In a Kellogg Center ballroom filled with Michigan State University faculty and staff, the name UKirk at Michigan State was called from the stage.
It was the Spartan Wellbeing Summit and MSU honored UKirk at Michigan State with the Partner in Health and Wellbeing Award. The award, given on Feb. 26, recognizes an external partner who demonstrates exceptional collaboration that improves campus health and wellbeing in a lasting manner.
For a campus ministry, the moment was unusual. Public universities rarely recognize faith-based organizations in this way.
This honor reflects both the faithfulness of UKirk’s students and leaders and the partnership of the Presbytery and local partner churches whose financial support makes this ministry possible.
UKirk at Michigan State was started from scratch in 2015 under the leadership of Campus Minister Neil Myer, who has nourished the ministry into a thriving presence on campus. UKirk feeds the spirits, minds and bodies of hungry college students through weekly meals, food security efforts and deeply relational ministry grounded in radical hospitality. Its book project addressing local book deserts has distributed more than 10,000 books.
“This kind of thing doesn’t just happen,” one UKirk board member said. “Neil has nurtured this program from infancy to today.”
The MSU Student Food Bank’s leadership nominated UKirk for the award. When it was presented, the university cited UKirk’s “innovative, impactful and sustainable contributions” in helping MSU respond to food insecurity.
“UKirk’s … many efforts coordinating volunteers, food drives, student engagement and financial support have helped MSU meet the needs of students facing food insecurity in ways that are reliable, compassionate and grounded in dignity,” the presenter said when bestowing the award.
UKirk does not serve for recognition. It serves to live out its commitment as a Matthew 25 campus ministry and its call to love God and neighbor. This award is a reminder that others notice such love, a love that strengthens the entire campus community.
As the presenter said, “What sets UKirk apart is how they serve, which is deeply relational, responsive and rooted in care. Participating students engage in meaningful service and collaborations that respond to a variety of emerging needs, and the personal touches they add to their work help to extend a sense of belonging, expresses compassion, and strengthens their connections with their recipients.”
Together, UKirk is helping students experience belonging and embody that love in the wider world. Thanks be to God.
Recent Comments