Staff

Fr. Chris Valka, CSB, Chaplain/Campus Minister

Father Chris Valka, C.S.B. was recently ordained a priest for the Congregation of St. Basil in May 2009 and currently serves as the Campus Minister to the University of Windsor through Assumption University in Windsor, Ontario.

Fr. Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications/Public Relations from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas (1997); a Master of Science Degree in Secondary Education/Administration from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York (2006); and a Master of Divinity Degree from University of St. Michael’s College Faculty of Theology at the University of Toronto (2008).

Prior to his association with the Basilian Fathers, Fr. Chris was employed in special event coordination, marketing and public relations fields in both the non and for-profit sectors. Fr. Chris taught in high-risk, urban high schools for three years before professing vows with the Basilians, after which his primary ministry was at Salt + Light Television. As a Deacon, Fr. Chris was assigned to St. Albert the Great Newman Parish on the campus of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Most recently, Fr. Chris taught American Literature, Public Speaking and Microsoft Office at Catholic Central High School in Novi, Michigan. Additional special assignments have included work at Seton Hall University, the United Nations and World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, Australia.

Andrea Kitz, Program Coordinator

Andrea is from Hamilton, Ontario, she is a recent graduate of the University of Windsor. She holds a B Ed in Primary Education and a BA Honours in Drama in Education and Community.

Andrea’s studies and work have always centered on creating engaging educational experiences for students of all ages. She has a passion for travelling and spent a summer in Italy teaching English. In addition to volunteering with the Children’s Liturgy program at Assumption, Andrea has previously worked as a Den Parent for the Stratford Shakespeare Festival School, Camp Director at the John Freeman Walls Historic Site & Underground Railroad Museum, and Front of House Manager for Essex Hall Theatre.

Andrea feels very blessed to be working as Program Coordinator for Campus Ministry where she feels an overwhelming sense of community, love, and support from everyone involved.

Niharika Bandaru, Program Assistant

From India, and studying Environmental Engineering. When Niharika is not in Windsor, she lives in Hong Kong with her parents.  Niharika is deeply passionate about the environment. Reading, writing, singing, painting and dance are a few of her favorite hobbies and she loves to jump on to any opportunity that helps her participate in any of the above hobbies.

Niharika is a Hindu, from a long line of Hinduism following predecessors. She considers herself more spiritual than religious and like to explore her growth as a human being through her spirituality.

Niharika started working at the Campus Ministry in the Fall of 2010, of which she says, “knowing little about how much I would love the experience! The constant humdrum of activity, the colorful ambience and the lovely people that I get to interact with, make my day.  Working here is more of a chance to rejuvenate and replenish myself as opposed to being a source of stress.”

As far as her future goals are concerned, Niharika lists:  “Pursuing a Master's degree, becoming my own employer, saving the planet, and being a good human being.”

Emangukere Ogar, Program Assistant

Ema is from Nigeria in Africa, studying International Relations and Political Science and practicing Roman Catholic attending Assumption Parish.

When asked why she wanted to work at Campus Minstry, she said, “I applied for this job because I liked the working environment in Campus Ministry; they are like a family and I feel it would give me the best avenue to learn and meet different people.  I look forward to making campus ministry my home away from home. This opportunity means a lot to me. Thank You!”

Kishan Parekh, Facilities Assistant

Kishan is also from India but grew up in Zimbabwe, studying Computer Scinece with minors in Mathematics and Psychology and practicing Hindu (though very interested in other religions as well).

Kishan enjoys sports, more specifically, rugby, soccer (Arsenal) and cricket, making every opportunity to partake in them whenever possible.

When asked why he wanted to work at Campus Ministry, he said, “I chose to work at the Campus Ministry to gain insight into the more administrative side of things, how facilities at such a place are used, and to get to know more people. I would like to learn as much as I can from this experience and I look forward to working here.”