THESE WALLS

Karly plays trumpet in the brass choir at Peace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, where she works as a Pharmacist. When she is not busy with that and planning her wedding for next fall, she engages in her self-proclaimed “old lady hobby” of crocheting.

When Karly began her course of studies at South Dakota State University, she had prioritized finding a church home. She thought she would find that in an established ELCA congregation in the community that was intergenerational in nature, not in a campus ministry. After she still didn’t feel settled, in her second semester, she decided to attend the University Lutheran Center. She remembers the welcome she received from Student Leaders and that her friend from The Pride of The Dakotas marching band was also here. The feeling of isolation had begun to subside, as she felt she had found her church home.

Finally, Karly had found a church where she felt like she belonged. “SDSU didn’t feel like home,” Karly remembers, “until I found the ULC.” She had found a place that fit her theology and where she could develop closer connections with her peers. “It felt like I was coming home,” she remembers about her first visit, “even on the first time.” The rigor of pharmacy school was difficult. Karly also appreciates that she had a place to be herself, not only a pharmacy student. Shortly after she became involved, she was invited to become a Student Leader. In her new role, she appreciated the opportunity to continue developing the community as a caring and safe place for college students. “These walls have reminders,” Karly adds, “of the place I got the support I needed to make it through college.”

As Karly continues in her faith journey, she has a great appreciation for the impact the ULC has had on her. “It set me up for success,” she says, “in whatever church I attend.” The keys to success will follow Karly as she states, “what I learned at the ULC isn’t going to stay at the ULC.” Karly credits the ULC for “developing the skills during her college years, so that she can go out and be an active member wherever she goes.”

We are so thankful for your support of the University Lutheran Center. For students like Karly, your generosity makes it possible for college students to find the support they need. Thank you for being part of this shared ministry.