Multicultural and Religious Activities

At Trinity, the liberal arts experience is marked by a spirit of inquiry, a tolerance of difference, and an openness to new ideas. Drawn from all over the nation and the globe, our students and teachers create a community richly textured by their unique cultural heritages and personal identities. But we are more than a collection of individuals. We are united by a passion for learning, and we believe that learning flourishes in our community's diversity of ideas.

As one student said, “You have to be willing to explore, get involved, and you will find many different, exciting people.”

A helpful resource for your explorations, the College's Dean of Multicultural Affairs provides programming, useful information, and support. Also important are the Trinity student groups which have formed to explore and celebrate the cultural diversity that enriches the quality of education at Trinity.

Imani, the Black Student Union, and the Trinity Coalition of Black Women Organization promote the social, educational, and cultural development of African-American students. A focal point for their programs is the Umoja House, located on Vernon Street, which serves as both a social and educational center.

La Voz Latina seeks to establish unity among Latino students and to acquaint the College community with Latin-American culture, politics, and social issues. La Voz also serves as a link to the Hispanic communities of Hartford. The center for these activities is a new house on Vernon Street.

The Asian-American Student Association and the South Asian Cultural Society provide a sense of community to Asian-American and Asian students and promote campus awareness of Asian cultures through social and cultural activities, which are open to the entire campus community. AASA also is based at a new cultural house on Vernon Street.

Although independent and non-sectarian, Trinity College recognizes the importance of religion and spirituality in many students' lives and, accordingly, sponsors a number of organizations like Hillel, Hindu/Sikh Samaj, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Trinity Muslim Association, Trinity Zen, and Newman Club. These and other student organizations work separately, together, and with the Office of the Chaplain to incorporate the practices of various religious traditions into academic, social, artistic, and community service projects. Trinity students can participate in a number of religious activities like the annual staging of Lessons and Carols, informal weekly dinners with the Chaplain, and discussion groups on issues related to religious belief. The Chapel hosts a variety of workshops on topics such as gifts discovery, spiritual journey writing, awareness meditation, and contemplative and centering prayer.

In addition to those activities, Trinity's Chapel offers religious services for all faiths, co-sponsors (with academic departments) discussions of ethics and justice, supports the Chapel Singers and the Chapel Players, and initiates community outreach programs. Many Trinity students find that these religious activities encourage spiritual life on campus and provide a deeper understanding of their own and others' beliefs.

Hillel offers many points of entry into Jewish life for the Trinity community of students, faculty and staff. A community is created through the shared experiences of lively Friday night Shabbat gatherings and holidays celebrated together, as well as programs focusing on Jewish culture and the arts. The Hillel House is a home away from home where students can enjoy spending time together in a comfortable and welcoming setting.

Stephanie Borynack, a senior, recalls that her involvement in these activities during her first year at Trinity “helped me to make the transition” to college life. “It's a nice way to be involved at Trinity,” she says.