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 and 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 serves with Associate Chaplain for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Ministry Stephaine Nobles-Beans 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.

Drew Craddock

Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'" The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' -Matthew 25:37-40

The Kingdom of God is both here, and not yet present. Glimpses of its striking beauty are all around us, in the generous giving to the poor, the gentle caring for the oppressed, and the neighbor welcoming in the stranger. However, injustice still thrives in our society, where those with the greatest need are cast aside and those who are hurting the most are passed over. We, as those who are in Christ, are called to walk alongside others as ministers of reconciliation in this broken world, participating in God’s drawing all things to Him and making them new.

I am passionate about pouring into student leaders and primarily work with the AWAKE ministry team and student athletes. I also love meeting new people and hearing their stories so if you see me around campus please feel free to stop me and introduce yourself! I love a good walk or a cup of tea so if you ever want to chat about the latest movie, share a profound philosophical thought, or toss a frisbee together please reach out to me at dcraddock21@my.whitworth.edu. You may even get to hear why I think that the song "American Pie” is actually about Salvation through Christ….

Marni Nazareno

I am so excited to serve as the Graduate Assistant Ministry Intern for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I graduated from Whitworth University with a degree in Community Health, and I have never felt more called to channel my passion for racial justice towards this ministry. In this work I hope to open up conversations about identity, faith, and diversity, and have students think critically about these issues. I am anticipating what God has in store for me and I am expectant of how He will work through me to better serve others. I hope to learn more about God, myself, and others through this campus ministry role and through pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology. I hope that in this ministry I encourage others to be themselves and uplift every aspect of their being especially students of color and those who are underrepresented. I hope that as a woman of color I can help be a support system or simply another friendly face on campus for students whom I can share different perspectives and experiences with as well as walk alongside during such a formative time in their life and education. I look forward to growing more in love with Christ and others, and truly embodying a servant heart. I strive to follow Jesus with my whole person, alongside others, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Sarah Sugano

My name is Sarah Sugano and I'm the Graduate Assistant Ministry Intern for Worship! I graduated from Whitworth this past May with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and a Concentration in Women & Gender Studies. Originally, I'm from Santa Barbara, Calif.

During my time at Whitworth, I played on a chapel team for three years and also was a part of the Whitworth Choir program all four years. My instruments are piano and voice and although I won't be playing with any team this year, I'll still be serving on a worship team at my church! I grew up in a non-denominational church and had a lot of opportunities to help with worship there. My hope after this GAMI position is to enter into full-time ministry work. When you see me around campus, feel free to say, "Hi!"