A Life of Prayer, Generosity, and Faithful Stewardship 

At 16, Ron Ehresman first encountered InterVarsity through students from his local church who encouraged him to study the Bible. When he arrived at Western Illinois University, he quickly joined an InterVarsity group and eventually led a daily prayer group on campus. Those early relationships would shape the course of his life. 

After college, Ron spent five years working with InterVarsity Press in Chicago. Even after leaving staff, he continued serving through book tables at student conferences. But over time, his ministry gradually turned toward something quieter: prayer. “I began to sense that maybe my gift is prayer,” Ron said. 

That gift has anchored decades of faithful service. Today, Ron’s ministry with InterVarsity centers largely on praying for graduate students, faculty, and staff. Through virtual prayer groups, he has witnessed God at work in the lives of people serving on campuses across the country. Ron also serves at national events, including Urbana and the GFM National Staff Conference, volunteering as an on-site intercessor. “I do have a sense that God is using me,” Ron said. “I don’t always understand why and how. But if God is calling me to be an intercessor, then He knows why He’s doing it. All I’m to do is just obey Him.” 

Ron’s generosity flows from that same conviction. He gives to InterVarsity staff because he wants to encourage those who are raising their own support and remind them that someone is standing with them. He also recognizes that his resources are ultimately God’s. 

His legacy gift carries that belief into the future. “I want whatever assets I end up with to be useful for God when I'm gone,” Ron said. He hopes his estate will help InterVarsity keep reaching students and faculty and fostering meaningful conversations, with particular support for international students, Graduate & Faculty Ministry, and scholarships. 

Looking back, Ron remains grateful for the ministry that helped shape his faith. He still believes deeply in InterVarsity’s calling to reach students and faculty and help them find Christ. Through his prayer, generosity, and legacy, he hopes that InterVarsity's ministry will continue to transform lives.