There are eight student religious and spiritual groups on campus. Participation in each group is open to all students. Check out these groups and see how you can meet other students, and engage in spiritual practice and conversation.
Buddhist Meditation Group
The Buddhist Meditation Group of Occidental College is for students of both Buddhist and non-Buddhist backgrounds seeking to encounter the teachings of Gautama Buddha who lived in India over 2,500 years ago. The focus is on Buddhism as it is lived and practiced today, and is aimed to supplement the academic approach of courses offered at the college on the religion. Meditation is conducted in the Zen style.
Religious Advisor: Rev. Nobuko Miyoshi, Rev. Nobuko Miyoshi
Hillel
Hillel is the center of Jewish life on Occidental’s campus. Hillel provides social, intellectual, and spiritual opportunities for students to explore and celebrate their Jewish identity. Email Hillel@oxy.edu
Religious Advisor: Ben Greenberg, bgreenberg@oxy.edu Student Leader: Alexa Richman, arichman@oxy.edu
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
InterVaristy Christian Fellowship is a multi-ethnic community committed to following Jesus and growing in love for God together. We do this through weekly large group gatherings, small group Bible studies, social justice projects and more. Small groups meet throughout the week in various residence halls and locations.
Religious Advisors: Weley Lai, weley.lai@intervarsity.org and Sam Chan, samuel.chan@intervarsity.org
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Students Association
Contact Lincoln Hale if interested in any Latter-Day Saints programs and events.
Religious Advisor: Lincoln Hale, lincoln.hale@churchofjesuschrist.org
Muslim Student Association
We are a diverse group of Muslims with roots from across the United States, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. We are a group of students dedicated to educating ourselves and others on Islam, and providing a liberating space for Muslim students to come together on a weekly basis. We work actively on taking action on issues of political, social, cultural, and religious importance. We promote an interfaith environment founded on the principles of justice and solidarity. All are welcome! MSA meets every Friday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Serenity Room in Lower Herrick.
Religious Advisor: Logan Siler, logandavidsiler1@gmail.com, Student Leader: msa@oxy.edu
Newman Catholic Community
The Newman Catholic Community was established on Occidental College in 1921. Rooted in the spiritual tradition of the Roman Catholic faith and called to be disciples of Jesus Christ, we are here to proclaim the Good News of God’s love for all people. As a dynamic faith community for students and faculty alike, we encourage one another through prayer, worship, and living the reality of the Christian life in an environment where students can ask questions, seek truth and encounter Jesus Christ face-to-face. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we accept our mission to reach out to all God’s people, especially to those in need, so that the Kingdom of God may be realized in our campus, community, nation and world.
Religious Advisor: Christopher Negri, negri@oxy.edu Student Leader: Joaquin Madrid Larranga, jmadridlarra@oxy.edu
Progressive Christians Uniting
Progressive Christians Uniting meets for discussion about Christianity. In addition to our weekly meetings, we offer opportunities for students to be engaged in social issues. This may be helping immigrant workers on their organic farms or perhaps protesting unfair propositions. We are open to anyone who would like to use their faith traditions to bring healing to the world. We don’t have all the answers but we are group where together we can explore the questions.
Religious Advisor: Rev. Dr. Susan Young, young@oxy.edu