Student Leaders
President
Tyler Gilliard
Vice President
Rachel McLeod
Staff
Tom & Joanna Sperlich
Campus Director
Lom and Joanna met each other through their involvement with Cru at Penn State. After receiving degrees in Psychology, they got married and joined staff in 2006. In 2016, Tom was named the Campus Director for Penn State Cru, and throughout his and Joanna’s staff life, their love for PSU students and Happy Valley has only grown.
They have three kids: Emma (11), Jacob (8), and Carter (5). Emma is currently finding many ways to express her creativity. She likes to write books, draw beautiful pictures, Minecraft, and ride her bike. Jacob is into Lego Ninjago, Minecraft, and anything active. Carter has an undying love for Lightning McQueen.
Tom is an avid reader (think classics, spiritual formation, and fantasy), loves to play games (current top shelf ones are Dominion, Bang!, and Perudo), is still a raging fan of Lost (yes, you read that right), and is addicted to Coke (the drink). Joanna enjoys the challenge of trying a new recipe, especially if it is a dessert. She loves to sit down with a good cup of coffee and either a good book or a great friend. She also can’t get enough of Emma, Jacob, and Carter’s laughter and personality.
Hannah & Alex Verseput
Staff
Hannah and Alex met at Penn State in 2013. Alex is a graduate of Calvin College in Michigan and came to Penn State for graduate school. Hannah came to Penn State in 2007, graduated with a degree in English and joined staff with Cru in 2012. Upon marriage, the Lord captivated their hearts for student and faculty ministry. Alex currently spends most of his time with faculty and grads while Hannah spends most of her time with undergrads. Whenever you meet them, you can tell by their personalities it’s a perfect fit. They have two boys: Milo (4) and Silas (1). They love to be outside as a family, listen to music and read.
Josh & Kathryn Himes
Staff
Josh and Kathryn met through their involvement with Cru at Penn State and were married in January 2015. Josh received a degree in Civil Engineering while Kathryn received a degree in Physics. They spent a few years working in their respective fields before coming back to their alma mater for vocational ministry. In July 2020, they welcomed a new addition to their family: Levi Paul! Parenting has been a joy-filled adventure together.
In ministry Josh loves teaching truth through leading a Bible study, speaking at Cru weekly meetings, or sharing his faith. Kathryn’s favorite part of ministry is walking through life with other women and sharing wisdom and encouragement through discipleship.
Josh is highly extroverted and loves spending time with people. He loves being active and learning new things in God’s Word. Some of his favorite hobbies are disc golf, rock climbing, ultimate frisbee, and playing board games. Kathryn loves building close relationships with friends and students over a chai tea latte. One of her favorite things to do is bike to a good hammocking spot to read. She also enjoys hosting friends and family, playing the piano, and trying new recipes.
Abe and Jordyn Skacel
Staff
Josh and Kathryn met through their involvement with Cru at Penn State and were married in January 2015. Josh received a degree in Civil Engineering while Kathryn received a degree in Physics. They spent a few years working in their respective fields before coming back to their alma mater for vocational ministry. In July 2020, they welcomed a new addition to their family: Levi Paul! Parenting has been a joy-filled adventure together.
In ministry Josh loves teaching truth through leading a Bible study, speaking at Cru weekly meetings, or sharing his faith. Kathryn’s favorite part of ministry is walking through life with other women and sharing wisdom and encouragement through discipleship.
Josh is highly extroverted and loves spending time with people. He loves being active and learning new things in God’s Word. Some of his favorite hobbies are disc golf, rock climbing, ultimate frisbee, and playing board games. Kathryn loves building close relationships with friends and students over a chai tea latte. One of her favorite things to do is bike to a good hammocking spot to read. She also enjoys hosting friends and family, playing the piano, and trying new recipes.
Amanda Harman
Staff
Amanda graduated from Penn State in 2022 with a degree in Linguistics. She was heavily involved with Cru as a student and is excited about being able to continue doing ministry on staff!
Amanda loves getting to know new friends over coffee, a meal, or a fun board game. She crochets and has had a ton of fun teaching others as well. Her favorite part of ministry with Cru is having deep conversations in Bible study and discipleship.
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Work In Progress – 5/1/23