About Us

The Crossing is a diverse and caring community of students who find belonging in welcoming, food sharing spaces, who are interested in exploring religion and justice as persons of faith, as skeptics or humanists, and who believe that advocating for others, for human dignity, without prejudice, is essential to our becoming.

Love is Essential”

Freedom of Religion means any religion and no religion”

Sacred scriptures deserve critical readings”

Trans is Beautiful”

Earth Care is Our Responsibility”

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AFFIRMS:

Women’s Rights are Human Rights”

No Human Being Is Illegal”

Anti-Racism is Daily Work”

Black Lives Matter”

War is the problem, not a solution“

The teachings and example of Jesus, offer inspiration, wisdom and hopefulness“

Meet the Team

  • Rev. Michael Burch - Executive Director

    Rev. Michael Burch has years of ministry, non-profit and university experience, including as a teacher and coach. He completed degrees in the Graduate Theological Union-UC Berkeley joint MA program and in ancient Mediterranean religions and philosophies at Brown University. He served as senior minister for churches in Rhode Island and the SF Bay Area. Most recently he was a visiting faculty member at the Berkeley School of Theology (CA). He has broad experience in interfaith collaborations among Abrahamic traditions, and other world faiths. Rev. Burch returns to UW-Madison, having started his coaching career at UW years ago in wrestling. He later coached for 18 years at UC Davis and Brown University. At both universities Michael was part of two widely publicized student civil rights cases. Litigation against UC Davis was an historic Title IX case that helped initiate women’s wrestling at the college level.

    "I am grateful for the opportunity to join The Crossing community and support its broad and inclusive mission. I’m excited to champion the values of belonging, exploring, advocating and becoming. I feel fortunate to collaborate with such a talented and dedicated group of students and staff."

    From wherever you are coming, as you make your way at UW, you are welcome at The Crossing. I look forward to welcoming you and getting to know you.”

    Reach Rev. Burch at The Crossing (#211), and by e-mail at burch.director@crossingministries.org, or call/text at (608) 217-4403

  • Andi Maza - Building Administrator

    Andi started as a student at The Crossing in 2016. She has fulfilled many roles in the organization since then, including student intern, The Crossing student organization president, building resident, building manager, and now most recently, the building administrator. Reach out to Andi for any questions pertaining to the building, events, space rentals, and logistics.

    You can reach Andi by stopping by her office room #219 on the second floor of The Crossing, by e-mail at office@crossingministries.org, or by call/text at (608) 257-1039

  • Imran Khan - Justice Advocacy Coordinator for Food Justice

    Imran is currently a junior at UW-Madison studying Global Health and Microbiology. He is passionate about advocating for just food systems, and is hoping to increase transparency within campus to promote food security. Outside of school, Imran enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing or watching soccer, and playing his guitar.

    Imran has been involved with food justice since the spring of his sophomore year. For a class project, he composed a research paper discussing the prevalence of food insecurity in the US, among college students, and in Dane county. His research sparked a passion for advocacy, inspiring him to get involved with organizations on campus that help alleviate food insecurity. Imran has been volunteering with Slow Food UW since the spring of his sophomore year, and hopes to continue working on advocating for food justice with Slow Food and the Crossing. He plans to introduce a food justice blog to help spread awareness about problems with food systems and food security among peers.

  • Cece Babat - Justice Advocacy Coordinator for Criminal Justice

    Hi! My name is Cece Babat. I am currently a senior at UW-Madison studying Psychology and Social Work. I intend to apply for my master's in social work by the end of the year. I am super excited to be a social justice advocate at The Crossing for the upcoming school year and hopefully next year too! I began my involvement with The Crossing during the Spring 2024 semester where I worked with Talib Akbar to promote his life-size solitary confinement display. I look forward to continuing my advocacy as The Crossing’s criminal justice social advocate! My work this semester will primarily be focused on consolidating re-entry resources within Dane County for released individuals. I intend to partner with MOSES and other criminal justice organizations around Madison to organize and create social change.

  • Mara Allen - Justice Advocacy Coordinator for Cultural Awareness and Justice

    Hello, my name is Mara Allen and I am a senior at UW-Madison studying Psychology and Spanish. Upon graduating, I intend to pursue graduate studies in psychology with the goal of becoming a forensic psychologist and serving both immigrant populations and individuals involved in the criminal justice system. I have been a student with The Crossing since 2020 and I am excited to be taking on the role of the Advocacy Coordinator for Cultural Awareness and Justice this year! In this role I look forward to connecting and partnering with Caribbean-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations, both in Madison and on the various islands, to promote our rich culture through community service and outreach and other exciting collaborative events. 

Board Of Directors

  • Carolyn Betz

    Member of the Board of Directors

  • Rev. Jen Bloesch

    Member of the Board of Directors

  • Kory Douglass

    Member of the Board of Directors

  • Phillip Kollmeyer

    Member of the Board of Directors

  • Sue Dixon

    Member of the Board of Directors

  • Sherry Caves

    Member of the Board of Directors

  • Rev. Tim Schaefer

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  • Rev. Brian Henderson

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  • Jeff Luthenan

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  • Tom German

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The Crossing is affiliated with and supported by three Christian denominations