Meet LVC Alumna: Katie Schroeder, Director of Advancement

Katie Schroeder joined Lutheran Volunteer Corps as the Director of Advancement in August. Prior to joining the LVC team, she worked for College Possible, an organization that supports low-income students get to and through college.

As an alum, Katie brings a unique perspective to her job in advancement. She served in Chicago in 2003-2004, serving as the first LVCer at Umoja Student Development Corporation, and continuing to work three additional years there. Katie’s involvement with LVC continued on. After working at Umoja for four years, Katie went on to serve on their Board of Directors. When she transitioned to working at Free Spirit Media, she also helped the organization become an LVC placement.

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Katie at LVC Placement, Umoja Student Development Corporation

She first heard about LVC from a college friend who was visiting Gustavus during the middle of her LVC year, also in Chicago. Katie said,

I was completely drawn in by LVC’s mission and approach. The idea of spending a year figuring out how to connect my faith to my vocation was so appealing.

Katie’s year, both fun and challenging, proved be transformational.

LVC changed my life. The people I met through LVC taught me how to navigate through the world as an adult who cares about others, community and connection. I draw on my LVC experience regularly still.

Additional influential things during her LVC year include learning how to talk about her faith with others and learning about the ELCA’s inclusive theology.

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Katie with LVC housemates in Chicago, Sojourner Truth House, 2003-2004

Another way LVC impacted her life was to introduce her to her husband, Jeremy, a 2000-2001 Baltimore LVC alum. They joke that their LVC years were pre-marital counseling, helping them learn how to live in community well.

Katie and her family live in South Minneapolis. She and Jeremy have two young sons. When not working, Katie likes to bake pies and spend time with her backyard chickens. They enjoy biking, going on walks and visiting state parks together. Katie also likes to blog, and is currently documenting her grandparents’ love letters from World War II.

LVC is excited to have Katie on the team and looks forward to how she will share her gifts and skills with the LVC community!

Contributor: Drea Mast