Student Leadership
Students lead and serve in all kinds of ways at Pres House. Whether you’ve been here for a while or are just finding your way through the doors, we’re confident there’s a way for you to get involved!
pres house council
Pres House Council
The Pres House Council is a group of students who make a year-long commitment to servant leadership within the Pres House church community. As a part of this commitment, they plan and execute Pres House programs, maintain our tradition of radical hospitality, receive support and mentoring from Pres House staff, and grow through intentional leadership development and spiritual exploration. Council members play a pivotal role in making Pres House a home!
Click a Council member’s photo for a short bio!
I am studying: Kinesiology and Disability Rights & Services ~ Class of 2029
A place I call home: Big Lake, MN
Something that makes Pres House great: The unconditional love and support from the community!
A fun fact about myself: I know how to sail!
I am studying: Cello Performance (Cello) and Linguistics, German Certificate ~ Class of 2028
A place I call home: Leavenworth, KS
Something that makes Pres House great: I appreciate the space Pres House provides for people of any religious perspective, and how it provides a space for people of all backgrounds to come together.
A fun fact about myself: I can play 5 instruments, but not all of them very well.
I am studying: Global Health and Political Science ~ Class of 2029
A place I call home: Washington, DC
Something that makes Pres House great: I love how Pres House fosters connection between students from all backgrounds and walks of faith.
A fun fact about myself: I have a 400-day streak (and counting!) on Duolingo learning Scottish Gaelic.
I am studying: Human Development & Family Studies: Child Development and Oboe Performance ~ Class of 2027
A place I call home: Twin Cities, MN
Something that makes Pres House great: The creativity and joy our community has!
A fun fact about myself: I love knife sharpening!
I am studying: Zoology and Conservation Biology ~ Class of 2027
A place I call home: Mt. Pleasant, WI
Something that makes Pres House great: The friendly, welcoming community!
A fun fact about myself: I have a minor form of prosopagnosia aka face blindness! If you see me out and about, please come say hi I will likely not recognize you. I also have a gecko who is my baby.
I am studying: English ~ Class of 2028
A place I call home: Waunakee, WI
Something that makes Pres House great: The strong sense of community!
A fun fact about myself: I love to sing and write music!
community directors ~ student & resident board members
Community Directors: Student & Resident Board Members
There are six positions on the Pres House Board of Directors reserved for students and residents. These “Community Directors” serve one-year terms that are renewable for up to three years. The terms begin July 1st and end June 30th. Students who serve on the board have full voting rights and engage in all aspects of board leadership.
As a board member you will have the opportunity to meet, work with, and learn from some incredible Madison-area leaders with a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise. You will be involved in significant and important discussions and decisions about Pres House and its future. Being on the board is a fantastic way to serve your community and gain valuable leadership experience in the process.
Click a board member’s photo for a short bio!
Aaliyah Golden-Whitehead (she/her)
I am studying: Botany and Korean ~ Class of 2027 A place I call home: Kenosha,…
I am studying: Botany and Korean ~ Class of 2027
A place I call home: Kenosha, WI
Something that makes Pres House great: The community here is so strong and we care for each other <3
A fun fact about myself: I enjoy the arts such as sketching, singing, and playing bass. :))
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because a community where people feel safe, welcome, and able to grow individually and together is so important. I want to protect that community at Pres House by advocating for it as a student leader.
Aurora Kuelbs (she/her)
I am studying: Biochemistry and Neurobiology ~ Class of 2026 A place I call home: Foley,…
I am studying: Biochemistry and Neurobiology ~ Class of 2026
A place I call home: Foley, MN
Something that makes Pres House great: Pres House is a place where uncertainty and questions are welcome. This space for questions, along with a community that values all of who you are, makes for an environment that promotes understanding and learning.
A fun fact about myself: I unironically adore organic chemistry.
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because I believe that Pres House is a place where people from diverse backgrounds can share their lives and experiences with each other to deepen our relationships. I want to make this a more welcoming space for everyone.
Why I serve on the BOD: Serving on the Pres House Board lets me invest in something I care deeply about: students finding their spiritual footing during some of the most formative years of their lives. This ministry creates space for real questions, authentic community, and the kind of welcome that reflects Christ’s love. Being part of the governance and vision for that work? That’s a privilege.
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because Pres House was a place of transformation for me as a student. I am in awe of the many hands and hearts that built the Pres House community over the previous century and grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in this ministry.
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because Pres House offers and creates a space for all students to be nurtured and grow in their journey of faith in a way that equips them to love others, serve God, and strengthen their faith.
Gordon Enderle
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because I want to support an organization…
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because I want to support an organization that helps so many students find a place to grow spiritually and learn about themselves on campus.
I am studying: Biology and Global Health ~ Class of 2026
A place I call home: Plymouth, MN
Something that makes Pres House great: It is a community that cares for each other deeply. I feel so supported by Pres House and that can be something that is hard to find these days.
A fun fact about myself: I love riding my bike, and I ride for hours each week.
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because Pres House has been a space for personal transformation and lifelong friendships. Every time I get to interact with a new student, I wonder if we will become great friends in five months.
Lauren Jackson (she/her)
I am studying: Environmental Engineering ~ Class of 2026 A place I call home: Sarona, WI…
I am studying: Environmental Engineering ~ Class of 2026
A place I call home: Sarona, WI
Something that makes Pres House great: A community that is welcoming, supportive, and fun!
A fun fact about myself: I’ve been playing guitar since I was 12 years old.
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because Pres House has given me so much to be grateful for—with close friendships and a welcoming space to grow—and I want to be able to contribute back to the community.
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because my experiences at Pres House as a student created a lasting impact on my identity and I want to give students today the same experience.
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because I want to do my small part to ensure there is a safe space on campus. Physical, spiritual, psychological, and emotional safety are so important to students as they navigate into adulthood.
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because Pres House is an important spiritual resource and support for all students at UW-Madison. It also provides an important and safe space for students to ask questions and be themselves.
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because I like to make a difference and impact people’s lives. Most times, it’s just the little things you say, do, or show that can change a person’s life, state of mind, or purpose.
Maribeth Gettinger
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because I want to support the mission…
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because I want to support the mission and ministry of Pres House. I serve because doing so enriches my life and deepens my faith. Finally, I serve because it brings me great joy!
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because Pres House embodies the kind of inclusive, student-centered community I want to help grow—one where underrepresented and LGBTQ+ students can feel at home.
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because I get inspired by what I see happening in the lives of students.
Why I serve on the BOD: I serve because Pres House is a safe, inclusive space where students can grow spiritually and build community during one of the most life changing times in their lives.
More Ways to Serve
ROOJAHs were Pres House students in the 1930s – 1950s who lived in and hosted the church building: shoveling coal into the furnace, prepping coffee, and more. They called themselves the “Royal Order Of Janitors And Hosts.” While we (thankfully) no longer need someone to shovel coal to keep the building warm, students continue to help behind the scenes to make Pres House feel like home.
Responsibilities
- Complete Pres House Building Training
- Receive keys to Pres House
- Serve as Volunteer Coordinator for one Sunday per semester; this means recruiting 3 people to help with dinner cleanup and overseeing the cleanup process
- Assist with dinner cleanup as a volunteer for at least one Sunday per semester (in addition to your VC Sunday)
- Host at least one Finals Lounge shift per semester
We have two Worship Leader roles each Sunday. You can sign up for one or both roles on any given Sunday. We also assign roles if no one signs up.
- Worship Leader A: Welcome, Two+, and Announcements
- Worship Leader B: Scripture reading, Responding, and Prayers of the People
Both Worship Leaders also help serve communion.
Responsibilities
- Complete Worship Leader Training (offered 1-2 times each year)
- Write prayers & other kinds of liturgy for your role, with assistance from staff
- Be a regular participant in Sunday worship
- Be attentive to community needs and concerns
Responsibilities
- Be a regular participant in Sunday worship
- Help church partners unload supplies into Lower Hall kitchen
- Set up Lower Hall for dinner according to setup instructions (provided ahead of time)
- Offer a friendly, welcoming presence to Sunday worship attendees, greeting each person individually & giving them a bulletin
- Explain the nametag system to first-timers & provide assistance; help people find seats