Religious and Spiritual Life

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life encourages all students—religious, spiritual and atheist—to deepen their roots by exploring their beliefs, asking big questions and connecting with others across religious divides. Students are invited to intertwine spirituality with their academic, intellectual, and emotional growth throughout their four years at K. 

Cozy up in the Cavern

Always stocked with cookies and tea—and weekly therapy dogs—the cavern is a welcoming space for students to relax, study and gather in community. For students looking for a place on campus to pray, the Cavern has fully equipped prayer spaces and wudu stations. 

the Cavern gathering space filled with students and a therapy dog
Study corner in the Cavern

Grow and Explore your Faith

Faith Groups on Campus

Interfaith Student Leaders
A cohort of students from varied religious backgrounds who ask crucial life questions, reflect on their beliefs and learn about the world’s many faith traditions. 

Hillel at K
The Kalamazoo College chapter of Hillel, a Jewish student organization that creates a place of belonging as students continue their spiritual growth. 

Muslim Student Association
A space for Muslims on campus to join in community and share in faith. 

Space for Grace
A Christian student organization for biblical formation and community building. 

The Coven
A Wiccan student organization that focuses on exploring and practicing pagan beliefs. 

student interns posing with staff

Retreats and Activities

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life plans structured opportunities to reflect during pivotal moments of a student’s time at K—first-year orientation, major declaration, re-entry from study abroad, etc. Past events include bread baking, interfaith dinners, silent retreats, campus screams and guest lectures. 

Students getting to know one another at an interfaith dinner
students visiting a local Buddhist temple
Students attending a local conference on developing interfaith skills
Students attending a conference on developing interfaith skills

Local Places of Worship

The College maintains close ties with local spiritual and religious leaders and can help connect students with a place of worship that fits their beliefs.  

Students of all faith backgrounds are also invited to join scheduled visits to places of worship in and around the Kalamazoo area. These trips are a moment for students to gain interfaith skills and gain a deeper understanding of other religions.  


three Hindi students in the chapel decorated for Diwali

Community Reflection

Community Reflections are weekly gatherings where individuals, departments or student organizations share their experiences, work and ideas with the larger campus community. Topics for Community Reflection are dependent on the group hosting each week; past events have included reflections on masculinity, queerness on campus, black joy, religious identity, and being a student-athlete


Meet our Chaplain

In addition to managing the programming of the office, the Kalamazoo College Chaplain provides pastoral support and insight for all members of the College community. 

Reverend Dr. Elizabeth Hakken Candido

Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Rev. Liz is a graduate of Kalamazoo College ’00, Harvard Divinity School and Chicago Theological Seminary. Before returning to K, Liz served as the Presbyterian Campus Minister at The Ohio State University and as an Associate Pastor at Worthington Presbyterian Church, OH. 


Contact Information

Office of Religious and Spiritual Life website

Elizabeth.Candido@kzoo.edu 

269.337.7362

For wedding reservations call 269.337.7138