A Letter from Fr. Maxwell Klug (STM '11)

Salut à tous et à toutes!

 

My name is Fr. Maxwell Klug (STM ’11). I’m happy and excited to join STM’s World Languages Department as the French teacher starting this spring semester!

 

My love for the French language started here at STM as a student. I was blessed with wonderful French teachers who truly brought this beautiful and dynamic language to life and showed me the fun of learning another language. I had such a positive experience that I decided to pursue French as one of my majors in college. Studying the language has opened many doors for me, both professionally and personally. I’ve been fortunate to live, study, and work in French-speaking countries spanning three continents – Canada (Montréal & Trois-Rivières, Québec), Morocco, Togo, Sénégal, and France, as well as using the language here in the United States in multiple ministerial and professional areas (translating, interpreting, and direct service).

 

In addition to the French language, I’m a Franciscan friar (OFM) priest and a licensed social worker. I was ordained earlier this year, which has brought me back to Wisconsin. For the past 10+ years of my life, I lived in Chicago and was involved in various ministries that allowed me to travel and experience almost the entire city and abroad. I worked for eight years with former gang members in Chicago, journeyed with university students as a spiritual director, and was involved in worker’s rights campaigns and nonprofit development in the Chicagoland area. Most recently, I worked as a psychotherapist in social services and at a private practice specializing in adolescent, teen, and emerging adult violent traumas/injuries and compound/complex trauma.

 

Apart from when I lived abroad, all of my higher education was completed in Chicago. I earned my bachelor’s degree in philosophy (focus on ethics) and French literature & language from Loyola University Chicago (go Ramblers and Sr. Jean!), my Master of Arts in social work, social welfare policy, and social administration from the University of Chicago, and my Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union.

 

I look forward to getting to know each of my students as we explore and discover the beauty and fun of the French language! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions (klugm@tmore.org).

 

Merci et à bientôt!

 

Fr. Maxwell Klug, OFM, MDiv, AM, LMSW/APSW