“A priest, a preacher and a Rabbi walked into their favorite dinner.” A little comedic humor when explaining the interesting activity that brought all backgrounds of people to Cav’s Corner in celebration of Cabrini Day. A new event coordinated by the 2013-14 Cabrini day committee invited faculty and students to discuss their commitments to Cabrini’s mission.
The event was headed by the Interfaith club on campus, an extension of author Eboo Patel’s foundation Interfaith Youth Core. The groups purpose on campus is to be the catalyst for the discussion of interfaith as it applies to Cabrini. Senior Claire Pressimone, club president, welcomed everyone to join in the activity as this would be a new focus for the campus as it expands its interfaith presence. The organization is committed to expanding the definition of interfaith and how it can be woven in the fabric of Cabrini.
Each table was first supplied with a copy of the college’s mission and asked the question “Why are you committed to Cabrini’s mission?”
For those who are unfamiliar with the campuses mission it reads, “Cabrini College is a Catholic institution of higher education dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and commitment to social justice. The College welcomes learners of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds and prepares them to become engaged citizens of the world.”
As members of the Cabrini family it’s imperative for all to know the mission of the college, as it is the foundation of the intellectual goals of the institution and is the influencer of the personal experiences had while on campus. The event was designed to allow students and faculty to actively discuss their involvement in increasing interfaith relationships while still staying true to the mission.
The event landscape included five tables with a faculty presenter at each table. Presenters had 20-30 minutes to discuss their values and personal experiences as it pertains to the campus mission with students and other faculty members in attendance. Students were encouraged to interact with faculty, voice personal experiences while at Cabrini and identity their part in the campus mission.
One of the tables included the director for the Center for Teaching and Learning, Lisa Ratmansky. Ratmanksy opened up her discussion with participants choosing from a pile of photos the photo they were most drawn to. Each photo represented a specific part of Cabrini such as athletics, alumni, faculty/administration and landmarks on campus. Ratmansky asked everyone at the table to choose their favorite photo and explain why they were most drawn to it. A faculty member in graduate education, Alia Sheety picked up the photo of Mother Cabrini. When asked why she choose the photo, Sheety said, “For me this photo shows a image of strength. Someone I aspire every day to be like. ”
Students at other tables appeared comfortable with their presenters, many of whom opened up with their personal experiences on campus and their connection with the campus mission. There were also alumni in attendance to participate in the dialogue. Recent graduate John McDevitt interacted with current students and gave his perspective to the effects the Cabrini mission has had on him as an alum. “For me I am more mindful of the principles of Cabrini. It follows me in my experiences now as an alum,” McDevitt said.
This event was great for students to come together and spark a conversation on the campus mission and the purpose of interfaith on the campus. The comfortable atmosphere made it easy for students to interact with no judgment, while enjoying the perspective of others at the table. To hear friends speak about their personal experiences and the impact of Cabrini on them allowed for everyone to unite on a common ground. Every student at Cabrini has a commitment to find their personal identity within the colleges’ mission.
