Georgetown University highlighted on Apr. 20 the diverse ways in which five students from different backgrounds have found and developed their faith during their time at the institution.
The university, rooted in Catholic and Jesuit values, encourages interreligious understanding and supports students of all religious and non-religious traditions as they explore spirituality, participate in dialogue, and form community connections.
Fr. Gregory Schenden, S.J., director of Campus Ministry, said, “Georgetown is a place where students of all faith traditions and backgrounds belong. Our hope is to form students of all identities to be contemplatives in action so that they may lead lives of deeper meaning, belonging and purpose for the common good.”
Among those sharing their stories was Harnoor Sachar (SFS’26), who spoke about finding resonance between Sikh values such as service and justice with Georgetown’s own emphasis on care for others. Sachar described how experiences like Chaplains’ Tea allowed her to connect with peers from other traditions while deepening her own beliefs.
Sarah Brannigan (B’28) recounted growing in her Roman Catholic faith through classes like Problem of God as well as involvement with Catholic Women At Georgetown. She credited access to prayer services for shaping both her studies and personal life.
Kiumars Afrassiabi (B’28) reflected on how participation across different sacred spaces—from Friday prayers at Yarrow Mamout Masjid to meditation at the Dharmic Meditation Center—helped him practice patience, humility, and respect inspired by Ignatian teachings.
Mariela Cruz-Suarez (SFS’28), who does not identify as religious but attended a first-year retreat out of curiosity about spirituality discussed in class, described finding reassurance through small moments she interpreted as spiritual signs during challenging times. She said Georgetown’s focus on reflection helped her embrace uncertainty while seeking meaning.
Sam Perlman (C’27), active within Jewish student organizations on campus, noted that Georgetown’s Jesuit values encouraged open interfaith dialogue alongside academic achievement. He found these values echoed universal principles he learned growing up Jewish: learning both academically and spiritually while serving something larger than oneself.
The university continues to foster an environment where engagement with questions of faith is welcomed across its communities.
