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.
- The Lenten Faith Partners and Deaconess Kristin Lewis
Program Coordinator for Christian Leadership and Formation, Calling & Spiritual Life Here’s what their recommender had to say: “Deaconess Kristin Lewis organized a Lenten faith partners experiment that paired students with faculty or staff faith mentors. More than one hundred and twenty participants met weekly during the season of Lent to read scripture, pray, and […] - John Ruff
Senior Research Professor of English Here’s what John’s recommender had to say: “For years Professor Ruff has contributed to the continued tradition of creating a space for students, faculty, staff, and community members to engage around books and coffee (and even tea). It is a delight to see people connect with ideas, themes, and so […] - Brother James Dixon
Deacon and Barber, Come and Be Blessed Barber Shop Here’s what Brother Dixon’s recommender had to say: “Brother Dixon operates a barbershop one afternoon a week on the second floor of the Harre Union. The Come and Be Blessed barbershop isn’t just hair cuts however. Brother Dixon’s barber chair is a place where students and […] - Aimee Tomasek
Associate Professor, Communication and Visual Arts Here’s what Aimee’s recommender had to say: “Aimee is a generous spirit. She both promotes and enacts community on campus. Recently she stopped by the Helge Center with a gift of art. Her friend, photographer Stan Stremnbicki, had made a photograph entitled “Katrina Bible” as part of his “A […] - Devon Watson
Office Coordinator for Access College for Success, Bloom Scholars Program and Beacon Academy Here’s what Devon’s recommender had to say: “I want to take a moment to highlight the incredible work that Devon Watson has done to make Wesemann Hall a welcoming and supportive place for all students. While ensuring the day-to-day tasks like snow […] - Carlos Rivero and Elena JambrinaHere’s what Carlos and Elena’s recommender had to say: Carlos and Elena at Don Quijote Restaurant have been pillars of the Valparaiso city community for many years. Not only do they pride themselves on building relationships and making people feel at home in the restaurant, but they also support students and Valparaiso University in various […]
- Miracle Faller
Residential Learning Coordinator – Alumni Hall, Residential Life Here’s what Miracle’s recommender had to say: “Miracle created an elaborate escape room for RA training, incorporating training goals into the game. The escape room was a way for Miracle to bring something she loved to her work, and it gave students an opportunity to enjoy themselves […] - Carol Goss
Director, Language and Intercultural Learning Center (LINC) Here’s what Carol’s recommender had to say: “As Director of the LINC, Carol manages a vibrant center that provides academic support and a range of resources for language learners, a hub for intercultural learning through initiatives like Podcast Parlor and Reading Groups, and a home base for activities […] - Tammy Basich
Executive Assistant to the President and Office ManagerOffice of the President Here’s what Tammy’s recommender had to say: “I am honored to nominate Tammy for a Mustard Seed Moment in recognition of her unwavering commitment to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment at Valparaiso University. As the Executive Assistant to the President, Tammy serves as […] - Amanda Brobst-Renaud, M.Div, Ph.D. & Ben Brobst-Renaud, M.A., M.F.AHere’s what Amanda and Ben’s recommender had to say: “Mandy and Ben have been having get togethers at their house with the explicit goal of building community! They invite people who don’t know each other and have drinks and snacks and no agenda other than to help people connect. They are wonderful examples of community […]
- Gina Rue
Instructional DesignerCenter for Innovation in Teaching, Assessment, and Learning Here’s what Gina’s recommender had to say: “As our senior instructional designer, Gina is often helping faculty to navigate tech issues so that they can better help their students. She is so kind and understanding when professors are struggling. Her humor and good nature help calm […] - Cynthia Rutz, Ph.D.
Director of Faculty Development Center for Innovation in Teaching, Assessment, and Learning Here’s what Cynthia’s recommender had to say: “I love it when I see Cynthia’s name in the Chapel email inbox because I know she’s writing in to say how much she’s enjoyed the Calling & Spiritual Life newsletter devotion that week and to […] - Union Staff
Will Dzuricsko, Harre Union Assistant Director of Union OperationsTheresa Kark, Harre Union Facility and Set Up CoordinatorThad Doyle, Director of Union and Student Life OperationsMary Akers, Harre Union Event ManagerMitchell Moss, Student Life Event Technology ManagerTrey Culvey, Parkhurst Dining Catering Director (Not Pictured) Here’s what their recommender had to say: “This group, and those under […] - 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 […]