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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

Chaplain and Director of Muslim Life
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.

Chaplain and Director of Jewish Life
rick.winer@claremont.edu

Rabbi Rick Winer

Hi, I’m Rabbi Rick, 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’m also a musician, enjoy time with family, hiking, road trips and opportunities for social justice.

Rabbi Rick has served as a congregational rabbi for over 30 years. After focusing on Religious Studies at U.C. Santa Barbara, he completed his rabbinic studies at the Hebrew Union College and had specialized chaplain training. He has served in a variety of chaplain settings. He has also worked closely with Cal State Fresno both lecturing and consulting with the administration on Jewish and Interfaith issues. He is passionate about interfaith work.

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.

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

Scheduling
You can reach me by email at rick.winer@claremont.edu or stop by McAlister Center on weekdays. 

Chaplain and Director of Catholic Life
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.

Chaplain and Director of Protestant Life

The Chaplain and Director of Protestant Life position is currently vacant. 

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”.