Access and Diversity spotlight: Interfaith Student Association
The Interfaith Student Association promotes religious awareness and creates a community for those who want to talk about religion.
Jacob Hayden, vice president, said, “We are a group of diverse students from different backgrounds who come together to create a community on campus. A community of people who might not fit in in other places, or want to expand their horizons.”
Hayden is a religious studies major, so when he heard about the Interfaith Student Association, he felt like it was a good group to join.
Kyle Todecheene Fellow religious studies major and club secretary, Geo Hunter. Hunter said he joined the club for the opportunity to attend a special event in Salt Lake City.
“During my freshman year, the parliament of world religions was being held in Salt Lake City. This is a once every five year event. It’s a big deal for major religions,” Hunter said. “USU had 40 slots to send students. That got me more interested in the club so that I could go with them to that.”
The club continues to attend special events and different religious sites throughout Utah. Their site visits have included mosques, chapels, temples, and different services from different religious groups found in Utah.
THE LOGAN LDS TEMPLE is one of many bulidings in Cache Vallley that mark the densely populated Mormon religion in the area. KATELYN BATTLES photo
“My favorite memory with the club is when we went to the Provo City Center Temple open house. We were able to see a beautiful building and it was my first time ever in a temple. We had a great time with good conversation,” Hunter said.
The ISA also works to host many events. One event is their Better Together Tables. Club members set up tables around campus where students can quickly stop to talk and learn about a different religion or religion in general. Another unique event that the ISA puts on is Speed Faithing. This is similar to speed dating, only instead of making date night small talk, the conversation is focused on different religions.
Photo credit: Ryan Costanzo
“We are a small club that likes to do big scale events. I would hope that we simply get people thinking about religion and help them understand how diverse it is and why that is ok,” said Hayden.
The club is open to all students and all faiths. The club’s goal to provide a open and accepting environment has allowed members to find a place where anyone can feel like they belong.
Samuel Becce, club ambassador, said, “Our goal would be to have a place to be accepted. It is a very relaxing place, and only a hour out of your day. Also our group is about getting to know more people in general. Having friends in the club can give you a better campus experience.”
Kyle Todecheene The Religious Studies Department in located on the 3rd floor of Old Main. (Kyle Todecheene)
Hayden said ISA has seen a lot of success this year and he wants to continue its growth and presence on campus.
“We have been seeing remarkable growth this year as far as club membership. We plan to have bigger scale events with more students and continued outreach to faith communities around logan. Just more involvement overall,”Hayden said.
The ISA’s weekly meetings are held Mondays at 5:30 p.m. on the third floor of the Taggart Student Center. More information on the club can also be found here.
“This organization has showed me regardless of religion we can all come together. We are all human and fellow Aggies. We are one,” Hunter said.
— shelby.black@aggiemail.usu.edu
@shelbsterblack