Q&A with John Matta, Campus Ministry Associate

John Matta is the campus ministry associate with Northwestern's chapter of Reformed University Fellowship - International, a Christian campus ministry that reaches international college students from all backgrounds.

Read below to learn more about John and his level of support.

• Can you describe your role within Reformed University Fellowship - International (RUF-I)?
  I am the head of Reformed University Fellowship - International. I work hard to find creative ways to welcome international students from all over the world through fun events each quarter.

• Can you tell us what inspired your decision to engage in this work?
  I am a Chicago native and have always loved meeting people from different cultures. I also met my wife Karol when she was an international student from France, and so international students are very important to us! I want to help welcome international students in a time where they may not feel that way.

• What resource(s) and/or activities can you and your office provide for graduate students?
  We host fun events like celebrations for American holidays such as Christmas and Saint Patrick's Day, game nights, and other fun monthly events. We also have a weekly English Club to help students practice their English speaking, listening, and reading skills. Every Thursday, we host a Dinner and Bible Discussion, where we have dinner from a local restaurant and discuss a Bible Story. People from many different cultural and faith background participate in our events.

• How can graduate students most easily contact and/or make an appointment with you?
  You may email me at john.matta@ruf.org. I can also add you to our weekly e-newsletter to learn more about what is happening on campus with RUF-I.

• What's one fun fact you can share about yourself?
  I have been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for about six years and train regularly in Evanston.