SHIFTING SANDS
Gracie has an uncanny ability to woo others. She is a connector and gatherer of people. She naturally creates community wherever she goes. Her love of yellow and blue—her favorite colors since 8th grade—made her a natural fit at South Dakota State University. Her college experience was filled with participation in the Hobo Day Committee, serving as a Student Leader at the University Lutheran Center, and involvement at every level of Greek life on campus.
She grew up near Lennox, South Dakota, and has attended Trinity Lutheran in Tea, South Dakota, her whole life. For as long as Gracie can remember, her family has been in church on Wednesday nights. She loved her high school youth group and longed to find a similar community in college. Thinking back, Gracie found the first few weeks of college overwhelming. “I sat down in my first class, Chemistry 114,” Gracie remembers, “and the professor started talking about quantum physics—and I knew studying pharmacy wasn’t for me.” After years of thinking she had her future figured out, Gracie suddenly found herself back at square one. Like so many students, she was searching—not just for a new major, but for a place where she truly belonged.
In the midst of the shifting sands of changing majors, Gracie was looking for stable, solid ground. Her search led her to the University Lutheran Center. She arrived at our Wednesday night campfire and immediately felt it: connection, warmth, and a sense of home. “The campfire had the same vibe as my high school youth group,” Gracie said, “and I wanted to continue learning and growing in my faith.” That night changed it all. The search for a community was complete. “The University Lutheran Center gave me a place,” Gracie proclaims, “I can call home.”
As a self-proclaimed “not a chocolate girly,” it wasn’t the s’mores that kept her coming back. True to who she is, she hasn’t kept it to herself. Since her first visit, she has continued to invite others to join her at her church. Her hope has always been to help people who were unsure about faith or held preconceived ideas about church have a new, welcoming experience. In fact, many people found their connection here because of Gracie’s woo and invitation to come along with her. During her time as a Student Leader last year, she helped welcome new students and build relationships, continuing the same spirit of invitation she first received here.
We are so thankful for your support of the University Lutheran Center. It makes gatherings like this possible, so Gracie didn’t have to keep searching. There are more students just like Gracie—still searching, still hoping to find a place to call home. Your generosity makes sure students don’t navigate college alone. Thank you for being part of this shared ministry.