Graduate Assistant Ministry Intern Program

The Graduate Assistant Ministry Intern Program is designed to provide the opportunity for interns to engage in full-time campus ministry at Whitworth University while simultaneously pursuing a master's degree over the course of two years. Each intern is mentored and supervised by a member of the chapel staff. All participate in regular meetings of the chapel staff, including ministry planning as well as personal support/prayer gatherings.

One intern works with Professor of Music Ben Brody in the coordination of all weekly chapel worship services. The university carries on a vibrant rhythm of worship, with community chapels Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 11-11:30 a.m. during fall and spring semesters. In addition, Hosanna, our student-led worship service on Tuesday evenings, provides an opportunity for contemporary worship.

Another intern serves with Dean of Spiritual Life & Campus Pastor Forrest Buckner, working in athletics ministry and overseeing the Awake ministry on campus. In athletics ministry, the intern helps to provide spiritual leadership for the members of each team. Awake is a student-led ministry in which students grow in their knowledge of who they are, who God is and why that matters – and invite others to do the same.

Our third intern also serves with Dean of Spiritual Life & Campus Pastor Forrest Buckner in the coordination and oversight of ministry efforts that particularly support the Christian spiritual development of international students and other students from traditionally underrepresented racial and ethnic populations (UREP). This position also includes cultivating key relationships and pioneering new ministry ideas.

Isaiah Schmidt

Graduate Assistant Ministry Intern for Outreach & Athletics Ministry

Hi, I'm Isaiah Schmidt! I have the opportunity of being the graduate assistant ministry intern (GAMI) for outreach & athletics ministry. A significant part of that role is helping lead Awake, a weekly community exploring who God is and who we are. Additionally, you might run into me at the Mind & Hearth or The Pines coffee shops on campus, where I also work!

I graduated from Whitworth in the spring of 2024 with a marketing concentration. I had the chance to be involved in spiritual life on campus in a variety of ways including as a campus ministry coordinator during the spring of 2023 and the Awake worship coordinator from 2023-24. I also have a strong passion for music and enjoy recording/writing songs, so I've released an album and enjoy the creative community on campus.

If we haven't met, I'd love to! If you're curious about any number of things (what Awake is, music, faith or whatever's on your mind) or would just enjoy a good conversation, don't hesitate to reach out. My email is ischmidt25@my.whitworth.edu.

Alexis Asato

Graduate Assistant Ministry Intern for Campus Worship

Hi! My name is Alexis Asato, and I have the opportunity to serve as the graduate assistant ministry intern for campus worship! I was born and raised on the island of Maui, Hawai'i, and moved to Spokane in 2021 to earn my bachelor's degree. I'm beyond hyped for God's calling to serve with campus ministry through weekly rhythms of worship alongside God-loving student leaders and musicians!

I graduated from Whitworth in 2025 with a bachelor of arts in music, with emphases in piano pedagogy and piano performance and minors in theology and business. During my time as an undergraduate, I had the joy of being involved in all things music – ranging from ensembles and leadership roles to accompanying and teaching. More joys outside of the music department included various campus ministry groups and cultural advocacy clubs. This year, while working as a GAMI, I'm also pursuing a master of business leadership as I aim to continue serving in ministry and establish a piano studio back on Maui (Lord willing!).

Let this be an encouragement for us: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

If you want to yap about all things Jesus, music and life over coffee, meals, walks and anything in between, please feel free to reach out to me at aasato25@my.whitworth.edu!

Selma Hanna

Graduate Assistant Ministry Intern for Shalom Ministries

My name is Selma Hanna, and I serve as the graduate assistant ministry intern (GAMI) for Shalom Ministries. In this role, I have the joy of walking alongside international students and Bucs Bridge students as they grow in their faith. I also support and lead our community fellowship coordinators who organize interfaith dialogues, community dinners, and other programs that foster connection and belonging.

I am from Cairo, Egypt, and I graduated from Whitworth University in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor in leadership studies. As an undergraduate, I loved being part of campus life through the International Club, Swing & Ballroom Dance Club, Women in Finance Club and En Christo. I am now pursuing my MBA at Whitworth while serving as a GAMI, blending my academic studies with my passion for meaningful cross-cultural connections.

Let us remember this truth: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

I would love to connect with you – whether you're interested in getting involved with campus ministries, meeting new students or simply making a new friend! Please feel free to reach out to me at shanna23@my.whitworth.edu.