At Southwestern, we believe that a strong, connected community is built on inclusivity, shared experiences, and meaningful dialogue. Through various initiatives and traditions, we bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging both on campus and beyond.

One of the key ways we unite communities is through the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Center, which cultivates an environment where all individuals feel valued and heard. The JEDI Center actively works to elevate diverse voices and promote equity by embracing differences in race, ethnicity, culture, religious and spiritual understandings, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, age, socio-economic class, political and social views, and geographic backgrounds. By providing programming and resources that encourage engagement and understanding, the JEDI Center plays a vital role in ensuring that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging.

Spiritual Life is another essential way we foster connection. The Office of Spiritual Life builds bridges between the Southwestern community and the City of Georgetown, offering opportunities for engagement and reflection. During Welcome Week, the Interfaith Fair invites local faith communities to campus, encouraging students to connect with spiritual organizations. Additionally, one of Southwestern’s longest-standing traditions, the Candlelight Service, brings students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the Georgetown community together to celebrate Advent and the Christmas season. Other interfaith observances, such as Ash Wednesday, are hosted in partnership with local churches, reinforcing our commitment to shared experiences and dialogue across faith traditions.

Through these and many other initiatives, Southwestern continues to foster a connected, inclusive, and engaged community that extends far beyond campus.