Christianity

Baptist (Canadian National Baptist Convention)

Bachelor of Science (University of Alberta)
Master of Divinity (North America Baptist Divinity School)

1982-1995,
2009-2010,
2017

I am a part-time chaplain emeritus at the U of A and I work closely with a committee of local church leaders to coordinate a number of Baptist ministries we have happening on campus. We also have worship services on campus, fellowships, a Mandarin campus ministry, and opportunities for discipleship. As well, I lead the Baptist Campus Ministries across Canada for the Canadian National Baptist Convention.

The most significant decisions of my life took place while I was an undergraduate student at the U of A. I am a chaplain here because students will often be making vital decisions about careers, relationships and faith, and I hope to share my own experiences as a way to help students navigate their decision-making process.

I love my wife Marybelle. We have three children and four grandchildren. Next to my faith in Christ, they are my greatest passion and interest. I also lead mission teams each year to work with our Christian brothers and sisters in Cuba and I have fallen in love with Cuba and it's people. And, I enjoy golfing, hiking the mountains, swimming in the ocean, and reading good books while camping.

169C HUB Chaplains’ Center
mcruiksh@ualberta.ca | 780-235-8577

Christian Reformed Church in North America

B. Ed. Calvin University (Michigan)

February 2018

My interest is developing communities of faith, rooted in prayer, guided by God and by the community's weakest members - through whom God's presence is revealed (case in point: Jesus Christ). Each member discovers and deepens in their spiritual life and lives it according to their particular faith and tradition. Communities can be like the holy temple in the vision of Ezekiel (ch. 47), from which living waters flow that heal and give life. From within community we discover the mystery we are living and are helped to be faithful to our vocation - invited continually to "launch out into the deep" (Luke 5:4). My aim and focus is to create a brave space - for students, faculty and staff. Those who have no religious affiliation are also welcomed and respected in their freedom of conscience.

An important part of managing pain or struggle is presence - someone who reveals to the person that they are not all bad or all alone, a friend who is happy just to be there. Of course, when people have a toothache, it is not enough to tell them that we are with them or that we care about them. We should then take them to a good dentist! Friendship communicates life to others, draws them out of darkness, and gives them a new desire to live. That is compassion in the strongest sense of the word: to "be with", to "suffer with". It takes time to create bonds of trust and to enable someone to believe in the fidelity of a friendship.

For the past twenty years, I have led a group of students and adults on spiritual pilgrimages, living alongside the religious community on the remote Isle of Iona, Scotland. I also serve on The King's University's Board of Governors, and the Board of Trustees at Calvin College.

I have four daughters with my wife Aileen of thirty-six years. In my downtime I enjoy downhill, cross-country and backcountry skiing; hiking in the summer months; and reading. I would also refer to myself as 'Folkie,' and I drive a Westy.

Christian Reformed Church in North America

• B.A. in Christian Studies (Ouachita Baptist University)
• M.Div. in Theology (Beeson Divinity School)

2024

I believe that each person is deeply loved and created with a purpose by a good God--even if the world seems to be in a crazy place and life is anything but certain. My hope is to provide ways for you to know that you are not alone, and to be a bridge that can help you find strong community and support during your time at university. You can find me Friday mornings outside the HUB with hot chocolate and (usually) muffins to help start your day! I also host a games table at PLH residence on Fridays for anyone to pop by for a game, a chat, or both. And I'm a big fan of getting together over a cup of coffee or going for a walk around campus.

I would not be who I am today without the mentors God brought into my life while I was in university and graduate school. They provided a safe place for me to wrestle with doubt, grief, and confusion, while also being people who celebrated and called out the gifts and callings inside my heart. Their faith was embodied, joyful, and constant, and I want to provide that same presence for students, regardless of faith background or what season of life they find themselves in.

I love getting lost in a good book (fiction, theology, poetry, biographies--pretty much anything!), playing music with others, getting a good workout in, doing Taekwondo with my family, and opening up our home to people. Cris and I have two kids in elementary school and a bernedoodle named Chewie (yes--that is short for Chewbacca and we are big Star Wars fans).

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC)

• Bachelor of Music, Violin and Viola Performance, University of Alberta
• Master’s-level Coursework, Viola Performance, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, Austria
• Master of Divinity, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA, USA

2025

As the ELCIC Lutheran Chaplain at the U of A, part of my call is to advise and support the Lutheran Student Movement student group and accompany the student residents of the Intentional Christian Community at Martin Luther House just off campus. Together with these students, we host Tuesday Night Suppers and worship together on Sunday evenings during the academic year. We are committed to being welcoming, open, and affirming to all 2SLGBTQIA+ siblings in Christ and are a proud member of the Reconciling in Christ Community. Ecumenism and Interfaith cooperation is deeply important to me, and I’m excited to be working with this group of IFCA chaplains from a wide array of faith traditions.

Post-secondary studies are such an exciting and transformative time in people’s lives—it’s a time of asking big questions, growing in new directions, and discerning who you are created and called to be in, with, and for the world. I love getting to be one of the people who’s there to accompany, to listen, and to hold space with individuals in the midst of big questions. I love bringing people together to support each other as we grapple with these big questions in community. I love sharing good food, curating creative worship, and learning with and from the people I meet along the journey. I am thankful for the community at U of A that accompanied me along my undergraduate studies; I am excited to dive back into all of this and more at my alma mater once more.

I enjoy walking (especially in the river valley); weaving; gardening (and composting); all things sourdough; making music with my spouse, Rob; and camping and travelling as a family with our three kiddos!

170 HUB Multi faith Prayer and Meditation Space
emchan@ualberta.ca | 780-340-8772

Reformed-Presbyterian. Presbyterian Church in North America (PCNA). GraceFinder Resourcing Network is the charity we started to support chaplaincy work on campus

Bryan has been serving at the University of Alberta with Lisa since 2005. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Windsor, in Ontario, Canada and his graduate studies, earning a Master's of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary. Bryan Clarke has a Ph.D. (Secondary Education) from the University of Alberta. His current research interests include ongoing interaction with Deleuzian scholarship as well as a focus on ethics, popular culture, and philosophical hermeneutics. He has most recently taught in the faculty of Education at the University of Alberta and at St. Joseph's College while also serving as a university chaplain. He has several ongoing projects including a textbook for his course on Harry Potter and spirituality.

Lisa has studied Home Economics and Women’s Studies at the University of Windsor and received a certificate in early childhood education, St. Clair College, Windsor.

2005

GraceFinder Resourcing Network has a mission to promote grace in all of life through connecting campus, church, and city. We do this through resourcing students with supportive relationships, and teaching on campus, connecting them to local churches for ongoing spiritual growth, and helping them transition to their callings in the city. We resource the church through our connections to students but also through informative, winsome, and encouraging workshops/seminars in areas such as worship, leadership, cultural engagement, and evangelism. We resource the city through educating and developing people with the skills needed for the workplace and to train leaders for chaplaincy. We resource each area through providing resources to students, church leaders, and those involved in their vocations.

For students, faculty, and staff - seeking to educate, empower, and encourage leaders to see all of life through the lens of grace, towards all things made new in Christ. We enjoy seeing students grow and learn through their various disciplines and work with them in connecting faith and the academic, breaking beyond a secular/sacred binary.

Hockey, soccer, cooking, and a community kitchen on campus.

169A HUB Chaplains' Centre
bclarke1@ualberta.ca | 587-785-4344
laclarke@ualberta.ca | 780-885-2474

Christian, non-denominational

Diploma in Christian studies (Mount Carmel Bible College)
Bachelor of Arts, Religious Studies (University of Alberta)

2024

University can be such a difficult and lonely time of figuring life out, and students shouldn’t have to do this alone! As a part time associate chaplain, my focus on campus is forming connections and community with students for the purpose of spiritual wrestling, questioning, and growth. I want to contribute to creating an environment of belonging where students are safe to come and be who they are and discuss all aspects of life and faith.

Being a recent university graduate, the challenges of student life are not far behind me. I desperately needed spiritual support throughout my degree and struggled to find this support on campus until my last year! I hope that I can be a piece in providing the support and space to students who need it, are seeking it, or are in distress. Faith can be messy and confusing; it can take a lot of time and effort to reconcile the reality of God’s love and compassion for his people, with the pain, violence, and suffering in our world. I hope to be present with students who struggle, to journey alongside them as they navigate their university years, and ultimately point them to the God who cherishes them deeply and who has promised to be with us until the end of the ages.

I love pretty much all arts and crafts but especially crocheting (I run a drop in group that meets to hangout and crochet/knit/embroider–send me a text or email if you’re interested)! I am also a big reader with a soft spot for old classics (Charles Dickens, the Bronte Sisters, Alexandre Dumas, etc) but will give just about any book a fair shot. Volleyball is by far my favourite sport and a non-negotiable part of my week. I also enjoy camping, drinking coffee, and travelling.

169A HUB Chaplains' Centre
jschmid2@ualberta.ca

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

• B.Th. - St. Andrew’s College (Winnipeg)
• M.T.S. - Newman Theological College (Edmonton)
• D. Min. - St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (Yonkers, NY)

2022

I am a part-time chaplain at the U of A and I work with Orthodox priests, parishes and families to assist students attending the U of A to remain connected to and integrate their faith into their lives as students.

It has often been said that “high school and university is where life makes its choices.” I am a chaplain at the U of A in order to walk with students through their life while in university, and to help them to see this period of time as an opportunity to deepen their faith and to make their faith integral to the person that they become through their years of study.

In addition to my duties as chaplain, I am also the parish priest of St. Anthony’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Edmonton, as well as the priest in charge of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Red Deer, AB. In addition, I am a professor of systematic theology at St. Andrew’s College in Winnipeg and have recently been appointed to represent the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada on the Canadian Council of Churches Commission on Faith and Witness.

Roman Catholic

• Bachelor of Education (University of Alberta)
• Masters of Education (University of Alberta)
• Masters of Theology (St. Stephen's College)
• Doctor of Ministry (St. Stephen's College)

October 2018

All students, regardless of belief, are welcome in my office. My primary concern and focus is the mental health concerns of all U of A students. In my work, I have the opportunity to provide a safe space to talk about issues that affect students' well-being and open the door of communication to discuss faith and spirituality.

I love my faith; faith is what grounds me. If I can walk with someone discerning their own personal journey and they, in turn, invite someone else to join, we have the capacity to grow in community.

monalee@ualberta.ca | 780-492-4750 | 182D HUB Multi-Faith Prayer and Meditation Space

Roman Catholic

• BA in Child and Youth Care – University of Victoria
• Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Newman Theological College
• Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality (MPS) – St. Stephen’s College

I began serving at the University of Alberta in June 2015.

I serve as Catholic Chaplain (IFCA) and Director of Campus Ministry at St. Joseph’s College. My ministry focuses on fostering faith formation, pastoral care, discernment, and personal development among students. I integrate Catholic spirituality, accompaniment, and service to create spaces where students can grow in faith and community.

I believe the university is a vital place for faith engagement, where young adults are exploring life’s deepest questions. I feel called to walk alongside students with compassion, theological grounding, and pastoral presence, helping them encounter Christ in the midst of academic challenges, personal growth, and life’s joys and struggles.

Outside of ministry, I enjoy time with my husband and our five children. I especially love hiking, camping, and traveling whenever I can.

Theresa M. Robinson, MDiv, MPS
Catholic Chaplain (IFCA) & Director of Campus Ministry
St. Joseph’s College, University of Alberta

Website: St. Joseph's College
Email: theresa.robinson@ualberta.ca

ARC Canada

My post-secondary theological studies took place at Canadian Mennonite University. My life-long theological learning has continued throughout 28 years of full-time pastoral work.

2025

I like to say that “God is a farmer, and not a mechanic.” I so value a long obedience to Jesus that requires slow and patient agricultural work deep within in our hearts. It is for freedom that Jesus makes us free, but that freedom is far more of a journey than a destination. And following the way, truth and life of Jesus will cost us something. I reject an easy Christianity that makes no demands of me. Let’s have some conversations about that! I also lead “Evolve On Campus” which is a local church community for students right here on campus. Evolve On Campus curates ongoing and consistent rhythms of worship, prayer, service, hospitality, conversation, and bible study right here within the geography of the University of Alberta. I love fostering a deep sense of spiritual family for students who are looking for that kind of connection in their faith, and you won’t have to look far. I am truly grateful to participate in the work of IFCA as it provides meaningful spiritual care and support to the entire community on campus.
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To quote Ariel, “I wanna be where the people are.” Pastoral work requires proximity and the ministry of presence. I want to show up. I want to listen. I want to serve. I want to be curious and ask questions that stir our faith. "Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15). Post-Secondary learning environments are full of meaningful and joyful accomplishment, as well as moments that feel lonely and painful. Deep and purposeful faith can not be learned and expressed well in isolation. To be a chaplain at the U of A feels like the gift of proximity, and the opportunity to walk closely with students, teachers, and faculty who are searching for God, or asking powerful questions about faith.

My family means so much to me. My marriage to Nicole has spanned more than 25 years, and together we parent Julia (20), Riley (18) and Kaleb (14). We also have 2 fabulous little dogs. I spend a lot of time in my salt water hot tub. I love coffee. I really mean that. Let’s have a conversation about growing regions and tasting notes while I make you an exquisite, complex, single-origin, natural processed pour over. I really enjoy coffee. I also enjoy golf, cooking, reading, sitting around a fire, playing pickleball with friends, playing crokinole, and riding my very dutch bicycle. When I’m not on campus, I pastor and lead Evolve Church Edmonton which my wife and I pioneered (or “planted”) in 2018. Evolve Church is a growing and thriving inter-denominational congregation in South Edmonton Common. I also spend regular time coaching other pastors and church planters across Canada, and around the world.

169D HUB Chaplains’ Centre
zantingh@ualberta.ca
780-718-1730
www.evolveoncampus.com
@jonozantingh on Instagram
@evolveoncampus on Instagram

Christian (United Church of Canada)

• Bachelor of Arts in Religion (Ambrose)
• Master of Theological Studies (University of Waterloo, Conrad Grebel University College)

2015-2024
2026

I work with Campus United to offer a progressive Christian presence for students, staff, and faculty at the University of Alberta. We are PIE (public, intentional, explicit) about affirming the dignity of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Built on the values of Community, Spirituality, Formation, and Social Justice, my role is to create space for people to build meaningful friendships and explore the questions that matter most to them.

As a Christian, I believe in a Loving Creator who delights in the world and who invites us to discover and create and to share our gifts responsibly. The story of Jesus shows me what God's love looks like as God works for the reconciliation of all things.

I am a chaplain at the U of A because I love the university and what it represents. The university is a unique place where people are free to explore questions honestly, to challenge themselves, to try new things, and to learn who they want to be. At the U of A, we encounter creativity and diversity from the entire world gathered in one place. We get to see a little glimpse of the future: the leaders, the relationships, and the ideas that will change the world. I believe this is sacred.

I love all of the things you might expect from a campus chaplain: drinking coffee and reading and listening to music. I also enjoy table-top games, and I'm finally learning to play D&D. I'm perennially pretending to be a gardener, and I like to drag my family out for short hikes or to play disc golf.

182B HUB Chaplains' Centre | kguenthe@ualberta.ca

Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada

• B.A. in Theology, Vanguard College
• M.T.S at Tyndale University (Graduation 2027)

2026

My main focus at the University of Alberta is to build connections with students and create spaces where students can find community, support, and belonging.
A big part of my heart is helping build student-led communities where students are empowered to care for and support one another.

Whether you need prayer, someone to talk to, food or coffee, encouragement, or help getting connected to a local church or campus group, I would love the opportunity to meet you. No matter where you are on your faith journey or even if you’re not sure what you believe, there is a place for you to connect, ask questions and find community.

I serve as a Chaplain at the U of A because I love people, and believe in university students.
University students are shaping the future. They have the potential to influence communities, industries, churches, families, and even change the course of history. I believe there are world changers walking around campus every day, and I want students to feel loved, supported, encouraged, and cared for throughout their time here.

When I’m not on campus, I serve as the Next Gen Team Lead at North Pointe Community Church.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and friends, watching sports, finding great food, and travelling whenever I get the chance!

Cell Phone: 403-402-7332

Baptist (Canadian National Baptist Convention)

Joshua received a Bachelor of Christian Studies from the Canadian Baptist Theological College in 2023. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity from the Canadian Baptist Theological Seminary with the hope of becoming a more trained, effective, and passionate Christian leader and contributor to the local community.

Susan obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Energy and Environmental Engineering from the University of Calgary in 2019.

Susan and Joshua joined the University of Alberta full time on September 1, 2026.
Previously Joshua was an associate chaplain from August 2023 to April 2024.

He is grateful to return to this community he missed, while Susan is looking forward to being part of university life in many new ways.

Susan and Joshua are enjoying focusing on three things:
🍕Thankful Thursdays - Free food every Thursday at 5:15 in the Interfaith Centre. Food, friends, fun, and some faith all at once! You are invited!
👥 Connecting with students - We love meeting new people, making new friends, and helping every student we encounter in their spiritual journey. We are Christian chaplains who really value "loving your neighbour", which means every person at the U of A campus would be someone we would want to help, no matter their faith background or personal beliefs.
🏫Learning about the campus community - We are both quite new here and have committed to being here long term. That means we are gladly taking time to get to know people, to learn how we can help the campus, and to figure out how we can best be a part of the community.

Truthfully, we believe God loves students deeply, and because we have experienced the kind love of God, we want to pass it on. Chaplaincy is a great way for us to do that and our stories will show you why:

In college, while trying to figure out what career to pursue and his identity, Joshua struggled with feeling like a failure and that he would never be good enough. Ever feel that? Through several years of challenges, God helped Joshua become a more confident, joyful, peace-filled, and caring person. It was remembering the depth of Jesus' love that ultimately helped Joshua grow. Knowing Jesus' love and being naturally compassionate is what motivates Him now as a Chaplain at the U of A.

Susan was born in China (fluent in Mandarin) and immigrated to Canada with her family at the age of 10. While she was striving to find meaning and happiness in achievements, relationships and material things, she experienced guilt, shame, fear and hopelessness. Susan’s life was transformed in her third year of university when she heard the good news of Jesus and received Him as her personal Lord and Savior. She began to experience God’s unfailing love, abundant grace, unexplainable peace, and living hope. During her three years of working in the engineering field, God stirred within her a holy discontentment for her job and a deep longing for young adults to meet Jesus and experience transformation. Since 2022, Susan committed herself to a new role as a Chaplain where she can meet students where they are.

Both of us are excited to see Him help others in the same way we have been helped! We would love to help you know more about how this is possible for you too!

Eating Ice-cream, enjoying board games, reading sci-fi, and collecting antique books are some fun things Joshua loves. He loves to laugh, to tell silly jokes, and to do things that make my Susan happy :)

Joshua's greatest passion is to become more like Jesus. A friend, a forgiver, a sacrificial servant, and someone who is always compassionate and courageous.

Susan enjoys K-dramas, beautiful scenery and flowers, and beating Joshua at board games. She loves listening to people’s stories and walking with them in their faith journey amidst the realities of everyday life. Susan delights in gathering people around the table to share food and do life together – and wants everyone to know there is a seat for them.

Email Joshua at jms9@ualberta.ca or come by the Chaplains office on Wednesday from 10am-4pm.

Those are the best ways to get in contact with us for now. Thankful Thursday would be a good time to meet us too!

We can't wait to meet you.