Noems say 'goodbye' after seven years

By Shellie Adams, Asst. Design Editor -- adams15@up.edu

The sense of community, genuine kindness of the students and the easily built relationships are a few of the many aspects of UP Stacey and Josh Noem, assistant directors of faith, will miss when they leave.

Stacey and Josh say good-bye to UP Feb. 24 after seven years of working here.

"The move has nothing to do with money or resources or advancement," Josh said. "It has everything to do with discerning God's call for us. Our gifts and circumstances meet opportunity, an opportunity to serve. And while that's exciting, it's also really difficult to leave."

Josh and Stacey are headed to University of Notre Dame, where Stacey was hired as the director of human and spiritual formation in the Masters of Divinity program, which trains people to be lay ministers (people who are pastoral ministers but are not ordained). This is the same program that Josh and Stacey got their masters degrees through before coming to UP.

"They are two of the most competent ministry professionals I've ever worked around," Fr. Gary Chamberland, director of campus ministry, said. "It's going to be a huge loss for UP."

Though the Noems are leaving UP, their legacies will live on. The Noems founded and co-founded many groups on campus including the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (LXG), FISH and the Faith and Leadership House located in Tyson Hall.

Fifth-year senior Nick Etzel got involved in LXG in its first year and had Josh as his mentor.

"I'm going to miss his role in LXG," Etzel said. "He kept it together and interesting. He has a remarkable ability to share his experiences in a tangible way."

Josh and Stacey agree the students are part of the reason they love UP so much.

"The students at UP are just remarkable in their goodness." Stacey said. "Folks are just so good. They care about each other and it shows."

UP Health Center Counselor Kristina Houck has worked closely with Josh and Stacey over the past seven years.

"I think both Josh and Stacey have a profound openness in their communication," Houck said. "They are a dynamic, honest, dedicated couple that really and truly live the teachings that they provide to those they serve."

The Noems agree that the staff and students have created a community at UP that is unlike any other.

"When I talk to prospective students, I talk about how UP puts a lot of effort into community and relationships," Josh said. "We're going back to another Holy Cross institution, but I don't think they do this sense of community as well."

Junior Fiona Thornhill, who has been babysitting the Noems' three children for the past three years, has worked with the Noems personally and professionally.

"They are always very welcoming. I've always felt like I have a place to go if I need it," Thornhill said. "They are both very calm and quiet but you feel very comfortable around them. I feel like you can talk to them about anything."

Even though they are sad to leave UP behind, the Noems are excited for what awaits.

"What it feels like when you step on campus is what I will miss," Stacey said. "You walk in, people smile at you and you smile back and they are just genuinely happy to see you. It's unique to this place."

"It's truly bittersweet for us," Josh added. "This has been a great place for us. It's been a great place for our family. It's been a great community to be a part of and it's really hard to leave."