Khiem Vu: “Making Music, Making Friends, Making Memories” (Grad Sunday)

This is probably blasphemous for me to admit on the pulpit of a church that I’ve attended for four years, but I consider myself to be agnostic. So you might be wondering – how did a straight, agnostic dude find himself attending an all-inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirming presbyterian church? Well, as Erica put it – I was tricked!

I vividly remember that day as a freshman, where I was checking the UW welcome app for events that were happening in the first week of the semester. One such event was for something called “Music Team,” and the event page only had that title and the location. To me, this “Music Team” just sounded like a way for me to play music while attending school. You can probably imagine my surprise when I showed up that day and found out exactly what “Music Team” was all about. Natalie, the music director at the time, was very understanding and said that I was welcome to play, and so I did.

My thought process for remaining with Music Team that first year or so was that this would be an educational opportunity for myself to explore Christianity and religion as a whole while also exercising my musical abilities. But soon, I found myself meeting new people and making friends. Initially, this was reserved for people I played with on Music Team, but that changed too, and soon Pres House became not only a musical outlet, but also a social outlet. I started joining some music-related small groups like Spirit Through Song and found myself going to Pres House to study or hang out with peers.

I think the turning point for me was Pres House Prom in Spring of 2025. I was incredibly swamped with classes and feeling generally overwhelmed, and I wasn’t sure if I had the bandwidth to attend – but I am so glad I did. Dancing, making flower crowns, and just hanging out with you all made my troubles melt away in the moment. I’ll never forget that night and the fun I had.

In my last year at Pres House, I became more involved than ever before: I started attending PHamily Dinners on Wednesdays and went to Fall Retreat for the first time, which was an extremely rewarding experience that I wish I had attended sooner. It gave me time to sit and reflect on my thoughts, feelings, and relationships that I wouldn’t have taken the time to do otherwise.

I don’t know if it was fate or coincidence that led me to show up here four years ago, but what I do know is that I’m glad I stayed. Although I graduated last winter, Pres House has given me connections and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. My parting words to you all is that even amidst the madness of school, take the time to slow down and connect with those around you, whether it’s here or in any other gathering space on campus. Form and strengthen those connections, and you will find fulfillment and joy that can last for a lifetime. Thank you.

Khiem Vu (he/him) graduated in December 2025 with a B.S. in Computer Science and Computer Engineering.