St. Lawrence Class of 2023

GRADUATING CLASS OF

2023

Mission

Saint Lawrence

Catholic Campus Center guides and forms those at the University of Kansas in the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Catholic intellectual, moral, liturgical, and spiritual tradition. Her deepest desire is to send out full and free disciples of Jesus Christ capable of the greatest stories.

Dear KU Catholics:

Of my seven years here Directing the Catholic mission here on the Hill, this year has been the most fruitful! So many of our apostolates are thriving, our reach has expanded exponentially, and I’m confident that St. Lawrence is guiding more great stories than ever. I see students praying through their experiences at KU in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I was here in the 1990s. I’m so humbled to be the spiritual father of this incredible mission. Our ultimate metric, the one we most care about, is launching 100+ free and full disciples of Jesus Christ capable of the greatest vocations into our world each year. Fly, Jayhawks, fly!

I am so happy to share a few of these stories in our annual graduation publication. Thank you for investing in these Jayhawks, whom I am certain will make us all proud with their faithfulness and courage. Notice the markers that we care about most- risk, vulnerability, commitment, communion, self-gift, and influence - in the profiles herein.

Maddie Charles

I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for year 8. For now, let’s celebrate this vintage of Catholic Jayhawks!

Matthew Stout

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Major: Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology

Next Steps: M.A. in Theology at the Augustine Institute

Fr. Mitchel Zimmerman Director, St. Lawrence

Hometown: Lenexa, KS

Major: Communications Studies

Next Steps: Work in KC

“Fr. Mitchel, by far, is the most important male figure I’ve ever had in my life, next to my dad and brother. I have known him for the last two and a half years, and he has been so influential in my spiritual formation. He lives in imitation of Christ in so many ways. He taught me a lot of what I now know and believe about the Catholic Church, and in spiritual direction, has challenged me to take my prayer to nee depths I have not yet experienced. I will always keep him and the center in my prayers, and I will always be grateful for the center having such a great pastor to lead this flock.”

“One of my greatest guides has been Erin Kasprowicz. She has led me through being in a FOCUS discipleship and has walked with me through many different seasons of my life. She has always pointed me to the Lord and has shown me how everything is a gift.”

Ellie Aykroyd

Hometown: Overland Park, KS

Major: Business Management & Leadership; Professional Selling

Next Steps: Client Service and Insurance Operations Associate

Madison Schaefer

Hometown: Champlin, MN

Major: Architecture

Next Steps: Graduate School

Natalie Klosterman

Hometown: Wichita, KS

Major: Mathematics

Next Steps: Get a teaching license to teach high school math!

“ The seed that began my journey in prayer was planted before St. Lawrence, but it was through St. Lawrence and its various offerings (relationships, retreats, spiritual direction, counseling) that the seed was watered and fostered to become the fruit that is now my prayer life. Although what prayer looks like is changing as I change, I believe and hope that prayer will be a daily habit to accompany me for the rest of my days. Prayer is friendship with God. It’s that simple :)”

Andy Denekas

Hometown: Omaha, NE

Major: Philosophy

Next Steps: Grad school at KU

“Life without SLC at KU would be living in a story focused on me without an ultimate purpose. I have found a place where you can pursue the faith and Jesus here at SLC that can lead us to the greatest story. I came to KU just curious about faith and growing up with faith, but I wanted more. I got connected to St. Lawrence by the Good Co. Open Mic night. I was welcomed in and stuck around going on retreats, Colorado trips, FOCUS summer projects, and ultimately getting confirmed in the Catholic Faith. I have found a place of peace and comfort in the presence of Christ in adoration and prayer in the chapel.”

“When I entered college, and in my underclassmen years, I was a perfectionistic, book-smart individual who prided herself on achievement and success. Looking back now, that was the extent of my identity, and while it may have been more sustainable in a smaller high school setting, I drove myself crazy trying to be and beat the best. Between spiritual direction, a few resonating Mission Formations, and surrounding myself with great people, I slowly began to break down wounds from the past that created the identity I believed about myself. I knew there was something more for me, and I had a God that loved me exactly as I was. I have been able to purify the desires I have for my life that not only please the Lord but are more in line with my wants and needs. Instead of clinging for control of the future, I can more easily take it as it comes in the Lord’s perfect timing.”

“This senior year of mine at KU, I have been working as an RA in one of the freshmen dorms on campus. I live on a floor with about 30 girls and 30 boys, serving as their primary connection to the university, building community, and responding to crises. One of my residents, in particular, was going through an incredibly hard breakup and family situation several months ago. She had no one to turn to but her RA. We began to talk in-depth (like for over an hour a day, several days that week) about many things. After a little while, though I knew I could not explicitly jump into talking about Jesus and how He has a great plan for her life, I was sure that some aspect of my faith needed to be worked into the conversations.

At the start of our conversation, I said a quick prayer for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Then, I started to share with her the Christian message of hope. I talked about how there are always reasons, though often very little things, to have hope. I remember saying something about how hope gives us a new perspective, turning our eyes from the negative to the positive. I don’t know if this message stuck with her, but I do know that the Holy Spirit somehow worked through my words. We continue to talk through tough things in her life as she walks down the path of healing. Without the spiritual increases in my life that St. Lawrence contributed to, I would not have had the confidence to share this Christian message with someone who desperately needed to hear it.”

to the Class of 2023

Claire Stephens

Madeline Ruf

Abby Davidow

Braden Juenemann

Cody Beeber

Megan Lynn

Andy Denekas

Eva Morrison

Nick Weishaar

Emma Grob-French

Ellie Aykroyd

Christian Kaufman

Evie Gruenbacher

Alexis Webb

Nina Newman

Emme Bina

Cameron Rozean

Carlos Schwindt

Grace Scariano

Melissa Noble

Alex Wilhelm

Andrew Miskimon

Sofia Morassi

Emma Feess

Andrew Windish

Rachel Schlittler

Robert Ward

Matt Harding

Coleman Moffitt

Brendan Roan

Curt Arends

James Wall

Joe Kelly

Maddie Charles

PJ Garcia

Camron Zerr

Nathan Ohl

Adam Kopitke

Lucia Matamoros

Abby Booker

Grace Temaat

Aidan Hill

Melanie Almendarez

Emily Gunderman

Sarah Carson

Justin Sizoo

Nyah Hay

Laura Gutierrez

Katie Neal

Landyn Welch

Stuart Taylor

Emily Boster

Brayden Steven

McKenna Reilly

Fallon Russell

Braeden Huslig

Ginny Hannahan

George Smith

Michelle Roesner

Isaac De La Rosa

Brianna Ast

Davis Bax

Quinn Germann

Zan Martin

Matthew Stout

Charles Spaedy

Melissa Koppers

Jenna Romme

Nolan Bemiss

Morgan Goldy

Justin Dunne

Michael Scott

Joseph Nordling

Sam Harder

Stephen Tujague

Natalie Klosterman

Andres Lopez

Matthew Hading

Isaiah Lee

Brad Nicklas

Morgan Young

Abby Benedict

Audrey Walujo

Maddie Borisov

Jackie Bryson

Leslie De La Rosa

Lauren Fox

Megan Hill

Joe Nelson

Isabel Vargas

Mariella El Khoury

Xiaohui Yan

Nicolas Arguello

Ella Barnes

Oksana Vykhopen

Kristin Johnson

Dilan Rajapakshe

Anne Marie Myers

maiya schroeder

David Quirk

Taylor Skye Nguyen

Grace Lauer

Samuel Klingenberg

Johnny Palmieri

Brett Bowles

Adam Kopitke

Hometown: Lenexa, KS

Major: Biochemistry

Next Steps: Med School

Megan Lynn

Hometown: Overland Park, KS

Major: Chemical Engineering

Next Steps: FOCUS Missionary

Kevin Dunne

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Major: Architecture

Next Steps: Not sure yet!

Ginny Hannahan

Hometown: Fairhope, AL

Major: Philosophy

Next Steps: University of Notre Dame Philosophy PhD

“I spoke with a Protestant friend about her beliefs regarding sources of truth, and we kept a conversation about it going for a few weeks. She was convinced that the Bible was the only place to find objective truth, but I could reference it to show her that people and things other than the Bible can show us the truth, and I think it was a pivotal realization in her faith life. We haven’t talked in a while, but I’d like to catch up with her soon.”

“One of the biggest reasons I gave my “yes” to FOCUS is because of how I have been impacted by the FOCUS community here at KU. I have been on the receiving and giving end of personal investment within the women’s community here at KU. These experiences have been incredibly beneficial and formative in my walk with the Lord.

I did not always pray, and in fact, I started praying daily only two years ago. That being said, once I started praying, my life quickly changed. As I encountered the person of Jesus every day in prayer, I fell in love with Him. And not only that, but I was faced with the reality that

the love I receive from Him is not a love I can keep to myself—this love is a love that must be shared. I have spent the last 18 months leading a Bible study of underclassmen women and walking with several of these women in discipleship. Watching these women encounter and grow in their relationship with Jesus has been the greatest gift. There is truly nothing more special than being able to see someone become fully alive in the gaze of their Creator. It has been such an honor to play a small role in the big stories the Lord has written for each of these women, and I cannot wait to see how their faith continues to impact each of their circles of influence.”

“One of my greatest guides at St. Lawrence is easily Nick Labrie. When he joined the staff at the beginning of last year as the person in charge of GoodCo, it was also my first year as a GoodCo LEAD, and along with the other LEADs, we were able to walk together in faith while leading the GoodCo team in our mission. This

year, when Nick stepped into a different role at St. Lawrence, I have still been able to meet with Nick as a Spiritual Advisor, and he has been very helpful in my growth and my preparation for after college.”

“Coming to KU at all was a massive risk for me. I transferred during the pandemic to a university where I knew no one and had never officially toured. I

felt confident in my decision, though, thanks to the graces received through a couple of novenas (shout out to Sts. Monica and Joseph!), and my experience with the people at SLC quickly affirmed that confidence.

Being a member of the St. Lawrence Center has been one of, if not the most enjoyable and enriching experience of my life. The quality of the friendships, the depth of the faith formation, the plethora of opportunities to get involved, and the care and courtesy of the staff. It’s overwhelming to contemplate, and I will sorely miss it next year.”

Eileen Benne

Nina Newman

Hometown: Bucyrus, KS

Major: Business

Next Steps: I will be working full-time Hulsing Enterprises growth in interior freedom should be the title of my college story. As I began college, I was stuck in a rut of selfreliance, distrust in God, and crippled by what I thought others thought about me.

Throughout each year of college, I have received formation and have learned more of the truth of my identity. I knew the fundamentals of church teaching by engaging in courses during my freshman and sophomore year. I began to explore my individual prayer life during my sophomore and junior year through spiritual mentorship and direction.

Nolan Bemiss

Hometown: Wichita, KS

Major: Human Biology

Next Steps: Gap Year- Marine Biology Research in Honduras

Hometown: Overland

Park, KS

Major: Information Systems and Technology

Eva Morrison

Hometown: Ellisville, MO

Major: Interdisciplinary Computing

Next Steps: Data Analytics for John Deere in Des Moines

The most significant growth in interior freedom has come during my final three semesters at KU. Through discipleship, spiritual direction, and counseling, I have learned the truth of God’s love for me and have accepted my true identity as His daughter. Having these truths presented to me often has been the most significant contribution to my freedom and choice to trust in God and His plans for my life.”

“The biggest lesson I have learned is that God has a plan for everyone He puts in my life. I have struggled with understanding that some people leave our lives before we want them to, but I’ve realized that each person plays a purpose in His plan for me. I will carry this into my adult life by trusting in Him, especially when things become difficult, and relationships are tested. I have loved everyone at SLC that I have met, students and staff. It is heartbreaking to think that this chapter of my life is ending, but I will be forever grateful for the opportunities that SLC’s community inspired me to take.”

Next Steps: Serving as a Catholic Missionary with St Paul’s Outreach

“Last year, I met Matthew Griesemer about 2-3

weeks into school, and we started making our own guys’ nights from scratch. Neither of us had run anything like this before, and we had no idea how to market it, but eventually, we built something special that guys looked forward to. Additionally, taking on Newman House responsibilities both this year and last year had its challenges. I was expected to be a leader in the community from the day I walked in last year, and this year I had the opportunity to lead the house.”

“My experience of community at St. Lawrence is sharing a meal. The first thing I got involved with at St. Lawrence was cooking for Supper Chill. Through these meals, I got to know my fellow students and everything happening at the center that week. Post-COVID, the dinners were discontinued, and I made it my goal to host an event again that represented the same feeling of community that I had felt when I was a freshman.”