Student Spotlight: Addison Brenner '24

Addison Brenner was in seventh grade when she leaned over to her grandma in church and whispered that she wanted to be a hospital chaplain someday. 

That someday is within reach. 

This spring Addison graduates from USF with degrees in theology & biblical studies and psychology. After graduation she will take online courses at Fuller Seminary and begin working toward her Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree. 

“Once I complete my master’s degree, I plan to work as either a hospital chaplain or a hospice chaplain,” she says. “I have faith I will be called where I need to be.” 

Addison’s faith has shaped much of her life, and it shows in her interactions with others. She models USF’s Culture for Service and can always be counted on to offer spiritual guidance, a helping hand or a caring heart. She gained valuable experiences through her involvement in Campus Ministries, where she was a campus ministries advocate her sophomore year and president her junior and senior years.

“My involvement with Campus Ministries gave me the opportunity to serve on USF’s Executive Council, help facilitate meetings for spiritual life, organize retreats, lead worship nights and chapel events and help guide weekly Bible studies in all the residence halls,” she explains. 

She credits Dean of Chapel Dennis Thum and Campus Ministry Assistant Austin Ludens for helping her grow her faith and for opening the doors of opportunity. 

“I appreciate the ability to form personal relationships with the USF faculty. They have been a big part of my spiritual journey,” she says. 

She counts a retreat at Swan Lake with some of the USF theology faculty as one of her favorite USF memories. Another fond memory is her inclusion on USF’s homecoming court. In 2023, she was honored with the Thomas F. Johnson Distinguished Service Award and the Purple Legacy Award.  

Addison grew up in Sioux Falls and is a 2020 graduate of Sioux Falls Washington High School. She met her husband Josh at Camp Judson when they were in middle school and the couple lives in Sioux Falls with their dog, Oaklee.