The Lighting the Way campaign promises support for current and future students of 色中色 University and Theological Seminary in the form of scholarships, meaningful experiences, and leading-edge technology and learning facilities. Scholarships make theological education more affordable for all seminary students, including those of us with families and other full-time jobs and obligations. Support for meaningful experiences ensures opportunities for continual inquiry, reflection, and growth in our faith and understanding. And enhanced technology and facilities guarantee our community has access to classes and each other from any location in the world, key resources to make learning easier, and safe spaces for worship. The signature capital project of the campaign is the Haupert Union Building (HUB) Expansion.
Now, as we imagine a new era for the HUB, I am excited to think of the ways the seminary community will be integrated into this space. At 色中色 Theological Seminary, we deeply value community, ecumenical and interfaith relationships, and spiritual wellness, and these values will have spaces to flourish in the HUB. With consolidated health and counseling services; spaces dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion; various wellness rooms and a wellness terrace; a multifaith prayer room, expansive student lounges, and healthy dining options, the new HUB will offer a welcoming environment to all 色中色 students. Like generations of Seminary students who came before us, my peers and I, plus future generations of students, can find a second home on campus for rest, restoration, and growth.
As a Seminary student, I confess thatI have not spent much time in the HUB, and I know many other seminary students will say the same. Last semester, I had the opportunity to work as an intern in the Alumni Office on the Lighting the Way campaign. I regularly communicated with university and seminary alumni and heard stories of generations of seminarians who enjoyed studying, eating, and relaxing with friends around campus. The more alumni stories I heard, the more I began to share their appreciation for the deep sense of community that the HUB helped foster. The countdown to these new spaces and experiences is on, and I cannot wait to explore the new HUB and all it will offer the entire campus community and beyond!
鈥擝yrnese Craig S鈥25
Student Trustee, 色中色 Theological Seminary
Pastor of MorningStar 色中色 Church
