The first TCU Faith Festival brought together religious organizations across campus to celebrate their faith communities.

More than 20 religious organizations came together for the event, which was held Tuesday night on the Jarvis Hall lawn.

Each group had their own table where they engaged with students who wanted to learn more about their organizations.

The festival offered food, games and live music by the TCU Worship Team.

The festival was organized as the Chancellor’s Leadership Program project of Nikki Howard, TCU senior and president of the Catholic community.

Howard was inspired to do this project so students could learn and reach out to many organizations at once and form a community amongst otherwise separate groups.

“It is important for TCU students to know and understand that there are so many religious organizations on our campus and so many people we can share our faith with,” Howard said.

Rev. Todd Boling, who oversees student religious organizations and serves as TCU’s associate chaplain, assisted Howard on the project.

“I think it’s really important for students in general when they come to college to find a place to connect,” Boling said. “They want to find community, they want to find an organization that allows them to grow spiritually and support them on a spiritual journey.”

Ebony Rose, CLP advisor and director of TCU Student Organizations, said she enjoyed being part of Howard’s process.

“It’s been fun seeing her come up with the idea and seeing her get the community involved and excited and staying on track to make sure it was a really successful event,” Rose said.

Howard and Boling, as well as many members of organizations at the event, agreed that these groups help provide a community for students.

Senior Brenda Maple, co-president of the TCU Worship Team, said that the organizations she’s participated in have been her “home away from home.”

The communities that I have been in through campus ministry have been like my family,” Maple said.

Shawn Williamson, a member of the Word of Truth Gospel choir, said the organizations give students a way to reconnect with themselves in addition to community.

“It’s a way to allow yourself to grow and bring yourself back down to earth and think about yourself spiritually,” Williamson said.

Howard said she was proud of how the event turned out and hopes it is an event that will continue on after she graduates.