Columbia

brown 4 5

columbia 48

cornell 5 0

dartmouth 52

harvard 54

penn 56

princeton 58

stanford 6 0

yale 62

Cornell students Iyaniwura Olarewaju ’20 (right) and Brooke Lindsey ’20 (left)

photo: david navadeh

The Spiritual Climate on Campus

The following articles were written to keep readers informed about the spiritual atmosphere at some of America’s leading universities. Some stories will encourage you by highlighting ways God is working through other (non-Christian Union) ministries and alumni. Other articles— on news, trends, and events—are included to help motivate you to pray for these institutions, their students, faculty, and staff, and for all of the Christian ministries that work at these schools.

BROWN

| On Campus

Building Catholic Community

LEADERS, STUDENTS EXCITED ABOUT NEW MINISTRY CENTER

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer

Brown University’s Catholic com- munity is looking forward to wel- coming students to its new ministry home during the fall semester.

After decades of meeting on uni- versity property, Brown-Rhode Island School of Design Catholic Commu- nity (brownrisdcatholic.org) is reno- vating a 3,925-square-foot home in historic College Hill to serve as a beautiful, functional ministry hub. “The students were the main drivers behind this,” said Father Albert Dug- gan, Brown ’03, an associate univer- sity chaplain.

In January, the ministry purchased the multi-story residence at 51 Pros- pect Street, a short walk from the iconic wrought-iron gates of Brown’s campus and near the Rhode Island School of Design. In addition to pro- viding a home-away-from-home for students to congregate and host peers, Brown-RISD Catholic Community wants to support spiritual leaders in training.

As an alumnus, the building proj- ect especially is sweet to Duggan. “The Catholic community on campus was where I made friendships and encoun- tered the faith in a new way,” he said. “In a sense, the seeds of my vocation were planted here.”

In spring 2019, Brown’s Catholic community began a feasibility study on options to establish a private center.

For over six decades, the ministry has utilized the historic Manning Chapel and other campus spaces. Part of the inspiration for the purchase stemmed from activities co-hosted with Christian Union at the Adoniram Judson Ministry Center on Lloyd Avenue.

“The one thing we have been lacking is a space on College Hill to call our own,” said Duggan.

Fellow campus minister Megan O’Brien Crayne called the center an “absolute game-changer” for Brownbuilt in 1979 but underwent a substantial renovation in 2014. Real estate listings highlighted the home’s stylish, open floor plan, beamed ceilings, and light oak flooring, along with its pair of black, stone fireplaces, and sleek, European-style kitchen. The listings also noted the contemporary building’s sun-filled rooms and vistas of downtown Providence.

As such, Duggan envisions the center serving as the venue for weekly dinners, Sunday brunches, regular

RISD Catholic Community. “Having our own building will take our ministry to the next level and create unprecedented opportunities for hospitality and connection among students,” said Crayne, Stanford ’14.

In August 2019, the Thomas Becket Foundation approved the building project along with a $3.5 million capital campaign. Since 1969, the nonprofit organization of Catholic alumni, parents, and other backers have provided support for Catholic ministry at Brown, a cutting-edge research and educational institution.

The Prospect Street property was coffee gatherings, and the like. Eventually, the Dominican priest would like to see the edifice equipped with an espresso machine, grill, and even a deep fryer to accommodate fish dinners.

Credit: Photos by Christopher Whirlow, courtesy of Jim Derentus. Brown University’s Catholic community is renovating a property in College Hill to serve as a beautiful, functional ministry hub.

“We want to forge relationships among students and connect them to one another,” said Duggan.

Likewise, the Michigan native hopes students will feel comfortable inviting their collegiate peers to a variety of activities. “As a priest, it’s such a joy to be back here and show the students what was revealed to me,” said Duggan. “In the church, we are part of something greater than ourselves.”

The first floor of the renovated ministry center will feature a dining area and a combination social hall and study space. Brown-RISD Catholic Community (BRCC) also is converting the property’s adjoining two-car garage into a 500-square-foot chapel.

As needed, BRCC will still use Manning Chapel, especially for large gatherings, including Sunday morning mass. The chaplains will continue to maintain space in the Office of Chaplains & Religious Life.

The plans for the second floor of the center call for a library, two meeting rooms, and additional study space. BRCC plans to name the property’s landscaped garden after the late Father Howard O’Shea, a Franciscan priest and beloved chaplain who served the campus from 1967 to 1994.

The Harvard alumnus of 1949 became the first full-time Catholic chaplain at Brown, where he relished serving as a source of inspiration and wisdom for students.

During the spring and early summer, BRCC is pursuing renovations, satisfying building, safety, and handicap codes, and handling additional fundraising. The ministry also plans Catholic identity on its neighboring new domicile serve as a thriving base to decorate the facility with Christian campuses via its new home base. for Bible studies that challenge stuartwork, with an emphasis on The house will also literally put dents to live out the Gospel and thought-provoking pieces. the Catholic community on the map, launch missionary efforts. Likewise,

“We are pushing forward and exmaking this beautiful community some students need a safe haven to pect to be operational by the time our more visible and more easily found, explore their faith. students come back in the fall,” said Duggan, who joined Brown as a chap“Having our own building will take our ministry to the lain in fall 2015. BRCC continues to fundraise for next level and create unprecedented opportunities for $500,000 to complete renovations hospitality and connection among students.” and help establish an endowment to cover some operating and mainte—Megan O’Brien Crayne nance expenses. The ministry also is offering a variety of naming opporand giving it more of a sense of legit“The challenges facing students tunities for gifts. imacy in the eyes of those not familseem to be far greater than they were

In October, BRCC wants to celiar with our community,” said Crayne. 20, 30, or 50 years ago. We know that ebrate a grand opening in coordination As for Duggan, the friar remains many students struggle with questions with homecoming and reunion activgrateful for the deep imprint of about faith and religion in college,” ities (if students are permitted to reBrown’s Catholic community upon Duggan said. turn to campus in the wake of the his spiritual life, especially for “what “We want to welcome them into current Coronavirus Pandemic). it did for me as a student and in nurthe faith and introduce them to BRCC, a ministry of the Diocese of turing my faith.” Christ.” | cu Providence, also aims to strengthen Duggan wants to see the ministry's

brown news-in-brief

Worship Event Focuses on the Love of God

In February, ministries at Brown University teamed up to host a night of combined worship centered on the theme of God’s love. The event, held February 14, featured music, student testimonies, and an exploration of the nature of the love of God. Participating ministries included: Christian Union, The Branch at Brown, Cornerstone Magazine, Brown Christian Fellowship, Black Christian Ministries, and other organizations.

After the event, participants from The Branch at Brown expressed appreciation for the large turnout and rich discussion. In response to student inquiries, the organization also provided a list of campus Christian organizations and nearby churches.

Holy Week Reflections

During Holy Week, students involved with Cornerstone: Brown & Rhode Island School of Design’s Christian Literary Magazine reflected upon Jesus Christ and His great love for His people.

About two dozen students and advisers with Cornerstone shared blog posts about the meaning of the Savior’s death upon the cross and His resurrection. Chaelin Jung ’23 highlighted how the cross reflects Christ’s commitment to rescuing His followers. “The battle has been won; death has been defeated,” Jung wrote. “So, we rejoice.” Claire Lin ’23 noted how God remains faithful, even in the midst of calamities. “In light of everything that is happening in this world, I think there is a certain comfort knowing that we are holding onto a faithful and loving God who can use all of it for redemption,” she wrote.