WALK WITH ME
Marlee spends her days as a bacteriologist at South Dakota State University. For the past ten years, she has worked at the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory. Her weekends are often filled with college rugby - something she loves, even though she’s never played herself. As if that doesn’t sound busy enough, last fall she went back to school for another degree. She is currently a student at Wartburg Seminary working towards a Master of Divinity degree, a seed of faith planted years ago and faithfully tended by the University Lutheran Center.
That sense of direction didn’t always feel so clear. Being born and raised in Brookings and growing up as a member at Ascension Lutheran, Marlee thinks that, for as long as she can remember, she has known about the campus ministry here. During Marlee’s junior year of high school, Pastor Bob Chell noticed her gift of music and asked her if she would like to play piano for worship at the University Lutheran Center. Her answer was an immediate yes. Looking back, Marlee laughs about that first year, “when Pastor Bob introduced me as a senior, most students thought I was a senior in college.” What mattered most was not her age, but that someone saw her gift and invited her to share it with others.
That invitation was just the start of her involvement. She continued playing piano for worship for the next eight years, and still plays occasionally today. As a student, she stepped into a leadership position as a peer minister, where she grew in confidence and purpose. “My work as a peer minister felt valued,” Marlee remembers, “I was given the opportunity to shape this place.” She was given a lot of ownership, especially in worship planning, learned valuable skills, and honed her abilities in working on a team with others. What began as a gift that served a need, the University Lutheran Center became a place of stability through seasons of change and a community rooted in connection for Marlee. “People willing to walk with me,” Marlee says, “for as long as it took.” This became more than a place where Marlee showed up; it became a place that shaped her.
Marlee has one more year remaining on her second three-year term serving on the council. “I’ve been through lots of changes, some expected and some unexpected,” Marlee shares, “and this place has always been here.” That is what made her decision to serve on the council such an easy one. This allowed her to give back to a place that has given so much to her. Today she finds deep joy in watching other students experience what she once did - being invited in, finding purpose, and discovering leadership. “I find joy,” Marlee says, “in hearing how the faith lives of current students are being impacted by this place.” The University Lutheran Center not only shaped Marlee’s college experience - it has shaped her life.
We are so thankful for your support of the University Lutheran Center. For students like Marlee, your generosity makes it possible for college students to find much-needed accompaniment that potentially shapes their whole lives. Thank you for being part of this shared ministry.