Mustard Seed Moments
God created us and calls us to live in community with one another. In the creation story God declares that it is not good for humans to live alone. All around from insects, to plants, to animals, and humans we can only survive through our connection with one another.
In Matthew 13 Jesus tells the parable of the kingdom of heaven being like a mustard seed (the smallest seed) and when it is planted it grows into one of the largest plants that can be a shelter for the birds.
At Valpo we live together in community, and all over campus people are not only surviving but thriving because of the mustard seed moments that create community and collaboration among us. Sometimes in the busyness of each day we can miss the chance to celebrate and acknowledge the gift that these seeds are for our community. Therefore, we wanted to create a space to lift these up and celebrate the joy it is to be in a place of community and collaboration and the small seeds that make it possible.
Please use this form to lift up someone in the campus community who is creating these “mustard seed moments.” All those who are recommended will be acknowledged in the Calling & Spiritual Life weekly newsletter.
- Sharon Dybel
Office Coordinator, Christ College – Honors College Here’s what Sharon’s recommender had to say: “Sharon keeps our honors college running! She is the face of customer service for our students and our faculty. She handles room reservations, technology needs, reimbursement forms, and so much more. Perhaps most importantly, she keeps our candy jar fully stocked!” […] - Rande Dawson
Campus Bus Driver Here’s what Rande’s recommender had to say: “Rande always brings a smile to his shift on the bus. He makes campus life better by being positive and conversational with students on the bus, no matter how long or short the trip is. At the end of each bus ride, Rande tells each […] - Kristin Flodder & Angie TaylorHere’s what Kristin and Angie’s recommender had to say: “Kristin and Angie worked over the summer to create a comprehensive calendar of all of the ensemble concerts happening in the Chapel so that they could communicate and work with the Chapel staff to coordinate the setups and work with and around worship services. They communicated […]
- Jesse Sestito, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering Here’s what Professor Sestito’s recommender had to say: “Professor Sestito has fostered a group of community members from both on and off campus to come together in the common interest and fun of Pokemon GO. This has brought together these groups and created a common ground for students […] - Debbie Bordelon
As our first honoree, we name Debra “Debbie” Bordelon, food service manager for Valparaiso University and Parkhurst, who passed away on August 24, 2024. Debbie was known to be a light on campus, creating community and making all feel welcome.Kristin Lewis writes “[Debbie] loved that so many of her students were international and that if she could be a […]