Someday when you get time for hobbies, what will they be?
Hopefully snowboarding and woodworking.
My Name is Brady Stier
I was born in the wonderful Austin, MN. I went to Buena Vista University in Iowa for college and graduated in 2014 with Sports Management, Human Performance, and Coaching. This year I’ll be growing relationships. With the Lord, of course, but also (being the new guy) I’ll be meeting a lot of new people not only at the Newman Center but on campus. So if you think it’s tough meeting new people, come say hi because I’m in the same boat! I’ll also be leading Bible studies, discipleship groups, going to sporting activities, and enjoying the great outdoors!
How did you become Catholic?
I was baptized as a baby.
Who is your favorite saint?
St. Joseph.
My favorite quote is long but it is:
“It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, Our presence automatically liberates others.” By: Marianne Williamson
Let’s say you become a saint. What would you want to be the patron of?
Patron Saint of Husbands
Your favorite part about being Catholic?
The depth of the faith.
Do you listen to podcasts, music, or nothing?
I listen to a wide mix of things, but compared to most I keep it silent.
Why are you excited about this school year in Duluth?
I’m excited for this year in Duluth because its a new place for me, the Newman Center seems to be rolling, and my wife and I are owners of our first house together.
Something good to come out of the pandemic?
Something good to come out of the pandemic is our skills to use virtual means to get things done, if needed. Now there’s less of an excuse for distance, sickness, etc.
If you were forced to binge-watch any show, what would it be?
I would say Prison Break because I remember liking it a lot when I was younger.
Favorite song to jam out to in the car?
Who am I by NEEDTOBREATHE
Furthest you’ve ever traveled from home?
Ecuador on a mission trip!
What are you famous for?
My beard, my dog, and my belief in God.
If you were forced to binge-watch any show, what would it be?
I would very willingly be forced to watch The Office, anytime!
My Name is Lauren Hopke
I grew up in a small town in Minnesota, Saint Augusta. I have a great set of parents, Bonnie and Greg (aka Gronnie) and an older brother, Grant, who is married with two adorable children!
I graduated from NDSU (Go Bison) and graduated with Ag Econ and Animal Science in 2018.
I’m here to serve to students of UMD, through Bible study, mentorship, & of course, friendship! I am excited to take on the year!!
How did you become Catholic?
I grew up in a Catholic family and I was given the perfect set of tools for a radical Catholic faith (Catholic daycare, grade school, middle and high school – the whole sha-bang) but I lacked the personal relationship with Jesus. I came to college looking for my identity. I spent the first semester searching through many of the typical temptations of a college student. Ultimately, an invitation led me to the Newman Center at North Dakota State University. I came to find my identity rooted in Christ through a night of adoration at a large conference my sophomore year. Since, Jesus has transformed my heart and invites me deeper into relationship with Him daily.
Favorite saint and quote?
Well, as main stream as she is, Saint Mother Teresa has had a lasso around my heart this summer. She is often quoted saying, “find your own Calcutta”. These four words have been the kindling to much of my prayer recently.
Let’s say you become a saint. What would you want to be the patron of?
Talking to strangers.
Your favorite part about being Catholic?
Mercy. 10/10 every single time.
Someday when you get time for hobbies, what will they be?
Hiking and road trips (local and far away ones)! Also, design – both graphic design and just simply doodling!
Do you listen to podcasts, music, or nothing?
A healthy combo of podcasts and music but music probably takes the lead.
Why are you excited about this school year in Duluth?
I know this year is going to be a wild one. I feel like I have been given a free ticket to Valley Fair and get to ride on a nine-month roller coaster… so, I am looking forward to seeing the twists, turns, and flips ahead!
Something good to come out of the pandemic?
Having time for solid work outs!!!! Such. a. gift.
Favorite song to jam out to in the car?
Car Radio by Twenty One Pilots
Furthest you’ve ever traveled from home?
Israel! (I was only there for like 72 hours……. I went in March, the same time Covid decided to take over. major bumdog, but also major blessings.)
What are you famous for?
In high school, I competed in a national barbeque grilling competition and a national cooking competition through 4-H. So, I would say cooking!
Someday when you get time for hobbies, what will they be?
Anything competitive!
My Name is Neal Anderson
I grew up in Albany, Minnesota and went to St. John’s University (Collegeville, MN)! I graduated in May 2020 with my degree in theology. It was a crazy time to graduate!
I’ll be on campus this year leading men and women to greatness. If you want that, let’s adventure together!
How did you become Catholic?
I am a cradle Catholic. It is a great blessing!
Favorite saint? Saint quote?
Venerable Fulton Sheen
“I consider everything a waste except knowing Christ. Anything that is done or read or spoken or enjoyed or suffered that does not bring me close to Him makes me ask myself: why all this waste?”
Your favorite part about being Catholic?
Eucharist, Mary, and Mystery
Furthest you’ve ever traveled from home?
I traveled to Italy a couple years ago. Visited Rome and got to be in St. Peter’s Basilica. It should be the eighth wonder of the world! While I was 5,000 miles from home, I felt more at home there!
What are you famous for?
I enjoy a good game of chess!
If you were forced to binge-watch any show, what would it be?
Do Hallmark Christmas movies count as a show?? Just kidding! Criminal Minds!
My Name is Emmalyne Tarsa
I grew up in Traverse City, MI. I went to Ball State University 2021 graduate with my BSN (bachelor of science in Nursing). This year, I will be meeting new friends, playing some intense games of spikeball, being the biggest Bulldog football fan ever and growing in relationship with the Lord through it all. I hope you can join me!
How did you become Catholic?
I switched from a public school to the private Catholic high school in my hometown and over the two years I was there I fell in love with Jesus in the sacraments and the Faith.
Favorite saint? Saint quote?
Saint JPII! My favorite quote by him is really long so you can just read the beginning part or read the entire thing if you feel inspired!
“It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness…’
…..
He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle.
It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.”
Let’s say you become a saint. What would you want to be the patron of?
Ice cream (or Chick fil A)
Your favorite part about being Catholic?
1. Receiving Jesus every day.
2. Through His grace, recognizing all the blessings that come from every moment of joy and every moment of suffering.
Someday when you get time for hobbies, what will they be?
Lap swimming, playing the piano and reading!!
Do you listen to podcasts, music, or nothing?
Both podcasts and music!
Why are you excited about this school year in Duluth?
Duluth reminds me so much of my hometown on lake MI in regards to the setting and the energy. I am excited to get to know the city, the campus and the community that makes Duluth so special to people. Seems like a great place to share the Gospel and bring hearts to the Lord.
Something good to come out of the pandemic.
The greater appreciation I have for my life, my friends, and the opportunities given to me.
Favorite song to jam out to in the car?
Oh boy….right now probably dance monkey
Furthest you’ve ever traveled from home?
Africa! You should ask me about it sometime!
What are you famous for?
Snacking all the time