Erik(a) Michael Boss
Master of Divinity
What is your favorite memory of your time at LSTC?
It is difficult to name just one memory because there have been so many opportunities for our small community to come together and share our love of God and God’s people. One of my favorite memories at LSTC was the baby shower thrown for my family in the spring of 2024. Marvis, Olivia, and Leah worked together with L. to craft a low-waste event that ensured that we had the proper supplies necessary to care for our newborn. LSTC has offered my family a network of friends thanks to student housing. Without these relationships I do not know how I could feel as hopeful as I do for the future of the ELCA. People who I hope to be lifelong peers and friends helped my family in the first days of Cadence’s life with dog walking, grocery shopping, meal prepping, and more. Thank you to all who helped us in this time of our lives, to Sara Trumm who created fun activities for the baby shower which allowed others to get to know our baby, to Pastor Erik who offered a lovely blessing, and to our friends we made through LSTC who I am filled with warm memories of.
What was the most meaningful class you took?
The most meaningful class I took was the seminar course offered by Dr. Thomas, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference in Atlanta, 2023. I grew a lot at this conference. It was the first time that I used the name Erika since I was attending Laramie Junior High School, it was the first time that I experienced worship with so much soul, and it was the first time that I needed to apologize for my total ignorance to somebody who I respect in the highest regard. That moment helped to orient me to justice in the world and has made me a better pastoral caregiver, a better preacher and theologian, and a better human doing my best at “human-ing” while being reminded that grace is the gospel message.
How did you feel supported during your seminary journey? Were you the recipient of any major scholarships? What communities or people uplifted you during your studies?
I felt supported by LSTC’s staff who allowed me to explore my identity, practice event planning, practice political, spiritual, and community organizing, and who supported me during some of the most stressful years I have ever experienced, especially Dean Chalmers. I felt supported by LSTC’s faculty, by too many professors for me to name but especially Dr Petersen. I received support from individuals and churches that contributed to my education throughout my time at LSTC, most prominently Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills, Colorado. I would also like to thank the many churches that supported me anonymously. I would like to thank the generous contribution of the Jack Sersig Scholarship, the Wingate Memorial Scholarship, the CCME scholarship, the Synod Grant Scholarship, the Fund for Leaders Scholarship, and the class of 2023 for their CPE scholarship.
What are your post-graduation plans?
On February 8th, 2026 I was accepted into the Rocky Mountain Synod for Word and Sacrament! I am currently living in Laramie, Wyoming working at a preschool part-time. My spare time is being used for being a parent and spouse, volunteering at different ministry settings in town, and building a young coalition in the state of Wyoming that will someday help elect candidates who align with values like feeding the poor, caring for the sick, and loving our neighbors, especially immigrants.
How did LSTC shape you as a future leader of the public church?
LSTC taught me about my own personal biases more deeply than my psychology degree ever could have. LSTC taught me that I need to be gentler and kinder to myself, while also stretching me to know myself and my world better. Finally, LSTC taught me and brought me closer to Jesus not only in some of my classes, but through experimental worship throughout the week and a community that I could pray, sing, dance, rage, laugh, cry, and learn with – this and so much more.
