President Sharon Herzberger, Assistant Director of the Cultural Center Adrianna Martinez and Whittier faith-based club representatives Joshua Magana (Christian Poets), Ariella Green (Jewish Student Union), and Nayely Limon (Newman Club) participated in the Fourth Annual President’s White House Forum on Interfaith and Community Service this past Monday.
The purpose of the conference -- which brought together representatives from over 400 institutions of higher education -- was to bring together students and educational leaders of different spiritual and religious backgrounds who share an interest in diversity and community service. The forum provides a way for Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, non-believers, and others walks of faith to bridge gaps between differences and connect through common values.
Whittier students participated in order to learn about different ways they can help facilitate interfaith cooperation campus.
“[Inter-faith engagement] is really effective to Whittier because we are so diverse,” said Martinez.
The participants attended sessions throughout the day and participated in activities such as the 9/11 unity walk, a rally down Embassy Way promoting spiritual diversity. Starting at a synagogue, Martinez and the students walked from churches, to temples, to mosses, and Buddhist centers, learning from and witnessing a wide range of religious institutions working together.
“It was so inspiring to see a commitment to a cause that everyone is so passionate about,” said Martinez. “It affirmed what I strived to do at Whittier College and showed how we can always do better."
By Hallie Gayle '15
