At West Chester University, there are several different categories an organization can fall under; one such category is “religious.” In the religious category, there is a diverse array of student groups, all of which focus on community building and constructive meetings. In terms of communities, Cru has built one centered around caring for others and molding perspectives through sharing beliefs in the Christian faith.
During this online experience at WCU, Cru has maintained weekly Bible studies as a main source of outreach to the community. These Bible studies are divided by both college year and gender to create a space where students can connect and share with similar groups of their peers. On top of the weekly meetings, Cru also holds monthly meetings open to anyone willing to attend. The goal of these meetings is to provide an environment where individuals can connect with each other and further their relationship with the Christian faith. In short, Cru is a Christian campus ministry at WCU that offers opportunities to hang out, have fun and learn with others.
First to comment on their time in Cru is Maddie Rogge, Vice President of the organization and member for about the last four years. Rogge, commenting on her first impressions of the organization, said that there were two things that stood out to her: first “was how welcoming people were, and second was how joyful” they were. Cru has an exciting and joyful atmosphere, fed by their caring members. She also stated that her time within Cru has been “amazing,” saying that she has “met lifetime friends within the community.” She said how it has been an exciting experience, being able “to be a part of something bigger than [herself],” and having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
Next is the current Secretary of Cru and a member of about three years of the organization. Cru’s Secretary stated that she decided to get involved in Cru due to the positive change she saw in her older brother after he joined. Following in her brother’s footsteps, she joined and said how that decision “has been one the best decisions [she] could have made coming to college.” From going on a summer mission trip to Ocean City, Maryland to working with international students, Cru’s Secretary has learned how to better express and share her faith with others.
Sam Stehr, the President of Cru, has been with the organization for about three years. Stehr said that Cru aims “to love God and love people,” and that the organization wants “everyone to hear and be able to make a choice about the Gospel.” Through their Bible studies and their variety of events, Cru works to connect individuals with one another. Stehr stated how the pandemic “has made meetings different,” and that before the pandemic the organization had large, weekly group meetings. Overall, though, he says that it has been an “amazing” experience.
Next is the Weekly Meeting Coordinator, who has been with the organization for about one and a half years. The Weekly Meeting Coordinator commented on his experience within the organization, saying that it was “great” and that he “was able to get to know so many great people who [he] is able to call some of [his] closest friends.” The recurring theme with Cru is that it provides a welcoming and kind atmosphere for students to make lifelong friends, a truth solidified by the words of the Weekly Meeting Coordinator.
Adam Reiland, the Servant Team Leader of the Stage Crew, has been with Cru for about three years. Detailing some of what happens within the organization’s meetings, Reiland stated that they “host a few icebreaker activities, share announcements and have a short talk from a staff member, guest speaker or fellow student.” He continued, saying that they “help to get new people involved in a Bible study or community group, and invite individuals to any events or parties” hosted by Cru. So, the organization takes time to plan and coordinate enjoyable events for their members and anyone of the community that may want to join.
Last is Hannah LoRusso, a Bible Study Leader and member of about one and a half years. LoRusso stated how Cru has “hands down been [her] favorite part of [her] college experience.” Within the organization, she has “been able to grow her giftings and skills,” such as “leadership, teaching and music.” Due to the atmosphere that makes connecting so easy in Cru, LoRusso was able to meet two girls during her freshman year whom she now calls her best friends.
For this organization, the common theme that stands out most is the community that Cru has created for their members. It is evident that lifelong connections are not far away when you decide to enter any of this organization’s meetings. Kindness and beliefs are shared in each meeting and event that Cru hosts, and an opportunity to experience this warmth is coming up. On Wednesday, April 21, Cru is holding an “Outdoor Cru” or “Blanket Cru” on the Residential Quad. This event will take place at night between Brandywine and University Hall, where there will be blankets, games and food. This event will be socially distanced and in line with COVID-19 precautions. So if you are interested in the upcoming event or the organization as a whole, see the links to their pages below:
Academic Makeup:
- Majors- Elementary Education, Media and Culture Communications, Accounting, Finance, Economics, English, Writing, Marketing
- Minors- Literacy, Special Education, Spanish, Civic and Professional Leadership, Business and Technical Writing, Digital Marketing
Ramconnect- https://ramconnect.wcupa.edu/feeds?type=club&type_id=19783&tab=home
Website- https://www.202movement.com/westchestercru
Instagram- @cruwcu
Evan Brooks is a third-year Business Management major with minors in Economics and Civil & Professional Leadership. EB916132@wcupa.edu