By Anna Bonelli
March 25. 2025
STORRS — Students from different faith backgrounds came together for an interfaith dinner at the University of Connecticut in an effort to strengthen community ties on campus.
STORRS, Conn. — Students from different faith backgrounds came together Tuesday evening for an interfaith dinner at the Catholic Center at the University of Connecticut in an effort to strengthen community ties on campus.
The event, held on March 25 at 5 p.m., brought members of the university’s Catholic and Jewish communities together for an evening of conversation and connection. Vegetarian chili was served at the event as well. The Catholic Huskies executive board aimed to foster friendships among students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to interact. Megan Sicotte, a sophomore psychology major who attended the dinner is a regular attendee at Catholic center events.
“Events like this are unique to our community, and I really enjoyed meeting people through the Catholic Center as well,” said Sicotte.
At a university as large as the University of Connecticut with 20,000 students, they often find themselves within their own social circles, making it challenging to engage with different groups. The interfaith dinner was designed to help break down those barriers and encourage open discussions about faith, culture and shared experiences. There were question prompts on each table to encourage and assist these conversations. Brooke Maguire, a sophomore nursing student, had just recently started getting involved with the Catholic center and came to this event in hopes to connect with students from both communities.
“I feel like it can be tricky getting to know other communities at such a large school since we all like to stay in our bubbles, but events like this really help intertwine communities,” said Maguire.
The Catholic Center frequently hosts events aimed at building connections among students like pasta dinners on Wednesdays and Adoration on Thursdays. This dinner was specifically designed as an interfaith initiative to bridge the gap between religious communities. By providing a welcoming environment, the Catholic center executive board hoped to encourage meaningful conversations about faith and identity while also allowing students to bond over food.
The informal setting of the dinner helped create a relaxed atmosphere where students could share personal experiences and perspectives. Conversations ranged from religious traditions to daily campus life, demonstrating how much students of different faiths have in common despite their differing backgrounds.
Many attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet new people in a setting outside of their usual social and religious circles. Many said the event was a step toward building a more inclusive campus environment where students of all faiths feel welcome and supported.
By the end of the night, students left not just with full plates but also with a greater sense of community and a deeper understanding of those around them. As efforts to bring students together continue, events like the interfaith dinner serve as a reminder of the importance of fostering connections beyond individual groups and beliefs.
Contacts
Megan Sicotte (860) 385‑3495
Brooke Maguire (508) 865‑5527
Anna Bonelli's Portfolio 