The Next Chapter Program
Introduction
The Next Chapter is a virtual program grounded in Ignatian spirituality that has been offered to Alpha Sigma Nu members for the past three years. It is a seven-month guided journey in a group setting for people who are approaching retirement or who are recently retired to help them discern how they want to live their next chapter of life. The program has been highly evaluated by participants in all years. For more information, go to www.nextchapterprogram.org.
Contact Amy O’Neil, Director of Development and Alumni Relations to find out more details about the next cohort by email at amy.oneil@marquette.edu, or phone (414) 288-7547.
Program Facilitator
Tom Auffenberg (Saint Louis University ’23)
Tom retired in 2016 after careers in teaching, law/financial planning and twenty-five years as a business owner. His education includes a BA in philosophy from the Santa Clara University, a law degree from St. Louis University, a Certified Financial Planner designation, an MA in Theology and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute, and training to companion people making the Spiritual Exercises. Tom participated in a one-year program focusing on transitioning from the work years to the retirement years at The Halftime Institute and afterward became a Certified Halftime Coach. In addition to serving on several non-profit boards in the St. Louis community, Tom previously served as the Regional Coordinator for Contemplative Leaders in Action – St. Louis, and is currently the Program Director for The Next Chapter Program.
Testimonials
Transformative Reflections: Voices from the 2024 Program
“The program gave me the structure and forced me to carve out the time to ask myself important questions about who I want to be and what I want to do after I retire.”
“I believe that the schedule over months was great to have time to make changes, consider options, and to consider one piece at a time. The final plan is an amazing blueprint for making decisions and choices that are consistent with who I want to be during my next phase of life.”
