This week’s issue is all about getting to know groups on campus that serve the students but who you, dear reader, may not know much about.  

One such group is Haven, an anonymous care group for students who want to connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals. Read Megan Carreon’s article interviewing the executive team for Haven about why this group was formed and what its function is on the Walla Walla University campus.  

To provide context for this article on Haven, we also have an article discussing WWU President John McVay’s recent statement at a faculty-staff meeting about how WWU will remain committed to Seventh-day Adventist values by ministering to LGBTQ+ students. Clarity is kindness, and this statement brings some much-needed clarity to the often disparate and emotionally charged conversations regarding WWU’s approach towards LGBTQ+ issues. 

Another group that is doing important work on our campus is Engineers Without Borders. Read Austin Price’s article to learn about what EWB does through an interview with their project manager Shawn Rantung.  

Read also Nick Humphries’ article on the golf team and how they are fostering community.  

Kudzai Mhondiwa’s article highlights another little-known group: ReNew Sabbath school. ReNew is led this year by Mikhail Beresnev, a student who is passionate about creating a spiritual space where students feel like they belong.  

Finally, as always, read our reissue and Ben Griffin’s humor column (this week he gives dubious tips on how to succeed in a relationship).  

All the groups highlighted in this issue of The Collegian exist on the WWU campus to serve a particular group of students and make them feel loved and valued according to the example set by Jesus Christ. Instead of passing judgment against a group that is different than you, in the words of Walt Whitman, “Be curious, not judgmental.” No one group is above or below another because they are all a part of the WWU family. 

Photo by ASWWU.