Programs

Gaia House Interfaith Center Programs

Gaia House Interfaith Center is home to many programs and activities year-round. Check the calendar for up-to-date information. Our dinners, discussions, gatherings, and educational support programs are open to all SIUC students, as well as members of the community.

In addition to the following sponsored programs, many other groups of faith use the Center on a regular basis. Please see our listing of Groups at the Center for details. To schedule use of GHIC facilities for meetings and special events, call the office for availability and rates.

Dinner Events

Cooking and eating together, as well as discussion around the table, can touch people deeply. Share a meal with us!

InterVeg. Thursday evenings, year-round, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., is a cook-it-yourself vegetarian potluck. No need to be vegetarian or vegan to join. Just bring your favorite homemade dish or item to share, or join us before the meal to help cook. After each meal, there will be an optional program to discuss the impact of food on your life and our world.

Rice and Spice. Every Friday night at 6:00 p.m. enjoy an international slow-food dinner. Cooks and hungry people from all countries are invited. New international recipes are featured each week.

Gaia Gatherings. Informal potlucks or cook-outs are hosted to discuss the Gaia House Interfaith Center mission and issues with the board, staff, student and faculty leaders and advisors, local pastors and church leaders, consultants, and university and city contacts. Everyone is invited to share their thoughts and enjoy a good meal. Events are posted on the calendar and newletter.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner. Annually, on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, a local food extravaganza is co-sponsored by the Center's Registered Student Organization (RSO), the Neighborhood Co-Op, Gaia House Interfaith Center, and others. This long-time favorite event brings together students and community members for a Thanksgiving meal highlighting vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Ongoing Programs

Faculty Forum. This discussion series gathers faculty and interested graduate students to explore critical issues related to the personal, social, and institutional value dimensions of teaching, learning, researching, and administering at SIUC, and higher education in general. The discussions are personal and practical so as to positively impact the practices and the culture of SIUC.

International Student Forum. Hear students from around the world voice their thoughts in a roundtable discussion. All are Welcome! Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Participants are invited to Rice & Spice, our international slow food dinner following the forum.

Special Events. Throughout the semester the Center, sometimes in conjunction with co-sponsors, hosts a number of events, lectures, commemorations, fundraisers, rallies, receptions, dinners, and interfaith forums.