2025 Annual ReportEmpowering thoughtful Christian leaders for a vibrant church in a complex world
What began as an idea in the 1930's to provide a home-away-from-home for United Methodist and Presbyterian students has grown to be so much more. This transformation happened because of generations of devoted supporters who know that spirituality and faith is an indispensable part of the college experience. What has always made UCM truly unique is what happens between people. We nurture warmth, meaning and connection in a world that feels cold, fragmented and lonely. Every student who walks in our front door arrives with a different story, background and set of identities. We meet them exactly where they are, without judgment or shame. Obviously, our work is highly individual and deeply personal. At UCM they experience God's grace through a place where they do not have to prove themselves. They are reminded that they are beloved children of God and do not have to earn acceptance. Here they receive: *one-on-one mentoring *individual guidance during emotional or spiritual struggle and crisis *unconditional love that celebrates wins and stands with them in pain *personal invitations to join worship, Bible study, service and retreats Spiritual growth is impossible to quantify by any measure. It comes through offering a consistent ministry of presence that does not desert them when things get too tough or simply inconvenient. We often hear from alumni many years later about the transformative impact UCM has on their lives today. I am personally beyond grateful for the sacred opportunity to walk with students in their spiritual journey during the tender moments of college life. God has blessed me beyond measure. In Christ, Julie Windsor Mitchell Campus Minister Rev. Julie Windsor MitchellFrom the Campus Minister\"The word intentional pretty much sums it up. UCM has helped me be more active, curious, and intentional about my faith. I have more questions than ever, but I also feel stronger than ever in my faith. This year I've really learned to look for and see God in places and in people that I wouldn't have otherwise noticed.\"
\"Leadership is more about being curious than telling people what to do.”Leadership DevelopmentLively Sunday worship with themes such as: revelation, trust, love, anxiety, humility, curiosity, identity, church, stewardship, identity, doubt, politics, hospitality, hypocrisy, calling Themed worship celebrations: Epiphany, Dr. Martin Luther King, Lunar New Year, Lent, Pentecost, yoga, labyrinth Student-led music: piano/guitar, videos Full leadership team every quarter Summer lunch bunch on Tech patio New Bible study group: Mark, then Acts with on-campus dinner afterwards Fellowship opportunities: Sunday dinner (2x/month) and craft nights (quarterly) Student-written pop-up musical Christmas pageant
Supporting dining hall workers' strike providing meeting/bathroom/electronic charging space, making picket signs, student/alumni mobilization, mutual aid/food distribution to workers Added another 35 gallon compost collection tote (total 105 gallons/wk) Refugee assistance through Stock the Shelves Providing affordable housing to BIPOC, first-generation, low-income, international, and LGBT+ students Partnerships with student activists: self-care workshop, started Evanston mutual aid collective, Trans Day of Remembrance Garden of Eatin': grew organic spinach, lettuce, eggplant, peppers, garlic, onions, potatoes, Swiss chard, kale, parsley, oregano, basil Purple Pantry: fresh produce provided for students experiencing food insecurity (65 in academic year, 40 in summer) Protests at ICE Detention Facility in Broadview, IL Social Justice“UCM has made me more confident in speaking out against injustices in the world.”
Ecumenical and interfaith partnership: Ash Wednesday imposition of ashes (Religious and Spiritual Life), Via Crucis in Pilsen (Garrett Collective), Easter Sunrise Service (Lutheran Campus Ministry) Halloween candy distribution to 500 students (dressed like Jonah's whale!) Tabling during Wildcat Welcome Ice cream social Campus Outreach/EvangelismBack porches painted by \"Seminarians in Service\" West bathroom painted Hardwood floors resurfaced after 40+ yearsBuilding“Everyone welcomed me as part of the UCM community. UCM’s openness towards diversity and camaraderie towards those who are not as well off as me showed me the attitude that I should embody as a Christian.”
Income - $199,575 Expenses - $197,527StewardshipIncome6%17%20%20%38%Denominational Support - $75,000Investment Income - $40,777Individual donations- $39,042Resident Contributions - $33,205Local Church Gifts - $11,551Expenses7%10%16%30%37%Leadership Development - $73,501Social Justice - $58,777Administration - $31,831Campus Outreach/Evangelism - $19,883Building- $13,585“The leadership team at UCM has given me examples of strong compassionate leaders who are able to guide their community and be friends with them. The scripture we studied and the lessons we have show me how to be a leader rooted in faith who leads with compassion.”
Denominations • Northern Illinois Conference • Presbytery of Chicago 2025 DonorsFriends, Parents and AlumniAndy and Sara Alderman Gregory and Noemie Anderson Anonymous Jennifer M. Arneson Frank Baldwin and Barbara Ellson Matthew Barb in honor of Earl C. BarbLinda Beckstedt Marc and Pat Behnke Megan Behnke Thomas Board and Carol Meynen Bob Bobesink and Linda Haven Christopher and Ellen Bowen Gregory Bork, Jr. Katie Brick Jane P. Brumitt Richard J. and Patricia Bruns Ellen Cantrell and Will Davis Shom and Elena Dasgupta-Tsinikas Stephen Duraski Beth Flory Ellen Goff Chris Grisanti and Susanne FawbushMatthew Hall Roland Hinz and Catherine Whitcomb Briton and Kathy Hopkins Alexander Jablonski Frank and Lois Jablonski in honor of Alex Jablonski Brenda Jarrard William Johnson in honor of Collin JohnsonJames and Sue Lawlis Cary Lee and Todd Peacock-Preston Paul E. and Leslie Lehner Andrea Lommen James S. and Laura C. Lyman in honor of Bob BobesinkJan MacDermid Joseph Maino John and Karen May Patrick May Jonathan and Wendy McKay Kenneth and Bertha Monahan Khalil Muhammad and Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad Alex and Liz Neal Chris and Britta Orr Kurt Peters and Elizabeth Hopp- Peters Mitchell and Beverly Petersen Donald Pierson Bob and Linda Read in honor of Bobby Read Ward and Karen Reeves Adam and Lauren Rheingans Nathan Ritter and Cate Schur Doug and Erica Robinson-Johnson Andrew Rowberg Daniel and Kathryn Meier Ryan Sarah Sanders Andrew and Lilamani Schleicher Donald and Victoria Scott Phil and Mary Shaul Kelsey Sheridan Barbara M. Smith in honor of Central United MethodistClifford and Dorrine Sobers Edwin and Roberta Suckstorff Thomas and Elizabeth Swann Phyllis Tholin Casey and Beau Underwood Spencer and Abigail Utley David Vanko and Carol Appleby- Vanko Mary Wadleigh Ted and Becky Wanberg David Williams and Emma FederMary Lynn WindsorLocal Churches • Church of the Good Shepherd, Oswego • First Presbyterian, Lake Forest • First Presbyterian, Wilmette • First United Methodist, Evanston • Grace United Methodist, Lake Bluff • Northminster Presbyterian, Evanston • Zion United Methodist, MendotaUCM is an independent, 501 (C)(3) not-for-profit organization which is not funded by Northwestern University. We are extremely thankful for all of our funders who support Christian young adult leadership development.
Ms. Megan Behnke • PresidentAlumna Ms. Anya Abraham StudentMr. Paul Arntson Professor Emeritus Mr. Bob Bobesink • Treasurer First Presbyterian, Wilmette Ms. Katie Brick First United Methodist, Evanston Mr. Alex Jablonski Alumnus Mr. Ted Wanberg Northminster Presbyterian, Evanston Staff and Program TeamRev. Julie Windsor Mitchell Executive Director and Campus Minister Jacquie LinneyAdministrative Assistant Part-time (15 hrs/week) Marvin Behm (accounting, bookkeeping, and tax filing) Part-time (8 hrs/month) Amber Best Seminary Intern (15 hrs/week) Tatum Baldwin, Joy Kang, Elise Neal Student Leadership Team (6-8 hrs/week) UCM Board of Directors\"UCM allowed me to intentionally question my faith and have conversations about what I believe.\"