2023 Annual Report Empowering thoughtful Christian leaders for a vibrant church in a complex world
In our annual student survey in June, students wrote about how much UCM means to them and how influential it is in their faith journeys. It is incredibly humbling to read their (anonymous) responses and learn how profoundly UCM has transformed their spiritual lives. For example, students said UCM has made their faith much more intentional, open-minded and justice-oriented. Here they learn a lot about the historical context of the Bible and how to apply those values to daily living. And they—often for the first time—are beginning to internalize our Christian responsibility to the poor and marginalized. As a pastor, I am so proud that UCM helps students feel less isolated and more connected to others, which is no small accomplishment on a campus of high achievers. They have meaningful conversations here during worship that extend throughout the week, well beyond the walls of our cozy gray house. Most importantly students feel comfortable expressing their full authentic selves because they know God loves them, just as they are. There are a thousand more reasons why I am humbled daily to work with college students at Northwestern. They inspire me to keep working toward bringing the kingdom of God to earth. As it says in 2 Thessalonians 3:13 “Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.” It is an amazing privilege to be called to such a fulfilling ministry. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful for your partnership, prayers, and gifts. Our work is your work; together we are “empowering thoughtful Christian leaders for a vibrant church in the complex world.” From the Campus Minister "My involvement at UCM has saved my life. I was struggling a lot in the summer between sophomore and junior year. Without this community and Julie's pastoral care, I would not have survived."
Did you know? "UCM shows me that Christianity isn't just what other people say it is. I am learning how to be a more informed follower of Jesus. " We are a diverse community. Over 84% of UCM student worshippers are non-white, first generation/low income, and/or LGBTQ+. We welcome newcomers. Nearly 72% of our current student worshipping community joined at the beginning of the academic year. We farm for those in need. From July through November, UCM’s backyard community garden, Garden of Eatin’, distributed herbs and veggies to more than 425 students experiencing food insecurity. We see past boundaries. Joining our friends at the Catholic and Jewish centers, UCM hosted an Interfaith Barn Dance for 75 students. We back labor rights. UCM supported over 1,600 unionized graduate students organizing for greater compensation, medical coverage and decision-making power. We aid migrants. UCM students look forward each month to loading supplies for 125 refugee families in Chicago. We strive for a better world. UCM’s most popular programs focus on social justice issues such as racism, sexism, homophobia and the environment.
Income - $179,621 Expenses - $179,641 + Stewardship "UCM has made me ask better questions and now I feel more connected to God in my daily life." Income 9% 15% 23% 16% 37% Denominational Support - $66,200 Individual Donations - $28,067 Investment Income - $41,350 Resident Contributions - $27,804 Local Church Gifts - $16,200 Expenses 7% 9% 16% 24% 44% Leadership Development - $79,218 Social Justice - $43,166 Administration - $28,869 Campus Outreach/Evangelism - $16,692 Building- $11,676
Denominations • Northern Illinois Conference • Presbytery of Chicago 2023 Donors Friends, Parents and Alumni (as of January 6, 2024) Gregory and Noemie Anderson Anonymous Jennifer M. Arneson Frederick L. Ash in honor of Fisherfolk Frank Baldwin and Barbara Ellson Stuart and Brenda Barnes Jamieson Linda Beckstedt in honor of her family Marvin Behm Dana Behnke and Gideon Bautista Marc and Pat Behnke Megan Behnke Thomas Board and Carol Meynen Bob Bobesink and Linda Haven Gregory Bork, Jr. Andrew Bowen Christopher and Ellen Bowen in honor of Andrew Bowen Katie Brick Erik and Laurel Britt-Webb Lorraine Eddy Brown Jane P. Brumitt Richard J. and Patricia Bruns Ellen Cantrell and Will Davis Shom and Elena Dasgupta-Tsinikas Stephen Duraski Jane S. Eesley Thaddaeus Elliott Sonia Evenstad Kenneth and Helen Fawcett Beth Flory Henry and Rachael Fowler Ellen Goff Chris Grisanti and Suzanne Fawbush in honor of Victoria Grisanti, 2022 Russell and Myrna Haas in honor of Ryan Haas Rebecca and Samuel Hartman-Pickerill Edgar L. and Nancy Hiestand Ronald J. Hinz and Catherine E. Whitcomb Brinton and Kathy Hopkins TJ Houk Brenda Jarrard Alexander Jablonski Lisa Jacob Colleen Jersild Joseph Johnson James and Sue Lawlis Cary Lee and Todd Peacock-Preston Paul E. and Leslie Lehner James S. and Laura C. Lyman in honor of Bob Bobesink Dan and Karen May John and Karen May Kenneth and Bertha Monahan Scott Nevin in memory of Darlene Nevin Kurt Peters and Elizabeth Hopp-Peters Mitchell and Beverly Petersen Donald and Kathy Pierson Claire Prince Nathan Ritter and Cate Schur Andrew Rowberg Charlotte Rowe Daniel and Kathryn Meier Ryan Sarah Sanders Ann R. Schenck Andrew and Lilamani Schleicher Donald and Victoria Scott Barbara M. Smith in honor of Central United Methodist Clifford and Dorrine Sobers Edwin and Roberta Suckstorff in honor of Hana Suckstorff Thomas and Elizabeth Swann Phyllis Tholin Casey and Beau Underwood Spencer and Abigail Utley David Vanko and Carol Appleby-Vanko Mary Wadleigh David Williams Henry and Carole Williams in honor of David Williams, 2016 Monica Williams Tad and Lisa Williams Mary Lynn Windsor + Local Churches • Church of the Good Shepherd, Oswego • First Presbyterian, Lake Forest • First Presbyterian, Wilmette • First United Methodist, Evanston • Northminster Presbyterian, Evanston • Trinity United Methodist, Wilmette UCM 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 • President Alumna Mr. Paul Arntson Professor Emeritus Ms. Linda Beckstedt Northminster Presbyterian, Evanston Mr. Bob Bobesink • Treasurer First Presbyterian, Wilmette Ms. Katie Brick First United Methodist, Evanston Pastor Kelli Harrison Trinity United Methodist, Wilmette Mr. Patrick May Alumnus • Vice President Ms. Monica Williams •Student Staff and Program Team Rev. Julie Windsor Mitchell Executive Director and Campus Minister Jacquie Linney Administrative Assistant Part-time (15 hrs/week) Marvin Behm (accounting, bookkeeping, and tax filing) Part-time (8 hrs/month) Ryan Haas Seminary Intern (15 hrs/week) Julie Moy and Tatum Baldwin Student Leadership Team (6-8 hrs/week) UCM Board of Directors "UCM helped me realize that everyone can be a leader."