In 2015, President William Troutt organized the Compassionate Campus Initiative (CCI), a small group of faculty and staff coming together in hopes of finding ways to make Rhodes College a kinder and more mindful community. In pursuit of this goal, the CCI is engaged in multiple projects, including helping to develop new curriculum designed to cultivate compassion and working to establish Bellingrath Chapel as a space dedicated to contemplation, prayer, and meditation. In February, the CCI brought Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Mohandas K. Gandhi, to speak on “Consciousness, Compassion, and Commitment: Ingredients for a Peaceful Society.” (Gandhi's talk can be viewed here.)
On June 18, Professor Mark Muesse of the Department of Religious Studies will lead a day-long retreat on Rhodes’ campus for students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and community members committed to making Rhodes a better place for everyone. Retreat participants can come for all or part of the day to participate in the various activities and workshops. The retreat is free, but early registration is encouraged, as space is limited.
