Our new Director of Campus Ministry, Jennifer Daniels, currently comes to us from Corvallis, but don’t worry Ducks, she has agreed to trade in her black and orange for green and yellow! Actually a “Duck by marriage,” Jennifer met her husband while taking art classes at U of O years ago. She ultimately graduated with a B.A. in history and peace studies from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT and an MDiv from Princeton Seminary. After a season of life spent raising kids, volunteering at her church and working as a hospice chaplain, Jennifer decided to direct her energies toward ministries on campus and take on the challenge of working to give spiritual support to students.
Having three children at OSU during and after the pandemic has helped Jennifer develop a unique perspective. These experiences bring insights about the circumstances of college students today, preparing her to help U of O students to meet the challenges they are facing after COVID. Jennifer has a strong commitment to supporting student mental health needs and plans to come alongside an already solid Behavioral Healthcare program offered on the U of O campus.
When away from campus Jennifer spends time with her family including her American Spitz dog, named Lewis after C.S. Lewis, a favorite author of the family. Jennifer enjoys movies, cooking, traveling, exploring Eugene restaurants, watching the Portland Timbers and Thorns, and attending college sports. For Jennifer, returning to Eugene after many years living in other parts of the country feels like coming home.
Board Of Directors
Ed Willson, President
Ed first got involved with the K Center in 1992, volunteering to repair some windows in the previous building at 1414 Kincaid Street. Ed joined the board soon after this and has remained an active supporter of the K Center ministry.
Ed graduated from the University of Virginia in 1980 with a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. After working in industry for 25 years, Ed returned to Lane Community College and became a Registered Nurse in 2010. This was challenging and rewarding, especially his last several years as a hospice nurse before retiring.
When he is not at the K Center, Ed enjoys trail running, maintaining trails, and fishing. Ed also is involved with Waldo Ultras, Western States Endurance Run, McKenzie River Trail Run, Willamette National Forest saw training, PCTA, HSI CPR training, Lane County Search and Rescue, and resurrecting old crosscut saws.
Steve Stermer, Treasurer
Steve has retired and lives with his wife Bev across the river in Springfield, Oregon. He worked in public school education as a social studies teacher, assistant Principal, and Principal, at the middle school level in Myrtle Creek and Springfield, Oregon. Steve earned his BS, MS, and School Administrative Certificate all from the University of Oregon. Since retiring he has worked as a contract employee for the Lane ESD in Truancy Services, and volunteers at the K Center and at his church, Central Presbyterian in Eugene.
Steve believes The Koinonia Center Campus Ministry is here to help students figure out what their calling is and why they are here on this earth. He feels honored to be a K Center Board Member.
Dr. Karen Young, Secretary
Prior to retiring to Eugene to be close to family, Dr. Karen Young was a physician in Little Rock, Arkansas. Karen was a Neuropsychiatrist treating behavior and thought content problems in brain injured patients. She is also trained in acupuncture. Prior to going to medical school, Karen taught college biology.
While in Arkansas, Karen’s church involvement included her local congregation, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, a Lay Reader for Theology examinations from PCUSA seminaries, and Committee on Ministry. She has also completed her Presbyterian CRE credentialing which endorses her to lead worship and preach. Currently, Karen is an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, is on the Committee on Ministry with the Cascades Presbytery, and enjoys serving as Secretary for the K Center Board.
Karen supports campus ministries because it provides a safe space that welcomes diversity which she believes is important for spiritual reflection during the college journey.
Karen is enjoying her family in Eugene and traveling to visit her family in Hermosa Beach, California. Karen’s hobbies that keep her busy are leading small groups, choir, and writing.
Reverend Liz Leavitt, Member
The Rev. Dr. Liz Leavitt is proud to be a Koinonia Center alumna. While attending University of Oregon, her active participation in the K Center’s ministry helped her discern her own call to ministry. She is now an ordained minister serving as Pastor/Head of Staff at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church in Portland. Liz has also served churches in Massachusetts and Hawaii and recently completed her doctoral dissertation on the spiritual needs of religions “Nones.” Liz is glad to be raising her family–partner Jason, two kids, two cats and dog Neville–in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Who We Are
Our New Director!
Our new Director of Campus Ministry, Jennifer Daniels, currently comes to us from Corvallis, but don’t worry Ducks, she has agreed to trade in her black and orange for green and yellow! Actually a “Duck by marriage,” Jennifer met her husband while taking art classes at U of O years ago. She ultimately graduated with a B.A. in history and peace studies from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT and an MDiv from Princeton Seminary. After a season of life spent raising kids, volunteering at her church and working as a hospice chaplain,
Jennifer decided to direct her energies toward ministries on campus and take on the challenge of working to give spiritual support to students.
Having three children at OSU during and after the pandemic has helped Jennifer develop a unique perspective. These experiences bring insights about the circumstances of college students today, preparing her to help U of O students to meet the challenges they are facing after COVID. Jennifer has a strong commitment to supporting student mental health needs and plans to come alongside an already solid Behavioral Healthcare program offered on the U of O campus.
When away from campus Jennifer spends time with her family including her American Spitz dog, named Lewis after C.S. Lewis, a favorite author of the family. Jennifer enjoys movies, cooking, traveling, exploring Eugene restaurants, watching the Portland Timbers and Thorns, and attending college sports. For Jennifer, returning to Eugene after many years living in other parts of the country feels like coming home.
Board Of Directors
Ed Willson, President
Ed first got involved with the K Center in 1992, volunteering to repair some windows in the previous building at 1414 Kincaid Street. Ed joined the board soon after this and has remained an active supporter of the K Center ministry.
Ed graduated from the University of Virginia in 1980 with a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. After working in industry for 25 years, Ed returned to Lane Community College and became a Registered Nurse in 2010. This was challenging and rewarding, especially his last several years as a hospice nurse before retiring.
When he is not at the K Center, Ed enjoys trail running, maintaining trails, and fishing. Ed also is involved with Waldo Ultras, Western States Endurance Run, McKenzie River Trail Run, Willamette National Forest saw training, PCTA, HSI CPR training, Lane County Search and Rescue, and resurrecting old crosscut saws.
Steve Stermer, Treasurer
Steve has retired and lives with his wife Bev across the river in Springfield, Oregon. He worked in public school education as a social studies teacher, assistant Principal, and Principal, at the middle school level in Myrtle Creek and Springfield, Oregon. Steve earned his BS, MS, and School Administrative Certificate all from the University of Oregon. Since retiring he has worked as a contract employee for the Lane ESD in Truancy Services, and volunteers at the K Center and at his church, Central Presbyterian in Eugene.
Steve believes The Koinonia Center Campus Ministry is here to help students figure out what their calling is and why they are here on this earth. He feels honored to be a K Center Board Member.
Dr. Karen Young, Secretary
Prior to retiring to Eugene to be close to family, Dr. Karen Young was a physician in Little Rock, Arkansas. Karen was a Neuropsychiatrist treating behavior and thought content problems in brain injured patients. She is also trained in acupuncture. Prior to going to medical school, Karen taught college biology.
While in Arkansas, Karen’s church involvement included her local congregation, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, a Lay Reader for Theology examinations from PCUSA seminaries, and Committee on Ministry. She has also completed her Presbyterian CRE credentialing which endorses her to lead worship and preach. Currently, Karen is an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, is on the Committee on Ministry with the Cascades Presbytery, and enjoys serving as Secretary for the K Center Board.
Karen supports campus ministries because it provides a safe space that welcomes diversity which she believes is important for spiritual reflection during the college journey.
Karen is enjoying her family in Eugene and traveling to visit her family in Hermosa Beach, California. Karen’s hobbies that keep her busy are leading small groups, choir, and writing.
Reverend Liz Leavitt, Member
The Rev. Dr. Liz Leavitt is proud to be a Koinonia Center alumna. While attending University of Oregon, her active participation in the K Center’s ministry helped her discern her own call to ministry. She is now an ordained minister serving as Pastor/Head of Staff at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church in Portland. Liz has also served churches in Massachusetts and Hawaii and recently completed her doctoral dissertation on the spiritual needs of religions “Nones.” Liz is glad to be raising her family–partner Jason, two kids, two cats and dog Neville–in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.