The United Campus Ministries of Grambling State University will continue on the “straight and narrow path'” this school year as it seeks to bring spiritual growth and development to the community.
Director of Campus Ministry, Reverend Connie Breaux, said while there are challenges, the possibilities of what can be gained far outweighs the negatives.
This year, the group was awarded by the National Campus Ministry Association Honors for outstanding Campus Ministry Award of the Year, representing the south Central Region and the only HBCU nationally.
“We have been very influential in providing a medium for the holistic enrichment . Students have been transformed and taught to experience God in their life,” said Breaux.”We have laid the foundation and have seen several students found their true ‘calling’ and have answered that call for preaching and teaching God’s word.”
The director said that “This ministry, (Campus Ministries), connects academia and spiritual life while making students into holy, bold leaders for the world.”
Rev. Connie, as she is affectionately called, said the UCM has been part of the school since its inception and UCM was formed to serve the spiritual needs of the students.
“The objective of (the) campus ministry program is three-fold: to advocate for the spiritual wellness of the university community; to provide for the coordination of formal and informal religious events for a diverse student, faculty, staff and administrative community and also to coordinate all leadership religious activities on and off campus including, but not limited to, the education for the university about various religious and cultural heritages,” Rev Connie said.
The activities and events listed includes weekly Bible study, with guest clergies, Praise and Worship, Saturday School of Theology,-Robinson Hall; Weekly Life Groups ; Spiritual Gift Workshop led by Rev. Joe Hill of the Presbyterian of the Pine Ruston Area Office, See You At The Pole on September 22 at each flag pole on campus, a Musical Gala on 1st October at the Trinity Center in Ruston featuring “Soul fruit” Music of Houston; Epiphany Ministry to Youth of Monroe; a Thanksgiving feast in November for those who will not be going home to their love ones.
In December, World AIDS Day the annual International Angel Tree Ministry and GSU Celebration of the Lights as Christmas Gathering will be held on Campus.
Other programs include the Martin Luther King March in January, Heart to Heart Ministry in February. The Bi-Annual Spiritual Awareness of Campus Ministry and other activities will be announced as the time approaches.
Among the groups listed under the United Campus Ministry are: The Administrative Leadership Core Group GSU-S.W.A.T, Catholic Student Organization, Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, Muslim Student Association, Methodist Student Movement, Rebecca College Woman Circle, and GSU Men of Integrity, all whom are part of the Wesley Foundation (Pan Methodist), The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Love Alive and the Adventist Youth Fellowship also formed part of this organization, as the Interfaith Council.
The Spiritual Life and Campus Ministry office is located in the Residential Hall of Hunter- Robinson, which provides spiritual direction for the students, faculty, staff and alumni of GSU.
All religious groups based on campus falls under the covering of UCM.
These groups are mandated to coordinate activities with the interfaith council monthly and be supervised by the director of UCM, information of policies and procedures can be obtained from the Student Leadership Office by calling 318-274-3135.