Matthew Adair, 22, sits in the living room of his City Vista apartment and smiles. Nearly a month ahead of his graduation, Adair reflects upon the time he’s spent as a member of Trinity University’s InterVarsity chapter.
Over his four years at Trinity, he’s become easily recognizable around campus as the tall, curly-haired student who’s quick with an enthusiastic greeting and a kind word for whomever he might run into.
For students involved in InterVarsity, an inter-denominational Christian campus ministry, Adair is even more recognizable. Fellow InterVarsity leader Savannah Schatte, 21, describes Adair as “a staple member” and someone who models “what it looks like to be present with intention.”
Adair initially got involved in InterVarsity his freshman year after he failed to make the Trinity basketball team. Disappointed and in search of a community, Adair shifted his focus from basketball to ministry, a choice that led Adair to what he describes as “the community [he] connected with most.” Since then he has been a consistent member and later leader of the group.
InterVarsity has chapters at colleges and universities across the country. Their mission, published on their website, is “to establish and advance at colleges and universities witnessing communities of students and faculty who follow Jesus as Savior and Lord.”
On Trinity’s Campus, InterVarsity meets every Thursday evening for worship and hosts events throughout the year such as a downtown scavenger hunt, speakers and discussions, and a field day. These events, Adair points out, are open to anyone and often do draw a few students who do not share the Christian perspective of the organization.
Adair led Bible studies from his sophomore year through his junior year, when he was elected president of the chapter. He remained president until this semester. Now he leads a Bible study for some of Trinity’s international students. Having spent much of his childhood in Kyrgyzstan, this is a role that Adair is particularly suited for and enjoys.
For Adair, a Houston native, one of the great benefits of his InterVarsity experience has been being pushed outside his comfort zone. He went door to door in the freshman dorms as a sophomore Bible study leader, and even offered to take out students’ trash as a way to introduce them to InterVarsity.
The experience was awkward, “probably one of the cheesiest things you could do,” Adair laughs while recalling. But it worked. Schatte is one of the students who joined InterVarsity as a result of her trash being taken out. She eventually became the club’s president.
Schatte, also a senior, has witnessed Adair’s growth over his time at Trinity. She identifies Adair’s ability to lean into the challenges that InterVarsity has provided him as a strength. “I think another thing that sticks out about Matthew is his willingness to act boldly in discomfort.”
Nearing the end of four years in campus ministry, Adair is pleased with his choice to be so involved. Despite the challenges and time-commitment, he’s grateful for the experience he’s had and friends he’s made.
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