by Amy J. Hase
In 1943 my great-grandma Julienne Velie arrived at University of Northwestern – St. Paul with the intention to study the Bible and grow in her relationship with Christ. The time she spent here had an incredible impact on her faith and the faith of those around her.
Julienne grew up in a Christian home and a Christian community, in the small village of Elk Mound, Wisconsin. But, just like everyone else she still had to make the choice to follow God, which she did at a young age. In the fall of 1943, when she was 17 years old, she came to Northwestern looking to immerse herself in an environment where Christ was the center of all things. And that is exactly what she found here.
Northwestern Freshman/Sophomore Class 1943
During her time at Northwestern, she gained not only a deeper understanding of the gospel, but also the importance of living a life boldly for the Lord. She would go on to spend the rest of her life in pursuit of becoming more like Christ. She was one of the most faithful women I ever met, spending each spare moment she had in prayer.
This is something that she passionately shared with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was intentional with each and every one of us, constantly lifting us up in prayer and with words of encouragement.
Though she faced many trials in her life, by God’s grace she used it all to become more like Him. She set such an example of a godly women, and her faith has impacted all who knew her.
She passed away this summer at the age of 99, but her legacy lives on.
I am one of her twenty-eight great-grandkids, and here I am 80 years later, going to the school she attended and spoke so highly of. I’m hoping that my time here will help me to increase my faith and understanding of the gospel. That I might live a life just as faithfully as she lived hers, continuing to spread the gospel for generations to come.
“I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 89:1 ESV
