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The Protestant Campus Ministry Board
The Protestant Campus Ministry Board
Rev. Jeffrey S. M. Kroondyk, He/Him, Campus Pastor:
Pastor Jeff Kroondyk came to Cornerstone in August 2024 from Michigan where he was born, raised, and lived most of his adult life. Pastor Jeff studied youth ministry, Bible, and Theology in his undergrad and received his M. Div. From Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Mi in 2012. After serving one congregation as a youth pastor and then lead pastor for 10 years, he spent a year and a half as a worship director. He is now a Pastor in the Reformed Church in America (RCA) and worships with his wife, Pastor Katy Kroondyk of Lisha's Kill Reformed Church, and two daughters, LillyAnn (11), and Eliza (8). Pastor Jeff considers it an incredible gift to pastor the students and community at UAlbany and says he is eager to get to know students and supporting churches. N.T. Wright once said “Sometimes we need to slow down to catch up with God.” In a fast-paced world and academic environment, Pastor Jeff is eager to help students slow down together.
Sarah Gelfand, President:
Sarah works at UAlbany in the Advisement Office. She is a graduate of the University at Buffalo and has previously worked at Lehigh University and SUNY Brockport. She is an active member of Journey United Church of Christ.
Melissa Jerreld, Vice-President:
Melissa has been an active member at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Scotia since 2002. She began serving as their Administrative Assistant in 2013. Melissa has an AAS and MS in Early Childhood Education and a BS in Elementary Education. She has worked in the childcare field and taught elementary school. Her son, Kyle, is studying Biomedical Engineering at RIT and her daughter, Allie, is a senior at Scotia-Glenville High School.
Rev. Jim Dorner, Secretary
Pastor Jim has served Unity Lutheran Church in Albany since July 2019. He received a Master’s of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO (2020). Prior to that he served as the Youth & Family Minister at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Dix Hills, NY. He graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin in 2005 with a Certificate of Lay Ministry and specializations in Youth Ministry and Missions. He is married to Chelsea Dorner and have been gifted with three children. In his spare time, Pastor Jim enjoys watching football, hiking, and reading.
Rev. John Knarvik, Treasurer:
Rev. Knarvik grew up in the capital district and graduated from Shaker High School in Latham. He completed his undergraduate degree at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh where he concentrated on social analysis and the sociology of religion. Hew was active in the Reformed Church in America while here in Albany, but was drawn into the Lutheran Church while in college. He completed his master of Divinity at Gettysburg Seminary and the Lutheran House of Studies in Washington, D.C. In addition to his ministry with the people of good Shepherd, he serves on a variety of local and international ministry groups including The Capital Region Theological Center and The International Village of Hope
Amy Rudat:
Amy Rudat lives in Colonie, New York. She currently works as a Senior Literacy Specialist at OpenUp Resources, a Curriculum Publishing Organization. She is currently looking for a congregation, having been a member at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for 40 years.
Andrew Cross:
Andrew Cross is a member of Our Savior’s Luther Church on Mountain View Ave in Colonie. He is a husband and father of three. He has a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Purdue University and works in mechanical design for robotics and aerospace systems.
Eric Brantley:
Eric grew up in Savannah, GA. He attended Valdosta state University and led the Mass Choir there for over three years. He was ordained in 2019 as an Elder and later served as Executive Pastor of The Acts Church until 2022. Today he is the Director of Music and Worship Arts at Macedonia Baptist Church of Albany and a member of its senior leadership team. He also works professionally in higher education and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership at the University at Albany. Eric remains passionate about creating spaces where faith, education, and purpose meet, especially for young adults seeking clarity and calling.
Zackory Biggers:
Zack lives in Niskayuna, NY and works as a Research Engineer at the GE Aerospace Research Center. He has lived in Upstate New York for about 3 years, prior to which he completed his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech. Growing up in the church, he has been a member of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church since high school and currently attends Bethel AME Church in Schenectady, NY. At Bethel he serves as a musician (saxophone), a member of the finance team, and a member of the Trustee Board.
Rev. Pamela Hoh:
Pastor Pamela J. Hoh is a native of New York City. She and her husband Daniel reside in Albany, New York. They are the parents of two young adults. Pastor Hoh has had a variety of work experiences both inside and outside the Lutheran church. She brings a passion for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through the gifts of preaching and storytelling, joyful worship, leading various workshops and bible studies, pastoral care, and being a guide and resource for those who are interested in further developing their relationship to God through the spiritual disciplines of the Christian faith.
AJ Funk
AJ is a graduate of Western Theological Seminary and is seeking a call to serve a church in the Reformed Church in America (RCA) after relocating to the area with his family. AJ is passionate about community, spirituality, inclusion, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is also an experienced ministry leader who values imaginative solutions and learning in community.Google Sites
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