University of La Verne Interfaith Community Unite for “Better Together Day”

Students, faculty and staff with varied religious and non-religious backgrounds gathered April 14 to learn about traditions and values different than their own for the national celebration of “Better Together Day” at the University of La Verne.

The event, sponsored by the interfaith student club Common Ground, took place at Sneaky Park and was titled “Pardon My Ignorance.” The national day is celebrated at college campuses across the United States.

“We talk a lot about diversity and inclusivity and interfaith is a part of that,” said junior Cameron Mendez, a sociology major who is president of the Secular Student Alliance.

Students sat at tables to answer questions about Buddhists, Catholics, Atheists, Muslims, Mormons, Jews, Baha’is and Evangelical Christians. Participants were encouraged to connect with someone who has a different background, find common values and share the connection via social media with a message or photo.

Mendez was one of numerous students who took an interfaith quiz to qualify for a Better Together T-shirt. He knew most of the answers, but did miss one that asked which U.S. president was the first to host an Iftar, which is a Muslim’s evening meal at the end of a Ramadan fast. Mendez thought the answer was Barack Obama, but according to the quiz, it was actually Thomas Jefferson.

Melissa Martinez, a junior and president of the Catholic Newman Club, said she took the opportunity to talk to her fellow Leos about Catholicism to clear up misconceptions about the religion. She says that while some perceive it to be focused primarily on Old Testament beliefs, Martinez says she promotes the messages of love and compassion found in the New Testament.

“We’re all sons and daughters of God and we should be treated with dignity and respect,” she said.

University of La Verne Chaplain Zandra Wagoner said the event is important for the University because it gives people with different beliefs a chance to build relationships in a non-threatening way and find out what inspires others.

“It’s really important to build these meaningful relationships between people because it has a domino effect,” Wagoner said.

Check out the Better Together Day video for more information about the national celebration.