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Interfaith Fellows – The Lutheran Center

Interfaith Fellows

  • Lutheran Center
  • The Lutheran Center Leadership
  • Interfaith Fellows

Our 2023-24 Interfaith Fellows recorded videos about their experiences.

Spring 2024 Interfaith Fellows

Emery Jansen ’26

Emery (she/her) is a junior Religion and Ancient Studies major originally from Colorado. She loves engaging in dialogue with community members about meaning-making and faith. Emery didn’t grow up in faith but has discovered the joy of interreligious dialogue and religious intersectionality. She is excited to explore possible vocations that will allow her to better the lives of the people around her. In her free time, Emery enjoys solving crossword puzzles, climbing, and re-watching Gilmore Girls.

Lucy Lindgren ’25

Lucy (she/her) is a senior Psychology and German major from Sacramento, California. Lucy is fascinated by and loves learning about religions’ core beliefs, texts, and spiritual practices- particularly in finding common ground and beautiful diversity across the myriad of belief systems. She also has a passion for exploring the intersection of spirituality (of both the religious and non-religious varieties) and mental health. Lucy identifies as Lutheran and is actively involved in St. Olaf’s College Ministry. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and baking.

Belle Mae Williams ’26

Belle Mae (she/her) is a junior majoring in Philosophy and Chinese from Oneida, Wisconsin. Belle Mae comes from a multi-cultural/multi-religious background (Catholic, Lutheran, non-religious, Oneida longhouse teachings [including Kayanlaˀ Kówa, the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace], etc). Belle Mae looks forward to being a part of St. Olaf’s commitment to ongoing excellence, including experience for future Indigenous-relevant growth. She also looks forward to engagement in interfaith cooperation. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, napping, and watching Netflix.

Dick Nchang ’25

Dick Nchang (he/him/his) is a senior majoring in Quantitative Economics and plans to complete a double master’s degree in public health and business administration or a Phd in Health Policy after he graduates. A survivor of sickle cell anemia, a degenerative disease that deprives the blood of oxygen, Dick is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Sickle Cell International Foundation, which operates in Cameroon and South Africa, providing broad support for sickle cell patients and their families. The foundation has attracted support from organizations such as Turkish Airlines and ALforHealth, and created partnerships with local hospitals in Cameroon to provide now over $75,000 worth of nutritional support, tests, hospitalizations, and medications free of charge to more than 125 families. The foundation also builds community among patients and family members, and gathers extensive data to support ongoing research and improve the operations of the foundation. Dick’s strong sense of vocation is undergirded by his deep Christian faith, and he welcomes the opportunity to support others in their own vocational journeys through service on the Lutheran Center Advisory Council and as an interfaith fellow.

 

Zach Martin ’26

Zach Martin is a junior Math and Quantitative Economics major from Eagan, Minnesota and he identifies as non-religious. He is interested in the ways religion connects with happiness, health, and community. His hobbies include reading, playing piano, and running.

Branko Dubravcic Suarez ’25

Hi, this is Branko (he/they), and I am a senior Chemistry major. I am from Bolivia, and I am passionate about interfaith work. I grew up thinking that my religion (Catholicism) was the “only way,” and thankfully, I had the privilege of talking and living with people from different religions, faiths, and spiritualities (and who don’t believe in any greater power!) and realized that there is something beautiful in every experience. I want to foster dialogue among different beliefs and reflect on the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, etc., with faith.

I look forward to learning from different people and organizations on and off campus.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and talking about my very cute nephew.

Addie Flesch ’26

Addie (she/her) is a junior Religion and Psychology major from Denver, Colorado. Addie loves learning about how people make sense of the world in religious and non-religious practices. She finds the connection between religion, mental health, and nature especially fascinating. She is interested in vocations that combine these interests. Addie identifies as an ELCA Lutheran and is involved with St. Olaf’s student congregation council. In her free time, Addie enjoys being outside, documentaries, and music.