By Ruthie Rubin
The Rev. Stephen Nickle is retiring from Trinity University at the end of this month, after 18 years of service as the university chaplain.
Nickle and his wife, Catherine Morell-Nickle, the beloved coordinator of Student Accessibility Services here at Trinity, will be moving to Tacoma, Washington this summer.
After the move, Nickle plans to spend the summer exploring his new home of Washington and spending time with his children who live on the West coast. In the fall, he will go back into the role of a student at Saint Joseph’s Medical Center, where he will have a year long residency in a clinical pastoral education program. He will be learning how to have a chaplain/pastoral presence in a hospital setting, working with patients, their families and care takers.
Nickle is well known for his kind and gentle personality as well as his calming presence. He is just as humble and modest when discussing his legacy at Trinity. Rather than how he hopes people will remember him, he discussed what he hopes for those whom he has impacted. “I hope people appreciate and look for availability in relationships, in pastors, imams, rabbis, that they might engage after having known me,” he said.
He strikes a message of open-mindedness and inclusion. “I hope there is some lively curiosity not only about who [people] are, what they trust, what they have been taught by people they trust and love, but also who other people are and what other people trust that is different, and what they might learn from that.”
Such a message is echoed by Trinity University President Danny Anderson in an opinion piece published in the Trinitonian on April 27.
"Looking ahead through our lens of diversity and inclusion, Trinity's chaplaincy in the 21st century must be characterized by a rich and multifaceted ministry," Anderson writes about expectations for Nickle's successor. "Our ecumenical tradition will continue to require a chaplain who serves all individuals of all traditions, beliefs and practices as hey seek their own path for their Trinity journey."
Nickle hopes that the Trinity community will open their arms to his successor and makes him or her feel welcome on campus. Trinity has yet to announce who will be filling Nickle’s position.
There are many students on campus whose life has been touched by Nickle during their time here, and have much to say about his character and legacy.
Elizabeth Broussard, a senior neuroscience major, got to know Nickle primarily through her work as the president of the Catholic Student Group.
Broussard recalled the manner in which every time she saw Nickle on campus, he greeted her with a smile and asked her about her day. She added that Nickle was always willing to listen and discuss challenges within the Catholic Student Group and sought to help the group in any way he could.
“[Nickle’s] drive to help others is a testament of his, and has been a true gift to this campus,” said Broussard. “He is someone who gives endlessly. Though we will miss his friendly presence on the campus grounds, his legacy as a charitable and compassionate campus minister will not be forgotten. I am extremely grateful for all he has done for Trinity University.”
Sarah Spence, a senior psychology major, discussed getting to know Nickle during the Plunge, a program where first year students spend five days before orientation meeting other first years, and exploring San Antonio within the context of faith, mission, and service.
Spence appreciates Nickle's efforts in fostering community both during the Plunge but also on campus in general. “Throughout my time at Trinity, he has served as a friendly face on-campus and a mentor in times of need. His ability to make others feel comfortable and included during the uncertain period of their freshman year has had a significant impact on the students of Trinity.”
Students are not alone in their recognition of Nickle’s legacy at Trinity. Dr. Gary Neal, director of Trinity’s Counseling and Health Services, has frequently worked in collaboration with Nickle. The two men often referred students to each other, and have worked together to provide support to students and other members of the Trinity community at times of crisis.
Neal said he believes Nickle’s greatest legacy “will be the inclusion and support of students from multiple faith traditions.”
Clearly, Nickle has influenced many individuals on this campus. Although he will be greatly missed, his legacy and spirit will remain on campus for years to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment