Mustard Seed Moments
God created us and calls us to live in community with one another. In the creation story God declares that it is not good for humans to live alone. All around from insects, to plants, to animals, and humans we can only survive through our connection with one another.
In Matthew 13 Jesus tells the parable of the kingdom of heaven being like a mustard seed (the smallest seed) and when it is planted it grows into one of the largest plants that can be a shelter for the birds.
At Valpo we live together in community, and all over campus people are not only surviving but thriving because of the mustard seed moments that create community and collaboration among us. Sometimes in the busyness of each day we can miss the chance to celebrate and acknowledge the gift that these seeds are for our community. Therefore, we wanted to create a space to lift these up and celebrate the joy it is to be in a place of community and collaboration and the small seeds that make it possible.
Please use this form to lift up someone in the campus community who is creating these “mustard seed moments.” All those who are recommended will be acknowledged in the Calling & Spiritual Life weekly newsletter.
- Kayla Sleeper
Theology ‘25 Here’s what Kayla’s recommender had to say: “[Kayla] prays daily for her sorority sisters and always lifts us up with a smile” – Allison Gaines […] - Richard Sévère
Associate Dean, College of Arts and SciencesProfessor of English Here’s what Richard’s recommender had to say: “Richard creates community for our students with his enthusiasm. Just watch him after Convocation as he joyously celebrates and welcomes the new members of our community. Richard also goes out of his way to help underrepresented students and faculty […] - Jordan Embry
Marketing Manager, University Marketing Here’s what Jordan’s recommender had to say: “Jordan is constantly stepping up to not only be a liaison between our department and others, but she goes above and beyond to step in as a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or a sounding board to bounce ideas off. She […] - Melissa Healy
Coordinator of Student Support and Commuter Programs, Student Life Here’s what Melissa’s recommender had to say: “Melissa has made a big impact in the short time she’s been with the University. One of her key initiatives has been creating dedicated spaces for commuter students across campus. She worked to identify locations and explore available resources […] - Rebecca Ostoyich
Coordinator of Archives & Special Collections Here’s what Rebecca’s recommender had to say: “It is so meaningful to have a collection of photos of members of the Valparaiso University community who have died in the past year displayed in the Christopher Center Library, and then in the Chapel of the Resurrection for All Saints Day. […] - Dr. Joseph Bognar & Olivia SobelHere’s what Joseph and Olivia’s recommender had to say: “Joseph, along with Olivia Sobel (Liv) collaborated with the Gospel Choir by playing piano and violin on Sunday, October 20, 2024. At my request, they worked together in preparing and playing the prelude to the song ‘Total Praise.’ The expertise on their respective instruments enhanced the […]
- Chloe Kiser
Director of Bloom Scholars Program, Adjunct Faculty Here’s what Chloe’s recommender had to say: “Chloe is dedicated to supporting underrepresented and first-generation students by fostering relationships and networks across campus. Last year, she successfully secured a state grant to hire two student success coaches for the Bloom Scholars Program. Her appeal to renew the grant […] - Thomas A. Arce
Director of Student Involvement & New Student Programs Here’s what Thomas’ recommender had to say: “Since arriving on campus only a short time ago, Thomas has been eager to build connections and lean into community. I’ve experienced this every time our paths have crossed, but just last night, I was reminded anew in the Helge […] - Valpo Music Ensembles and Directors
Here’s what their recommender had to say: “Music makes community. That fact was on display at this year’s Lutheran Centennial Hymn Festival at Homecoming. The Valpo music ensembles and their directors put in countless hours of work to bring together people from across the country to sing God’s praises. Director of Choral Music Dr. Marin […] - Valpo Football Team & Coach Landon Fox
Here’s what their recommender had to say: “At the Homecoming Volleyball game on Friday, October 4, the entire VU Football team filled the student section for one of the sets. It was great to see athletic teams supporting other teams, and their energy livened up the ARC!” […] - Sharon Dybel
Office Coordinator, Christ College – Honors College Here’s what Sharon’s recommender had to say: “Sharon keeps our honors college running! She is the face of customer service for our students and our faculty. She handles room reservations, technology needs, reimbursement forms, and so much more. Perhaps most importantly, she keeps our candy jar fully stocked!” […] - Rande Dawson
Campus Bus Driver Here’s what Rande’s recommender had to say: “Rande always brings a smile to his shift on the bus. He makes campus life better by being positive and conversational with students on the bus, no matter how long or short the trip is. At the end of each bus ride, Rande tells each […] - Kristin Flodder & Angie TaylorHere’s what Kristin and Angie’s recommender had to say: “Kristin and Angie worked over the summer to create a comprehensive calendar of all of the ensemble concerts happening in the Chapel so that they could communicate and work with the Chapel staff to coordinate the setups and work with and around worship services. They communicated […]
- Jesse Sestito, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering Here’s what Professor Sestito’s recommender had to say: “Professor Sestito has fostered a group of community members from both on and off campus to come together in the common interest and fun of Pokemon GO. This has brought together these groups and created a common ground for students […] - Debbie Bordelon
As our first honoree, we name Debra “Debbie” Bordelon, food service manager for Valparaiso University and Parkhurst, who passed away on August 24, 2024. Debbie was known to be a light on campus, creating community and making all feel welcome.Kristin Lewis writes “[Debbie] loved that so many of her students were international and that if she could be a […]