St. Thomas University has found a temporary replacement for Janice Ryan, the campus minister who resigned nearly three weeks ago and whose duties included the management of the university food bank.
Vivien Zelazny is a professor in the Aquinas program, a member of the faith community at STU and a graduate of the university.
Jeffrey Carleton, communications director for St. Thomas, said Zelazny has been acting as campus minister since Oct. 19.
Whether this temporary position will become full-time has yet to be decided, he said.
“My understanding is that will be the next step, to make that determination,” said Carleton. “This fits in the near-term of what we need for campus ministry. What we need long-term, I think that’s something the administration will sit down and look at.”
While the transition has been a smooth one, this is a key time for the food bank and management is needed, he said.
“It is now fully stocked, but it is a important time for the food bank because Trick-or-Eat is a key activity for them to stock their shelves.”.
During the transition, the food bank was open every day GMH was, and operations ran normally.
“She’s gearing up to look at the Remembrance Day ceremony, the opening of the new chapel (in mid-November), and Trick-or-Eat,” said Carleton.
Ryan left the university to be with her daughter in Ottawa. After she resigned, members of the faith community felt saddened by the loss and noted there was a gap in the community.
Carleton said Zelazny volunteered and the university felt she was a suitable replacement with her history in the community.
“It’s a nice fit that will benefit the community.”
