Fresno State’s diverse student body is represented by 18 religious organizations, a number of which provide students with friends, fellowship, and the pursuit of happiness.

CATHOLIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION, CSA

Lilliana Toste, vice president of Fresno State’s Catholic Student Association, said CSA, based out of St. Paul Catholic Newman Center near campus, is a, “perfect escape from the stresses of college life.”

“Even more importantly, it reminds me to pray and reconnect with my faith at all times,” Toste said. “The free, warm, scrumptious dinners are icing on the cake!”

Toste said the free dinners are provided at “College Night;” an event held every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Newman Center. Loved for the “welcoming atmosphere,” Toste said the dinners are followed by a speaker or social event.

“Sometimes we have question and answer sessions, sometimes soccer nights at Fresno Indoor Soccer,” Toste said. “CSA also sponsors social and service opportunities throughout the year, such as monthly service at the Bulldog Pantry.”

The group is volunteering at the Bulldog Pantry on Oct. 5, but Toste said the students also take trips and retreats.

“We have a wonderful weekend retreat in the spring semester, and multiple day-retreats throughout the year,” Toste said. “We also have a weekly small-group Bible study that meets Monday evenings.”

Along with free food, Toste said the group equips students in other ways.

“CSA is meant to support college students during their time of independence and self-discovery, not only with delicious free meals and lasting friendships, but also with powerful shared faith,” Toste said. “We are strengthened emotionally and spiritually as a community of believers working toward the same goal: to make it to heaven someday!”

Toste said all students are welcome, and the club loves to share its joy and hope with all students.

“Jesus challenges us to be true disciples: to live, breathe, celebrate, and share our faith,” Toste said. “Let’s meet His challenge together!”

FRESNO STATE CRU

Known originally as “Campus Crusade for Christ,” another religious club on campus, “Cru,” is taking its faith everywhere.

Carianne Stewart, a member of Cru’s student leadership team, said Cru is more than a club; it’s an adventure.

“Cru at Fresno State is a movement of students who believe the gospel captures hearts, transforms lives, and helps launch men and women into a lifelong adventure with Jesus Christ,” Stewart said.

Like CSA, Stewart said Cru has a variety of events planned for students.

“Cru has weekly meetings, monthly socials, men’s and women’s small-group Bible studies, and a spring outreach,” Stewart said. “We also have a fall retreat, ‘Winter Conference,’ leadership conferences, and summer-mission trips.”

Stewart said Cru’s main purpose is to provide a fun community for students to become Christ-centered.

“Cru is a great place to build community and fellowship, grow a deeper understanding of the Gospel, and gain practical tools for living and sharing a Christ-centered life,” Stewart said.

Stewart said Cru is different because it doesn’t cater to a specific denomination.

“We have students and leaders that attend various churches,” Stewart said. “There is no membership fee; we offer a place for everyone to be involved in whatever amount they wish.

“All students are definitely welcome!”

Stewart said the group’s next event, its “Fall Retreat,” is happening the first weekend in October.

For more information, students can like Cru’s Facebook page, “Fresno State CRU,” or email Cru at [email protected].

BUDDHIST VALUE CREATION SOCIETY

The “Buddhist Value Creation Society” is another of the 18 religious clubs on campus.

Club president Majntxov Yang said the club, “is an organization that promotes peace, culture and education.”

“In the campus club we study writings from the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren Daishonin and Daisaku Ikeda, and use these writings to give ourselves encouragement through any tough situation we may face in life,” Yang said.

Backed by Soka Gakkai International, an international Buddhist group, Yang said the club is gearing up for the new school year, and is looking for new members.

In the past, Yang said the club has held a number of events, such as the club’s, “Victory over Violence” exhibition, which highlighted various social issues.

“These exhibitions are a form of encouragement and a reminder that each person has an important role to play,” Yang said. “Whether we choose to engage or disengage, all actions have a powerful impact in the world we share.

“When we recognize the power of our actions, whether verbally or physically, then we can use it in a positive way towards those close to us.”

Yang said she joined the club after becoming interested in learning about the teachings of Buddhism.

Holding true to that desire today, Yang said the club’s main purpose is to empower students, teach them they are valued, and study the ways to obtain “absolute happiness.”

Yang said all students are welcome to join, and said interested students can learn more about the club on its OrgSync page: https://orgsync.com/18014/chapter.