Main Campus

Sarah Swafford

Sarah Swafford is the founder of Emotional Virtue Ministries. She speaks on faith, relationships, and interior confidence. Sarah shares her message at school assemblies, retreats, rallies, parishes, and conferences around the world. She is co-author of Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships and author of Emotional Virtue: A Guide to Drama-Free Relationships. Sarah is co-host of Ascension’s What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith and a contributor to Ascension’s Chosen. She resides in Kansas with her husband, Dr. Andrew Swafford, and their six children. You can connect with Sarah at theswaffords.com

Deacon Bob Rice

Deacon Bob Rice lives in the Diocese of Steubenville with his wife, Jennifer, and seven children. He is a professor of catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville where he teaches courses in Scripture, youth ministry, and music ministry. He travels around the country preaching about Jesus and has authored many books. Find out more about him at deaconbobrice.com.

Michael Gormley

Michael Gormley, or "Gomer," as his friends call him, struggled with faith, belief, and the existence of God for years. He eventually found his way to God through studying whether the resurrection of Jesus Christ was real. He has degrees in philosophy and theology, a family, works at a parish with adults, and runs two podcasts: the Catching Foxes Show and Every Knee Shall Bow.

Father Rufino Corona, TOR

Fr. Rufino Corona, TOR is a friar on the campus of his alma mater, Franciscan University of Steubenville. Shortly after his graduation, he entered the Third Order Regular of St. Francis and was ordained in 2020. Having grown up in California as a self proclaimed “conference kid,” Fr. Rufino is excited to minister at the conferences for the first time this summer.

John Paul Von Arx

John Paul Von Arx seeks to share his faith and love for country music in venues all across America and has been performing professionally for the last 12 years. Since the release of his debut solo album in 2018, John Paul has been known for his advocacy work for people with Down Syndrome and their families. Additionally, in 2020, he began working as a staff member at Franciscan University where he currently oversees Men’s and Women’s Ministry. When not performing or giving talks, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters outdoors.

Joel Stepanek

Joel Stepanek has been blessed to travel across the world sharing the Gospel and challenging disciples to grow as leaders. He is the author of several books, including Beginning Well, Chasing Humility, and True North: A Roadmap for Discernment. Joel is an avid Packers fan and enjoys cooking, Spartan races, and reading. Most importantly, he loves spending time with his wife, Colleen, and three children, Elijah Daniel, Sophia Grace, and Micah James.

Chris Padgett

Chris Padgett has been doing ministry for over 30 years. He is an author, musician, teacher, comedian, and motivational speaker. Chris married his high school sweetheart 35 years ago, and they have nine children. He has appeared on television and radio and has been a regular speaker and entertainer at Steubenville Youth Conferences. Chris was an adjunct professor of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville and currently teaches for Catholic International University. Chris opened a used bookstore in 2024, The Letter and Leaf, in Camden, New York. The Padgett family lives in central New York. Check out chrispadgett.com and his YouTube channel.

Father Brian Fallon

Jackie Francois Angel

Jackie Francois Angel is a speaker, vlogger, worship leader, author, and homeschooling mom from Orange County, California. In 2013, Jackie married Bobby Angel, who shares her passion for Jesus, coffee, and superhero movies. Together they have written two books, including Pray, Decide, and Don’t Worry: 5 Steps to Discerning God’s Will (with Fr. Mike Schmitz). They reside in Texas with their five children.

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2019. A prolific Catholic speaker, author, and host of multiple video series, he received his bachelor’s degree from Franciscan University, then earned his MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. In 1996, he was ordained a priest in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Franciscan Third Order Regular. Before his election as president, he served Franciscan as vice president for Mission and Planning, then as director of the TOR’s Post-Novitiate Formation and the TOR’s Franciscan Pathways.

Tanner Kalina

Tanner Kalina is a Catholic evangelist, author, and speaker who has dedicated his life to sharing the Gospel. A former actor and comedian, he now presents to thousands of people each year, including youth, laity, parish leaders, and clergy. He has written two books, and he is the co-founder of the Saints Alive podcast on Hallow. He is the presenter of several Ascension Press faith formation video series, and he has contributed other video projects to EWTN, FOCUS, the National Eucharistic Revival, and more. He and his wife, Alli, reside in Loveland, Colorado.