News

Sara Stoner

Sophomore, Grand Canyon University

Forensic Science Major

Why did you choose Grand Canyon University?  Secretly, because I didn’t fill out the paperwork for NAU in time, so my mom insisted on us visiting GCU.  I applied the day I visited and was accepted.  But GCU is a great school; I like the small campus and Christian community!

Why did you choose to major in Forensic Science?  I’m really interested in science and in lab work.  Forensics is all about research in a lab.

What are your plans for after graduation?  No plans; just gonna let it happen.

Why did you first start coming to Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM)?  I knew people who went to LCM and thought I’d try it out.  I fell in love with the place the first time I came.

What is your favorite thing about LCM?  All of the friends that I’ve made.

What role has LCM played in your college life?  I have felt more support since coming here, especially more “Lutheran” religious support.  GCU is a Christian school, but it is nice to have a specifically Lutheran place to go.

What are your hobbies/things you like to do?  I knit, read a lot of novels, and like to run for fun.

If you had a magic carpet that could take you to anywhere at any time, where/when would you go, what would you do, and why?  I would visit Ancient Greece and Rome, experience what life was like in their heydays.

Year: Junior

Major: Business Communications 

Hometown: Peoria, AZ

Home congregation: Celebration Lutheran, Peoria

Future Plans/Crystal Ball: Change major to Music Therapy and work with children.

How did you first hear of LCM? My pastor told me about it and recommended I check it out.

What makes you come back every week? Well, now I keep coming back each Wednesday because I’m involved in the praise band, playing the piano each week and singing. However, before I was involved in the music I kept returning because of the very genuine people and inviting atmosphere.

What has been your favorite part of LCM? Germany! It was a once in a lifetime experience! I will never forget it and would love to travel out of the country with LCM again. I also enjoy jamming with the band each week.

Who has had the most impact on your faith? My home pastor, Paul Nelson. When I was a high school sophomore he encouraged me to be part of Tirosh which has been a wonderful experience for me. He also invited me to be a leader in Campfirmation where I helped lead the music. There I also met LCM students and leaders for the first time.

What has been  your biggest challenge in college? Finding the right educational path for me has been the biggest challenge. With a change to music therapy I think I have finally found the correct path.

How has LCM helped you with your college life? When I have a stressful week it is good to come on Wednesday to get away from the stress and be with genuine people in a very inviting environment. This has been a very important community to me. 

Trevor Johnson

Senior, Religion & Philosophy Major

Why did you choose to go to ASU?  I wanted to stay in Arizona and go to a school close to home.  I had friends who came here as well.

Why did you choose your major?  It was what interested me the most.

Why did you start coming to LCM?  I came in last Spring to get parking and met some of the staff and students.  I wanted to go to a local church, so I thought I’d try it out (and he hasn’t left!).

What do you like about LCM?  I like the connection with all of the other students.

What role has LCM played in your college life?  It has given me social connections.  I’ve made good friends here, and it gives me a break from school and work.

What are some of your hobbies/things you like to do?  I like to play chess (ask him for a match some time!), and I play guitar.  I like to go hiking.

What are some interested facts about yourself?  I am the oldest of 6 children, and this summer I travelled to 9 different countries.

If you had a magic carpet that could take you to anywhere at any time, where/when would you go, what would you do, and why?  I would go back to 399 B.C. and watch the trial and execution of Socrates.  I’d like to listen to the trial and Socrates’ argument and see him drink the hemlock.

Barbara Pardue

Junior, Biological Sciences Major

Why did you choose ASU?   It was close to home so I could live at home and save money. 

Why did you choose to major in Biological Sciences?  I think Genetics is really interesting, that we don’t know enough about it, and I want to know more.

Why did you first start coming to LCM?   Jen Jondac (a fellow student) introduced me to the idea, then Alex Willoughby (another student) convinced me to start coming.

What do you like about LCM?  I like the community.  I like how nice everyone is, and how everyone is willing to help

What role has LCM played in your college life so far?  It’s a place where I can come and relax between classes and work; the welcoming atmosphere gives me a comfortable place to hang out.

What are some facts about yourself?  I have strange, squeaky hiccups.  I have at least 90 nicknames.  I own a saxophone, two clarinets, an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, and a ukulele, and I have names for them all.

What are some of your hobbies/things you like to do?  I collect records.  I play musical instruments and sing (in the LCM Praise Band!).  I play the same three video games over and over again.

If you had a magic carpet that could take you to any time/place, when/where would you go, what would you do, and why?  I would go back to the time of the dinosaurs and chill with the dinosaurs/probably get eaten by one (preferably a T-Rex).

Jen Jondac

Third Year Student, Psychology Major

Why did you choose that major?   I LOVE psychology.  I think it’s fun and I can understand it.  I was originally in the biochemistry program but was pushed out because of systemized sexism.

Why did you choose ASU?  Barrett Honor’s College.  And it was close to home.

Why did you start coming to LCM?  My friend Alex (Willoughby) told me he played in the worship band and I wanted to be a supportive friend so I came.  Then LCM started feeding me.  I returned like a raccoon.

What do you like about LCM?  The people here are good.

What are some of your hobbies/things you like to do?  Draw, Digital paint, Combat Hapkido, play video games, annoy people.

What are some interesting facts about yourself?  I’m a raccoon.  I love dogs.  I like science—I can talk for hours about Star Trek.  I play the flute and mandolin.

If you had a magic carpet that could take you to anywhere at any time, where/when would you go, what would you do, and why?  I would burn the magic carpet.  I hate time travel scenarios.