While some Ohio University students are just beginning to get back into the swing of things, several campus organizations are preparing for Fall Quarter following a very busy summer.
Beginning in June, the Hillel Jewish Student Programs at OU began renovations on their building, located at 21 Mill St.
With the new things we wanted to do and the services we wanted to provide for students
it was really necessary. The state of the building was really holding us back said Jonathan Wilkof, a senior and president of Hillel at OU.
Renovations to the building are almost complete, and it will open to students Sept. 15. The building will be dedicated Oct. 9.
The renovations were designed to meet the needs of students and make the existing space more accessible, Wilkof said.
The entire floor plan has been redesigned, he said. A staircase was removed and walls were taken out on the first floor. New carpet is already in place, and furniture and other amenities are expected to arrive soon.
Also this summer, Hillel sent a member to its Charles Schusterman International Student Leaders Assembly Aug. 19-24.
Hillel is not the only student religious group that has been busy this summer. Wesley Student Center, a nondenominational Christian organization, also hosted several events for students in Athens during the summer.
The center's activities included discussions about two books that adviser Jay Hinton said contain important spiritual themes.
The students read In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon and Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom and discussed both books.
Hinton said Sheldon's book encouraged Christians to question their actions in every scenario.
Most of us live a very comfortable and convenient Christian lifestyle. It really made me start questioning myself with my every action what was the Christian thing (to do)
he said.
Hinton also said he plans to coordinate some of the center's Fall Quarter Bible studies around Albom's book.
There is an extreme amount of wisdom in each of these chapters
Hinton said.
In addition to the book discussions, Hinton organized lunch meetings where students addressed hard questions that don't have a right or wrong answer. Topics included abortion and suicide.
Members of the Chinese Bible Study also met during the summer on Friday nights.
The study's adviser, the students discussed the book of Ephesians, Yingjiao Xu said.
The Friday Bible studies are led by Pastor Bill Hixson of the Athens Bible Church and will continue for the remainder of the school year.
The Chinese Bible Study had a welcome party for new students last Friday and has several events planned for the fall, including monthly prayer meetings and a potluck supper to mark the end of the quarter.
Xu said there will be a party to promote fellowship during the week of Thanksgiving. The event is open to all students.
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Erin Smith
