By Isabella Schultz
NKyTribune staff writer
As the new semester unfolds for the students and faculty of Thomas More University, one faculty member in particular hopes to help more students find what gives their lives purpose.
Director of the Bishop Foys Scholars Program and Assistant Campus Minister, Josh Ostertag, has dedicated much of his work at Thomas More University to promoting the faith. However, he is focused this new school year on encouraging all students to discover who they truly are.
Ostertag received his Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Thomas More University in 2020 while also studying History and Philosophy. He then went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Theology in 2021 from the Aquinas Institute of Theology.
After graduation, he returned to Thomas More University after the current Theology Department Chair, Caitlin Dwyer, reached out to him regarding a potential job opportunity.
He credits his current role to all the connections he made as an undergraduate.
“Some advice I would tell students is don’t be afraid to keep connections, as when students do reach out, faculty will do anything to help you”, said Ostertag.
In his current role as Director of the Bishop Foys Scholars Program, he hopes to help the program reach its full potential.
In the current program, students must complete 10 service hours each semester while also promoting the building of a faith-based campus and attending monthly formation meetings.
This year, Ostertag plans to implement more formation, discipleship, and service into the program. He also plans to allow students the opportunity to take their faith even further with weekly meetings for the sole purpose of discussion and thoughtfulness.
In addition, he wants prospective and incoming students to know what the program is all about well before they set foot on campus for the first day of school.
“We host on-campus events for prospects, and this year we want to have a more structured on-campus day for applicants. Then, once students get to campus, we will pair students with mentors,” said Ostertag.
So yes, Ostertag wants students to explore their faith, but also if students are not active in it, he hopes that they can focus on the current student experience and solidify their views.
“The current student experience: find a friend and see those fruits grow,” said Ostertag.
His final advice for those discovering who they truly are while navigating being a young adult at Thomas More University is to get involved with as much as possible.
“Spend time on-campus, get involved with activities such as clubs and campus ministry, and seek those things,” said Ostertag.
To learn more about Josh Ostertag, the Bishop Foys Scholars Program, and the Thomas More University campus ministry team, please email him directly at ostertagj@thomasmore.edu.