Where Gifts Meet Needs - Madeleine

For Madeleine Hatler, Lutheran Campus Ministry-KU was important during her KU years from the first week of classes as a first-year student. And she remained active and involved throughout her time at KU. She remembers a meaningful conversation with Campus Pastor Shawn Norris discussing what major she should consider, what should she do or be? Shawn told her finding her calling is where her gifts intersect with the needs of the world.

During her time at Westwood House, Madeleine found herself being the Christian she wanted to be by actively living her faith. Through learning to raise funds and running a meeting, growing a community, she changed the trajectory of her life. She even considered becoming a Lutheran pastor but, ultimately found her calling as a community organizer.

A pivotal moment came during the year she was serving as President of LCM-KU. She was approached by the KU Endowment Association to have LCM-KU join other student groups in a contest to raise funds for their own specific projects. Each group asked students across campus for contributions to fund their projects (KUE hoping this translated to giving as alumni of KU in the future). Madeleine seized this as an opportunity to launch the Westwood House food pantry to meet food insecurity needs of college students. Madeleine wrote up a student campaign project to raise monies to “Feed 5000” – specifically funding 5000 meals in a year. The LCM-KU campaign came in second place in the competition, raising approximately $7K.

Campus Ministry in Westwood House continues to address food insecurity with two weeknight dinners every week and managing a food pantry for students. These opportunities are offered because of your gracious generosity. We give thanks for your being an important part of our ministry. Thanks be to God!