CT Center & Its Director, Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer '00, Focus on Outdoor Ministry

December 8, 2016

"In the Northwest Corner bubble, few organizations are as socially in tune on the national level as Silver Lake Conference Center," begins a story in the Journal of Lakeville, Connecticut. Gabe Lefferts writes, "Silver Lake doesn't shy away from engaging the issues that dominate this country's quest for social justice. A large part of this is Silver Lake's affiliation with the United Church of Christ (UCC), a denomination known for its inclusiveness and pursuit of social awareness. Another significant factor is the center's new director, the Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer, who joined Silver Lake earlier this year," who is a 2000 graduate of DePauw University.

"At 38 years old, with a full beard, long hair and a pierced eyebrow, Gackenheimer's story tells a tale of passion and professionalism. He's been involved with the UCC, as well as summer camps similar to Silver Lake, for his entire life. Growing up in Indiana, he attended a summer camp affiliated with his local church from fifth grade through high school."

"Outdoor ministry has always been an important part of my life," Rev. Gackenheimer tells the newspaper, which points out that he "studied philosophy at both DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., for undergraduate and Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., for graduate school." dp newspaper