Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for the 2026 LuMin Staff Awards! Back in June, we were able to announce and celebrate each of the award recipients. Read a little more about each of the recipients below and be sure to nominate a colleague next year!
James Carr Distinguished Service Award
Pr. Brian Bennett – Lutheran University Ministry – Greater Pittsburgh, PA
Brian was nominated multiple times for his ministry in Pittsburgh. He’s described as a dedicated servant leader who is committed to inclusion and student engagement. He constantly creates a welcoming, inclusive campus ministry community, mentors students, expands outreach through service and discussion programs, and inspires vocational discernment. “Pr. Brian’s clarity in leadership and ministry has led to a centering of Christ’s love that forms faithful leaders to send out into the world.” We give thanks for Brian and Lutheran University Ministry!
Philip Knutson Award for Creativity and Risk Taking
Pr. Eric Huseth – Emmaus Campus Ministry – Missoula, MT
Eric is someone who pursues innovative grants, statewide collaboration, and student ministry residency programs as he dreams about what campus ministry can be. These creative ideas are at the heart of this award. All of these risks that Eric takes are done in community with students, colleagues, and the wider church. We give thanks for Eric and Emmaus Campus Ministry!
Honorary Recipient: Pr. Matt Geerdes – Normal, IL – Muncie, IN
Through this award, the LuMin community honors the life and ministry of Matt. He served for 14+ years in ecumenical campus ministry leadership, and he was a constant advocate for the importance of campus ministry in the life of the church. He was generous in sharing his gift of music with students and synods. Matt was a dearly loved member of the LuMin Network and his presence and creativity will be missed deeply. We give thanks for Matt’s years of service and ministry!
Don Romsa Award for Outstanding Collegiality
Pr. Kristin Rice – Purdue Lutheran Ministry – West Lafayette, IN
“Kristin is the colleague I know I can turn to…” She is a trusted colleague who keeps campus ministers connected through regular check-ins and is valued for her wisdom, support and friendship. Whether in synod, regional, or LuMin Network settings, Kristin is always finding ways to bring people together.
This is to the benefit of all serving in campus ministry. We give thanks for Kristin and for Purdue Lutheran Ministry!
Joseph A. Sittler Award for Excellence in Writing
Pr. Jaime Bouzard – United Campus Ministry – San Marcos, TX
Jaime’s book, Food for the Journey: The Daily Table and the Eucharist, is an excellent example of work deserving of this award. In the words of his nominators, “he brings together theological reflection around vocation to care for the earth and for one another with recipes and practical tips for feeding multitudes… a resource for ministries that feed people in body and soul.” Jaime’s writing centers theology, hospitality, and food justice in an accessible way. We give thanks for Jaime and for United Campus Ministry!
Sue Rothmeyer Award for Campus Ministry Advocacy
Rev. Dr. Dave Delaney – Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry – Virginia Synod, ELCA
In his 25 years of service in the Virginia Synod, Dave has been a constant supporter of campus ministry. At times when the budget was constrained, he advocated year after year to keep the same level of funding for campus ministries in the area. He always reached out to let campus ministers know when new students were headed their way, and he was a mentor for youth, young adults, and campus ministers alike. His was a leader gifted in bringing different ministry areas together. When it’s so easy to be siloed in ministry, Dave was one of those ties that binds people together in community. We give thanks for Dave and his years of ministry work!
Rookie of the Year Award
Pr. Katie Elkin Ziehr – UNC Lutheran Campus Ministry – Chapel Hill, NC
Katie is heading into her third year of ministry at UNC. She’s successfully stepped into an established ministry while quickly building strong student relationships and maintaining major traditions (multiple retreats and trips!).While balancing traditions and experimenting with new programs, Katie does the important internal work of processing what it means for her to live into this call as a campus pastor. She, “has a joy in her heart for ministry,” that can be felt by all who are in relationship with her. We give thanks for Katie and UNC Lutheran Campus Ministry!
