In many ways, St. Lawrence retains the spirit of its Universalist roots.
The University remains a community where, as the late professor of history Albert B. Corey wrote a century after its founding, “The intellectual atmosphere made possible freedom of thought and freedom of teaching.”
Many of the principles that govern the Universalists still run parallel to the institution today: the recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; acceptance of one another and encouragement of growth; a free and responsible search for truth and meaning; the goal of a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Today, St. Lawrence is home to students, faculty, and staff that identify with more than 20 different religious or spiritual affiliations: everything from Baptist to Buddhist, Roman Catholic, Hindu, Quaker, Muslim, Jewish, agnostic, atheist as well as “none” and “other,” leaving the door wide open to all traditions and schools of thought.
Part I: A Spirited Bunch beginning with the Rev. Janet Legro '85
Part II: The Olympia Brown Factor: Rabbi Susan Talve '74
