UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)
Join us every Thursday at 8PM in Young Hall CS 76
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RUF at UCLA is a place to come hear about what God has done. We get together to study the Bible because we believe it’s relevant to all of life, and it’s how we come to know Jesus personally. Regardless of your beliefs or doubts, we welcome you to explore who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him.
For more info on our ministry, and how to get involved, please visit our instagram @bruinruf or email one of the staff below.
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Meet Our Team
Matthew Trexler
Before becoming the campus minister at UCLA, Matt was the Youth Pastor at the St. Louis Chinese Gospel Church for three years. During that time he also attended Covenant Theological Seminary where he received his Masters in Divinity. Before that he was the RUF intern at The University of South Carolina. He once studied Improv comedy in Chicago, but realized he enjoyed ministering to students more. Matt is here to serve the students of UCLA and would love to meet up with you.
Kelley (Sanford) Van Haitsma
I grew up in Sanford, FL, and it was pretty fun sharing a name with my hometown. I was really involved in high school, especially in band and sports. When I went off to the University of Central Florida in Orlando, I knew I wanted to be involved in a campus ministry. I was familiar with a few, but had never heard of RUF. Through the invite of a roommate, I found this ministry and a home for the next four years. I saw the Gospel truly transform the attitudes and actions of RUF’s leadership and students, and it was through experiencing and learning how to pursue people for Christ there that my heart was first stirred toward vocational ministry. I began to consider the RUF internship, but after graduating with a degree in English Literature, I decided to pursue a career in the writing field and worked as a magazine editor for a year. However, God moved in big ways and in His perfect timing to now lead me into full-time ministry and specifically the RUF internship. I couldn’t be more thrilled! I’m so excited to invest in UCLA students and point them toward the sweetness and power of Christ.
I really love both big cities and the outdoors, especially hiking, so California is right up my alley! From day to day, I spend most of my down time going for a run, reading, watching a show or spending time with good friends. That last one sometimes includes singing sessions together (particularly worship songs or the Greatest Showman soundtrack).
Emily Williams
Born and raised in Boerne, Texas, Emily graduated from the University of Tulsa in May 2021 with majors in Accounting and Computer Information Systems. She loves basketball, sunsets, dad jokes, good books, and hanging out with friends. At TU, she was drawn to the intentionality and encouragement of the RUF community. Emily loves meeting students at UCLA and seeing the ways that God is at work!
Mark Manuel
Mark grew up in Oakland, CA and Boston, MA. He attended Baylor University for one year before transferring to Vanderbilt University. At Vanderbilt, he got involved with RUF and came to know the Lord in completely new ways through life-changing community and a strong emphasis on grace in the teachings. Having lived in four different states, Mark is excited to get to know students at UCLA coming from a diverse array of backgrounds. Mark loves playing spikeball (maybe a little too much), pickleball, and basketball. He's always down to head to a coffee shop or park to hang out and have a conversation with a friend, old or new. He returns to California eager to become a part of a new RUF community and experience the Lord's unchanging love in a new place.