DePaul University resides in the center of one of the largest cities in the United States. Home to over 25,000 students from various backgrounds and places, it is hailed as one of the most diverse student bodies, based on its broad racial, ethnic and socio-economic  demographics, among other private universities in this nation. DePaul University is truly a symbol of our country’s motto: E Pluribus Unum (out of many, one). But, there are some concerns that exist in the hearts of students and even faculty and staff, at the university, that DePaul students are not participating in the available resources.

As an interfaith scholar and one who is around people involved with University Ministry (UMIN) all the time, this issue is more dualistic in nature. For, when I am in UMIN or at events hosted by any of its various organizations , the thought that religion is not present and active in the lives of students in the university is hard to believe. But, then again, if I step back from my particular context as someone committed to UMIN, I realize there are so many students who are merely not involved but also unaware of the resources DePaul offers.

Mark Laboe, the Associate VP of UMIN, agrees and is concerned most students do not take advantage of UMIN in some way while at DePaul. “These years present a  really privileged opportunity for students to examine what is of fundamental importance to them in their life” (i.e. how they frame life’s meaning and purpose, and how they frame the direction in which they are going). The AVP goes on to say it would be a shame, a real loss for students to miss out on nurturing these important questions.

The fact is that there are so many things going on at once at DePaul University that religion and spirituality often seem to be “eclipsed” as Mark puts it. I recall being a freshman, and becoming overwhelmed by the numerous clubs and organizations that were of interest to me. It was very hard for me to go to all of them. I actually didn’t even become involved with interfaith till the end of my sophomore year. However, even with the countless activities and groups available to students, the leadership of UMIN is confident that religion and spirituality are on the rise again.

Javier Orozco, Chaplain for Religious Diversity for UMIN sees clearly the progress that has been made in regards to religious diversity and engagement throughout his 14-year tenure here at DePaul University. He argues that the mission of DePaul calls for serious attention and commitment to religious diversity.

The Mission of DePaul University is threefold: we are a Catholic, Urban and Vincentian educational institution, equally devoted to the three pillars. Catholicism, especially in the past half century, Javier notes, has become very  open to an “engagement with the world, including the different ways of thinking, conceiving and relating to the divine.” DePaul also resides in the city where the first ever Parliament of World Religions took place in 1893 and since has blossomed to become on of the most diverse cities in the nation including religiously. Finally, the Vincentian mission challenges us to look at the margins of humanity, at the “other” as a neighbor rather than a stranger. Social justice initiatives are central to interfaith work and UMIN.

Both Mark and Javier agree the creation of the Student Interfaith Scholars was a large step forward for a few reasons. By training students with the tools to become interfaith scholars, the university is in turn transforming UMIN into a department that is “owned” by the students, where they are the leaders and can feel empowered to be involved in the direction it is moving. Mark Laboe created a Student Leadership Advisory Board this year to work closely with him on finding ways to create healthy environments for interreligious engagement. Javier believes interfaith at DePaul can be the model for universities across this country.

But, ultimately, the elephant in the room, the biggest question of all that you might be asking yourself is “Where do I fit into this process?” Every student at DePaul University whether religious or secular is first and foremost a human. We are all involved in the formation of not only are own adulthoods but the adulthoods of our brothers and sisters at this historic campus. Where is DePaul going in regards to religious diversity? Come join us and help shape the future of our university.

-Nic Cable

Interfaith Scholar 2009-2011

Editor of the Interfaith Review from 2009-2010

Published in the Fall 2009 Issue of the Interfaith Review