Staff: Emily Heitzman
Rev. Emily Heitzman
she/her
Campus Minister for Faith and Justice (located at the Water Tower Campus)
Educational Background:
B.A. Vocal Music Performance – University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
M.Div. – Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL
M.A. Music Ministry – Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL
Past Work/Service Experience:
In addition to my role at Loyola, I also serve as a part-time pastor/Parish Associate with Youngish Adults at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church. There, I preach and lead worship once per month, direct the youngish adult group, and assist with social media and recruitment for Queer Sacred Space Salon, a monthly talent show that centers Queer performers from the Chicago area.
Prior to coming to Loyola in April, I was the Associate Director of Campus and Community Resources at National Louis University in downtown Chicago, where I ran the food pantry and basic needs hub for students experiencing financial, food, and/or housing insecurity and directed the Civic Engagement Center (coordinating service-learning, voter engagement, and advocacy/justice opportunities).
Before my time at National Louis University, I served as the Pastor with Youth and Households at three Lutheran (ELCA) congregations in Edgewater for 11 years. There I preached and presided regularly, founded and led the Edgewater Congregations Together Youth Group (a collaborative, multicultural, and ecumenical youth ministry), and provided opportunities for youth, young adults, and other parishioners to volunteer with social service agencies that offer wrap around services and to get involved with interfaith and grassroots organizations that engage in advocacy and justice work.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Waterloo, Iowa, but I’ve been in Chicago for 16 years (almost 14 of which have been in Edgewater). Chicago is definitely my home.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love spending time with family and friends and getting involved in the community. I sing with community groups and recently joined a reggae/ska band as one of their backup singers. Whenever I can, I bike or walk along the lake, listen to live music, and dance at my drum circle. I love hiking in the mountains and finally got to hike the Inka Trail in Peru last year.
How does your role at Loyola connect with Community Service & Action?
I coordinate Labre Homeless Outreach, a Loyola ministry of accompaniment, where students build relationships with our neighbors experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in downtown Chicago and offer a simple meal, clothing, and hygiene items. Additionally, I provide opportunities for students to learn about systemic injustice and get involved in community organizing, advocacy, and justice work.
What is your favorite thing about the work you do?
It is truly a gift to get to work with and learn from students. I am inspired by the amazing ways they are using their passions and gifts to make this a more beautiful and just world.
What is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite places on the Water Tower Campus (where I work) are the study rooms and lounges on the top floors of Schreiber (Quinlan Business School), where there is so much natural light, and you get to take in beautiful views of the city.
What advice would you give to a student looking to get involved?
Get involved in the ways that you are able at Loyola and in the greater Chicago community. This is one of the best ways to make friends, build community, expand your worldview, and better understand your vocation and purpose. When you do feel overwhelmed, stressed, lonely, and/or a sense of imposter syndrome, remember that you are not alone. Most first year students (and new staff and faculty members) have felt these things, as well. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors, Campus Ministers/Chaplains, Wellness Center staff, and other Loyola staff. We are here to support and accompany you!