An Open Door

How Director of Franciscan Student Life and Servant Leadership Rebecca Gruntz is creating spaces where students belong.

Rebecca Gruntz's office doesn't stay quiet for long.

Throughout the day, students stop by with questions, ideas or simply because they need someone to talk to.

One morning, a student arrived in the middle of a panic attack before an exam. Her professor had encouraged her to step away from class and speak with the University counselor, but it was still early and the counselor had not yet arrived.

So, she visited a familiar office instead.

Gruntz invited her in, and the two prayed together while they waited for the counselor.

It created a bond and opened the door for more students to realize I offer a safe space," Gruntz said. "Whether amidst crisis or celebration, I hope students realize my door is always open for them." 

This open-door approach didn't begin when Gruntz became director of Franciscan Student Life and Servant Leadership. 

After earning a degree in psychology, she worked as a wraparound facilitator in Monroe, helping families navigate resources and support systems. In 2021, she joined FranU as an admissions counselor. 

"Working in enrollment in higher education gives you the chance to interact with individuals of all backgrounds," Gruntz said. "From students fresh from high school trying to determine their future to students coming back for a second career, everyone has a story and it is such a joy getting to know each person's why behind coming to FranU."

As enrollment evolved, so did her role. Gruntz became the University's first director of enrollment operations before stepping into Student Life last summer.

"Student Life is very different from Enrollment," she said. "However, it really opened the door for God to use me to my full potential. This July will make one year in my role, and I could not be more grateful for the chance to connect with our students and advocate for what it means to be a FranU student."

The conversations in her office range from tears to laughter.

Some students need help finding a campus resource while others want to talk through new ideas. Then there are some who just need a quiet place to breathe.

My primary function is to advocate for the students' needs," Gruntz said. "I have the joy of listening to what they need and trying to brainstorm how to make their visions a reality. It's difficult to truly put into words, but my job is to love and serve our students because that's what the Lord has called me to.”

One of those conversations grew into something much bigger.

When Student Government Association President Emeritus Benjamin Mayer shared the idea that students needed a place to “just be people,” Gruntz listened. The conversation continued after that first meeting, as students and staff imagined what that space could become.

This fall, that vision will open its doors.

The Portiuncula, also known as the Port, will serve as FranU's Student Life and Belonging Center. It will feature gathering spaces, tabletop games, places for Bible study and cozy corners to recharge between classes.

"My prayer for this space is that it helps to continue growing the culture of belonging here at FranU and students feel welcomed with a Franciscan peace and joy," Gruntz said.

Like everything else in Student Life, Gruntz is quick to point out that the Port is the result of many people working together.

She thanks Student Leadership Programs Coordinator Lesley Padilla, the Student Government Association and the Franciscan Peer Leaders for helping her enhance the student experience every day.

Franciscan Student Life and Servant Leadership isn't just a department or office on FranU's campus," she said. "It's a vibrant community filled with gratitude, joy and charity."

When asked what she hopes every student understands about FranU, Gruntz emphasized people.

"The people here care more about you than you could possibly fathom," she said. "You are more than a student at FranU. You are a child of God who deserves love and compassion along each step of your journey."

This fall, the Port will be open to all students.

If Gruntz has accomplished what she set out to do, they'll find the same thing students have already been finding in her office for years.

An open door.