The incredible diversity of the Stevens community was illuminated in this year’s Winter Interfaith Summit. Held in Gateway North on December 10, the Summit wasn’t just another meeting; it was a showcase of the diverse beliefs on campus. Spiritual organizations such as Newman Catholic, the Stevens Christian Fellowship, the Sikh Student Association, and more united to share their faith with all attendees. The Summit drew those who were devoted to their faith and those who were simply curious, uniting the Stevens community as one.
This year’s outcome stems from the passion of its student leadership. Charles Smith, President of Newman Catholic, has shared that he hopes “this Interfaith Summit strengthens the bonds between religious organizations and allows us to see past our differences, particularly when it comes to serving the community.” His perspective perfectly fits with the Summit’s theme of “Community Care and Collective Well-Being,” as Newman Catholic aims to assist those in need. Similarly, Sikh Student Association’s President Jasraj Baweja has also shared, “to us, the theme connects directly to Seva, which is a central part of Sikhism. It means selfless service, and it’s all about taking care of the community.”
The organizations at this year’s Interfaith Summit have been dedicated to creating an impact both on and off campus. Stevens Christian Fellowship (SCF) President Anthony Tarallo has made the organization a truly tight community, emphasizing genuine connections and ensuring people find a sense of belonging. SCF’s Alpha Course and weekly Bible study foster a close community for students at Stevens, while its recent Operation Christmas Child charity project has ensured children facing extreme circumstances receive a present. Similarly, the Sikh Student Association has taken part in food and hygiene kit drives, inspired by the Sikh values in giving back. Members of Newman Catholic have also participated in a variety of service events, including donating unsold bagels to the Hoboken Shelter and participating in Sandwich Sundays at the Saints Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church.
Beyond service activities, the primary mission of each organization remains the same: welcoming students with open arms. Brooke Pasker, Campus Minister of Newman Catholic, encourages anyone interested in the Catholic faith to reach out to Chaplain Father Jarek or to her for individual conversation. Tarallo welcomes all forms of questions at SCF as his mission is to make Christ known, emphasizing, “we are all made for spiritual growth within a community”.
By the end of this year’s annual event, those in the Interfaith Summit had worked together to assemble nearly 150 hygiene care kits. While this year’s Summit is over, the work for spiritual connection continues year-round from all participating groups, including Hillel, Olami, SCF, and the Muslim Student Association (MSA). Community has played a driving role in each organization, transforming Stevens into a place that feels like home. As Tarallo and Baweja noted, involvement in their respective groups has created a powerful sense of community, lifelong friendships, and shared purpose during their time at Stevens.
