OCR Text |
Show Reflection Center To address a growing need ing in the restrooms," said to accommodate various faiths represented on campus, the new Student Life and Wellness Center features a Reflection Center. The center is divided in three separate environments: one specifically designated for meditation and silent prayer; another for outward religious expression, such as verbal prayer; and the other serves as a location for interfaith discussions, lectures and student club meetings. "Students came to me admitting that they were pray- Linda Walton, co-chair of the Reflection Center Advisory Board. "That is unacceptable?' Despite an 80 percent Latter-day Saint student population, the university has an increasingly diverse makeup, including students from all 50 states and nearly 70 foreign countries. "[The Reflection Center] makes a very big difference to the Islamic culture. It is the first university I've been to that makes these kinds of accommodations:' said Dr. Ruhul Kudus of the Utah Valley Islamic Council. "We appreciate it?' Members of distinct faiths can utilize the meeting area to further their knowledge of the various beliefs represented on campus. The LDS Institute facilities serve the large LDS student community, but its planned that the Reflection Center will bring together and welcome all denominations. "The LDS Institute was generous to provide space for [non-LDS students], however a more neutral space was needed:' Walton said. "Fund- ed by students, this space will provide—along with the rest of Student Wellness Center—for physical, mental and spiritual welfare for anyone on campus?' Individuals not affiliated with a religion are also encouraged to use the center as a means to escaping the rigors of college life through introspection. "Stress is the number one cause for college failure said Amy Grubbs, director of Campus Recreation and Wellness. "[The Reflection Center] will be a great place to quiet your mind." |