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Campus pastor reaches out to students For about 50 minutes a week, students put aside their stress from class, tests and campus life and enjoy fellowship, food and peace with other students during a Bible study group held at the Harper Student Center.   The regular student respite is coordinated by the Rev. Lisa Hawkins, a volunteer campus minister at MUSC and coordinator of Thank God It’s Friday (aka TGIF), a program through Trinity United Methodist Church. TGIF is held along with other student activi-ties at the Education Center/Library Building.   Rev. Lisa Hawkins For five years, Hawkins has devoted herself to this ministry as a college representative and minister to students attending MUSC, The Citadel, College of Charleston and Charleston Southern University.   Creating fellowship among students, Harper also provides a comforting presence and guiding hand for these young people who are learning to balance the rigors of academics and life as they transition to independent life.   “Mama Lisa,” as she’s lovingly referred to, has embraced her first clerical assignment as provided by the Lowcountry United Methodist Conference with an optimistic eye and great enthusiasm. A single mother of a college-age daughter, Hawkins is keenly aware of some of the struggles and pressures experienced by today’s young adults and applies it to her ministry.   “It’s great that students can talk freely and communicate openly with Lisa,” said Robin Hardin, director of MUSC Student Programs. “Our students can get so busy in their studies and schedules that it leaves little time to relax and enjoy time spent with others. Lisa and her team are so patient and consistent in offering spiritual help to anyone in need. She’s able to bring many opportunities to students here on campus.”   Described by students and those who work alongside her as a caring, patient and friendly faith-filled individual, Hawkins moved  from one nurturing career to another. An experienced psychiatric nurse and MUSC College of Nursing alumnus, Hawkins cared for patients in multiple areas while at MUSC. She earned her master’s degree in nursing in 1990. But her call to care for others was elsewhere. In the mid-1990s she attended Chandler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta and was ordained a minister in 2000 before returning to Charleston.    Currently, her biggest challenge in this academic health center and graduate institution is reaching and communi-cating with more than 2,000 students within a commuter campus. Hawkins is actively working to support students and create new opportunities for students to gather and share their faith experiences.   Nursing student Karen Quinn considers herself a regular at the weekly TGIF gatherings. Since Fall 2006, she’s been an active participant sharing in the faith and food experience.      “The experience has been great,” said Quinn. “It allows me a chance to meet students from other colleges at MUSC and stay connected. The program offers balance in my life for God and the fellowship with other students.”   Already, Quinn has met other medical, dental and health professions students through this group and other activities coordinated by Hawkins and volunteers. She, like others, considers this small group to be their own church family within MUSC’s community.   Originally from Wisconsin and with no family in South Carolina, Quinn regards Hawkins as her local “mom” and go-to person. “She’s there for me as someone who will listen and help me think and work it out,” Quinn said. “She offers me God’s perspective on decisions or solving a challenge. She’s one person I can count on and who has never let me down.”   Fellow TGIF volunteer Rev. Joe Cate of Point Hope United Methodist Church assists Hawkins by leading bible study and sharing in discussions.   “Lisa is very devoted to the Low-country campus ministry,” said Cate, who has volunteered with the group since 2005. “She always is willing to sacrifice and do what’s necessary to support and provide for these young people. She loves and cares for them and reminds them that she is there for any situation and only a phone call away.”      Hawkins, Cate and other volunteers strive to make this experience with students a more natural transition into adulthood.      “Even adults need help from time to time,” Cate said. “Lisa’s there to feed their spirituality and lift their hearts especially in difficult times. She’s a natural at listening, healing and nurturing people because she has that passion and gift that genuinely pours from her heart into her work and ministry.” Editor’s note: At MUSC, heroes abound. They exist in the form of caregivers, faculty, students and staff. The Catalyst’s MUSC Heroes is a column that offers employees and staff the opportunity to recognize MUSC’s everyday heroes. Send an e-mail about your MUSC hero along with your name and office phone number to catalyst@musc.edu.     Friday, Nov. 9, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.