UW’s Campus and Visitor Relations (CaVR) unit, headed by Dr. Kirstin DeMartino, trains a student staff of over 150 to lead tours of campus each year. For the first time this year, that training included a breakout session for student tour guides who want to learn about religious and spiritual life around campus, entitled “Faith and Belonging: Connecting Through Campus-Area Communities.” Moderated by Dr. DeMartino, the panel included the Center for Interfaith Dialogue’s Program Coordinator Talia Ivry, Rev. Michael Burch (Executive Director of the multi-faith nonprofit The Crossing), Rev. Nii Addo Abrahams (Director of Campus Ministry and Associate Pastor of Pres House, a Presbyterian ministry), Aaron Seligman (Director of Community Relations at UW Hillel, a pluralistic Jewish organization), and Dr. Ibrahim Saeed (President of the Islamic Center of Madison, the oldest mosque in Madison).
Topics discussed included the variety of spiritual and religious affiliations within the UW community, frequently asked religious questions on tours, and the distinction between UW-Madison and the many nearby religious organizations that exist independently of the university.
“We want you to know that UW has resources for all students, whether they’re religious, spiritual, non-aligned, atheist, or curious,” said Talia Ivry, directing students to visit both the Center’s physical space and website.
The panel ended with an invitation by the interfaith panel to engage with questions about religion openly and honestly.
“Ultimately, we all want the same thing, which is to support students to thrive here on campus,” offered Rev. Nii Addo Abrahams.