm – McAlister Hall or locations around campus.
Shabbat is at the center of Jewish life.  Join us weekly at the McAlister Center for music and study of the weekly Torah portion. On weeks when Hillel is hosting dinner, services take place in partnership with Hillel at the location of the dinner.  Visit ClaremontHillel.org.

Hebrew Club – Tuesdays, 12-1 pm, Oldenborg Dining Hall (Pomona)
Collaboration with Hebrew language table to offer a brief lesson on a Hebrew phrase or concept from the Torah or rabbinic literature.

Torah Tuesdays – Tuesdays, 10:00-11:00 am at The Grove House (Pitzer)
Weekly office hours and informal Jewish learning.  

(W)rap with the Rabbi – Wednesdays, 3:30 – 4:30 pm – Motley Coffeehouse (Scripps)
Weekly meetup with students and the opportunity to fulfill the mitvah of wrapping tefillin for people of all genders, or just sit down and schmooze.

Coffee with the Rabbi – Thursdays, 11 am – Noon – Cafe 47 (Pomona)
Weekly open office hours

Holiday Programs and Events – Check our website

The Talmud teaches that when two people encounter one another in a genuine way through words of Torah, God’s presence rests between them.  One-on-one relationships are the building block of community and the heart of my rabbinate.  I welcome the opportunity to meet students, staff and faculty for confidential and supportive spiritual and religious counselling, or simply to talk through questions of meaning and purpose.

Scheduling
You can reach me by email at salomong@claremont.edu or you can schedule coffee or a meeting by visiting my online calendar at www.calendly.com/rabbig 

Interim Catholic Chaplain
vitus.mbamalu@claremont.edu

Reverend Fr. Vitus Mbamalu

Hello, my name is Rev. Fr. Vitus Mbamalu, and I am honored to join the TCC campus community as Interim Catholic Chaplain. I have been a priest for nearly 20 years, with over a decade of experience in education and youth development within college settings, and more than seven years of pastoral ministry in the diverse cultural landscape of the United States. I am also trained in Clinical Pastoral Education, which grounds my work in professional chaplaincy.

My approach to ministry is collaborative and inclusive. I am committed to supporting not only the Catholic community but also colleagues, students, and staff from all backgrounds. I strive to offer a welcoming and respectful space where people can process their spiritual and emotional experiences, knowing their unique journeys will be honored. Just as I walk alongside students in their formation, I also see my role as a companion and resource for faculty and staff—supporting their wellbeing, growth, and contributions to the wider campus community.

I enjoy working alongside faculty and community partners to foster environments of mutual respect, dialogue, and growth. My hope is to help create spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and encouraged in both their personal and collective journeys.

Outside of ministry, I enjoy walking, sports, movies, traveling, and social activities. I look forward to bringing my energy, experience, and heart to this role and to building meaningful connections with you across campus.

You can reach me by email (vitus.mbamalu@claremont.edu), by phone (909-621-8825), or by visiting my office at the McAlister Center during the week.

Religous and Spiritual Life Staff

Senior Administrative Assistant
bridgette.bentley@claremont.edu

Bridgette Bentley

Please reach out to me with any questions about Room Reservations in the McAlister Center,  Chaplain Counseling Appointments, Building Swipe Access and Chaplains’ Current Events and Activities.

I believe I’m in the perfect place to fulfill my purpose.  I’m here to help students navigate their way during their college experience through practical and spiritual assistance. Seeing the student come into the knowledge of their own purpose confirms that I’m in the right place. “Serving those who service others is a calling, not just a career”.