Growing in Faith: Buntrock scholars find purpose in campus ministry
For Berit Gilbertson, it was her grandmother's passing that sparked a deeper connection to faith, and for John Mortrude, it was the encouragement from his pastor and school counselor. Through different paths, both found themselves at Augustana University as part of the inaugural cohort of Buntrock Scholars and now as leaders in campus ministry.
The Buntrock Scholars Program, a generous $13.8 scholarship grant funded by Dean and Rosemarie Buntrock, welcomed its first cohort of 35 students this fall. The program supports students active and engaged in Midwest congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA), covering half of their net attendance cost up to $12,000 per year. For these scholars, the program offers far more than financial support.
"Meeting the donors was really special and meaningful," Beritt Gilbertson, an exercise science major from Holmen, Wisconsin, said. "When they started talking about what they were looking for in a college to give this scholarship to, I realized how impactful this is. They did change my life."
Despite her science-focused major, Gilbertson has embraced faith leadership on campus.
"Sometimes it's hard because religion and science are always like a battle, but in my brain, I've tried to intertwine them," Gilbertson said.
Her journey to chapel staff began with a simple desire to connect, reaching out to Rev. Ann Rosendale, campus pastor, for coffee early in the semester – a move that immediately impressed the campus pastor.
"Pastor Shawna and I always love these conversations with students,” Rosendale said. “I remember being so impressed by her initiative – not just in reaching out but in asking really insightful questions about faith and how she could deepen her involvement in college. It showed a remarkable maturity for a student just beginning her college journey."
For John Mortrude, a government and international affairs and history double major from Dell Rapids, South Dakota, the scholarship opened doors to new perspectives.
"The scholarship has opened me up to a new community where I can gain insights that influence my future," Mortrude said.
Mortrude demonstrated his commitment to both service and community when he served at The Banquet, a local nonprofit that serves 16 free meals a week, even when he needed to leave early to attend the Buntrock scholars' bonfire – a moment that stood out to Rosendale as exemplifying "that spirit of service, of giving oneself away for the neighbor."
These early demonstrations of leadership embody what the program hoped to foster.
"I have really recognized a lot of young leaders," Rev. Shawna Day, associate campus pastor, said. "They have the organization – they have the engagement, talking and meeting, signing up to do tasks, working through conflicts, which can be really tough."
Mortrude is part of a special section of Religion 110, an initiative introduced by Hans Harmakaputra, assistant professor of religion and Julie Loveland Swanstrom, assistant professor of philosophy and religion. Meanwhile, Gilbertson takes a Civitas 110 course also led by Harmakaputra.
"They actively participate in discussions, responding to questions, have a curious posture toward the lessons," Harmakaputra said.
The class encourages scholars to explore beyond their familiar church environments with assignments like researching churches outside their ELCA background.
Gilbertson, who gave sermons at her home church, sees this broader exposure as essential.
"I want to learn about other religions," Gilbertson said. "I'm not just solely focused on Lutheranism or Christianity. It's interesting to me how people have these different faiths and values."
According to Rosendale, their presence has already influenced campus spiritual life.
"It has been a joyful boost to chapel attendance," Rosendale said. "They're bringing their friends. Chapel has felt full, and there's been really good energy."
Looking ahead, both scholars envision continued church leadership after graduation. Gilbertson is considering seminary school to deepen her theological understanding, while John plans to apply his future law degree in service to others.
"These students are full of so much promise," Pastor Ann said. "Not all of these Buntrock scholars will be pastors. Maybe a few will be, but most of them will be Sunday school teachers and church council members. It is so rewarding to be a part of nurturing this next generation of leaders for the church."
This dual emphasis on academic achievement and spiritual growth resonates with both campus pastors.
"I think it is truly a gift and I think that it is a gift that will continue to grow in many ways,” Day said. “I feel it is inspired by the Holy Spirit - it isn't usually the focus in scholarship."
Next year, the Buntrock Scholars program will welcome another cohort of around 30 students, nearly doubling the program’s presence on campus. For Gilbertson and Mortrude, their path forward is clear- welcoming students to worship, building bridges between faith traditions and helping create the kind of spiritual community that drew them to Augustana in the first place.
