EUGENE, Ore. – Alyssa Unruh, an Interdisciplinary Studies major entering her senior year at Bushnell University, spent her spring semester on the frontlines of campus ministry through an internship with Northwest Collegiate Ministry, a regional organization focused on spiritual development and discipleship for college students. As Unruh puts it, “The goal of Northwest Collegiate Ministry is to take college students, find where they’re at spiritually, and help develop them in their walk with Jesus.”
Through intentional outreach and spiritual leadership training, Unruh bridged her classroom learning with hands-on faith-based service. Her internship experience equipped her with practical ministry tools she plans to use well beyond graduation.
We sat down with Unruh to learn more about her work with Northwest Collegiate Ministry and how the experience shaped her sense of calling. You can watch the full interview on Bushnell University’s YouTube channel or via the embedded video below.
Living the Mission: Turning Theology into Action
For Unruh, the internship was not just a requirement; it was a passion lived out in real time. “I was already attending NCM Bible studies and game nights,” she shared. “Before I knew it, I had this incredible group of friends. And I thought, what better internship could I have than making disciples with the people I love?”
As a student leader with Northwest Collegiate Ministry, Unruh helped create spiritual spaces where students felt safe to ask questions, explore their faith, and build community. The organization works to connect students to God through Christ, to authentic community, and to the greatest needs of the world. This mission aligns perfectly with Unruh’s own heart for ministry.
One of her most formative experiences was tabling every Tuesday at the University of Oregon, where spectators were invited into conversations about faith and life. “We met people who were in all kinds of places with God — some who love Him, some who are angry with Him, and some who’ve never met Him,” she said. “It taught me that ministry can look like so many different things.”
Beyond the Classroom: Equipping a Lifelong Calling
While she gained valuable experience in spiritual leadership, Unruh also emphasized the personal transformation that came from the internship.
“There is so much to be learned when you are not in the classroom,” she said. “Rather than just taking in information, you’re actually putting it into practice. For me, it started as a small flame, just knowing ministry is something we’re all called to. But this internship gave me the tools and encouragement to turn that flame into a campfire. And I hope one day it becomes a wildfire.”
Her passion for evangelism and discipleship is rooted in a deep conviction. “Jesus gives all of us the mission to go and make disciples,” she said. “To be given an internship that helped me live that out, while developing skills I’ll use for the rest of my life, was such a blessing.”
Unruh encourages fellow students to seek out internships that align with both their professional goals and spiritual calling. “Go where He guides you,” she said. “Do the work, and whatever work you do, do it for Him, because He’s called you to it.”
Shaping a Purpose-Driven Future
Bushnell University’s Interdisciplinary Studies program empowers students to design a personalized education that connects their passions across multiple academic disciplines. For Unruh, that meant combining biology, psychology, and Bible and theology to support her calling to ministry. This flexible and faith-integrated approach has helped her develop a holistic understanding of people and purpose, tools she now carries into every conversation and campus interaction. Whether preparing for ministry, healthcare, business, or education, students develop a unique skill set grounded in faith and purpose.
Learn more about Bushnell’s on campus Interdisciplinary Studies major and online program.
To explore internship opportunities at Bushnell University, visit www.bushnell.edu/career-development.