Celebrating Dynamic Student Leadership: Reflections from Graduating Chaplaincy Student Leaders

As the academic year concluded in early May, graduating seniors from the Office of the Chaplaincy at the University of Richmond reflected on their transformative experiences. With over 15 senior student leaders serving across Jewish Life, Muslim Life, Christian Life, and SBNR@UR (Spiritual but Not Religious), this cohort of senior leaders played an integral role in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community on campus.

The Chaplaincy is excited for our graduating seniors, but it is always bittersweet to see them go! These students have significantly impacted our office with their gifts, talents, and contributions, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication to our community.

Michal Ilouz, a leader in Jewish Life, shares, "Engaging with the Chaplaincy over the last four years has allowed me to figure out how my religious and spiritual experiences take shape." For Ilouz, the Chaplaincy provided a space for ongoing exploration. Her leadership roles taught her patience and empathy, particularly in multifaith conversations. She asserts that "leading with patience, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude" has highlighted the beauty in diverse discussions.

In her Baccalaureate address, Muslim Life senior leader Amal Ali noted that she believes “God deliberately paved her path to be here,” both at Richmond and as a leader within Muslim Life, reflecting on what a “glorious path it has been.” As Muslim Life grew in numbers throughout Ali’s time at UR, senior leaders played an integral role in keeping the community strong.

Alana Good, another Jewish Life student leader and Chaplaincy Communications Assistant, echoes this sentiment: "The Chaplaincy always felt like home." Initially focused on Jewish Life, Good found that all the Chaplains welcomed her into a broader community. Her experiences during the 2023 Pilgrimage to Berlin transformed her worldview. “The way I think and communicate was changed for the better throughout my four years," she notes.

Rae Parent, a senior on the Kairos Leadership Team, describes her time with the Chaplaincy as profoundly impactful. "It was probably the most transformative, life-changing thing to happen to me during college," she reflects. Parent values the emotional support from the Chaplains, recalling how their simple interactions made a significant difference during challenging times. She emphasizes the importance of community, stating that her leadership experiences empowered her and shaped her vision for future communities. "The KLT showed me what kind of community I want, both in faith and out of faith," Parent explains.

As evident in these reflections, the Chaplaincy becomes a home away from home for student leaders, where students and staff work together to cultivate a resilient community that values empathy and meaningful dialogue. As these diverse leaders move forward, they leave behind a legacy of understanding, support, and welcome for future generations of Spiders!