By Vivian Laskowski
TAMPA, Fla. — With a mission to bridge students of all faiths, non-faiths, and spiritualities, the Interfaith Retreat is the place to be.
The Interfaith Retreat is hosted by Better Together, a Live Well UTampa initiative. Better Together is an interfaith registered student organization (RSO) with the goal to “create positive, meaningful, and strong relationships across differences.”
The 2025 retreat will take place from April 4–6 at Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Conference Center. Students can register through InvolveUT and search “Interfaith Retreat.” Signups will close on March 19, 2025. Transportation, lodging, and food will be provided at no cost to attendees.
The Interfaith Retreat is exclusive to UTampa students and has taken place every spring since 2013, with its first overnight retreat in 2014.
Addie Carothers, director of wellness, has contributed to the Interfaith Retreat by overseeing the planning of the event for the past several years. Carothers additionally oversees the Faith and Values Spirituality program.
“This incredible opportunity for UTampa students is made possible through the generosity of John West, former chairman emeritus of the UTampa Board of Trustees, and his wife, Michéal,” said Carothers.
“Recognizing the importance of faith and personal growth, they have generously supported this program through the John B. and Michéal West Endowment for Faith and Values, ensuring students have the chance to explore and strengthen their beliefs and values,” said Carothers.
Adam Wysokowski, a junior at UTampa, attended the Interfaith Retreat in 2024.
“I was very hesitant to sign up because I was worried it would be boring or force religion upon me,” said Wysokowski. “When my friends explained that the trip was meant to be more relaxing and meditative than religious, I felt way more comfortable signing up.”
Better Together is a unique RSO as no set religion, faith, spirituality, or non-faith is brought onto students. Students are allowed the opportunity to express and share their journeys — the goal is to encourage an atmosphere where individuals can find common ground through listening and communication.
Although Carothers is involved in the planning of the retreat as a professional staff member, the planning committee consists of the Better Together student coordinator and other student leaders. When at the retreat site, the entire event is student-led. This allows for the bonds between the student leaders and attendees to grow.
The retreat activities include drum circles, journaling, planting, small group reflection sessions, and large group sessions.
Erin Lowry, who graduated from The University of Tampa in the spring of 2024, attended the retreat three years in a row. Lowry served as one of the small group leaders.
“It felt great to stand as a leader on this retreat and feel strong enough to set the tone of openness, curiosity, and compassion for one another that can come alive in that space,” said Lowry. “I truly think that the experiences I have had at the retreat … play a huge part in the life I choose to live now and the lens I view this life through.”
As both small and large group sessions are held during the retreat, there is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of others through activities and conversations.
“The conversations did not have to be deeply personal — they were just meant (for students) to speak freely without judgment,” said Wysokowski.
The Interfaith Retreat gives students time to ground themselves, “reflect on their spiritual journey, connect with others by understanding their spiritual practices, and return to campus renewed, refreshed, and rejuvenated,” said Carothers.
“I loved the schedule of the retreat because it encouraged us to be present,” said Lowry. “We weren’t ever given a direct itinerary and went along with the activities as they happened. It was a little weird stepping out of a fixed routine at first, and I recall a number of people expressing that challenge as well, but it was nice to step away from the stress of schoolwork, have somewhere to put that stress down, and connect with those we interact with as students on a deeper human level.”
Through the eyes of both Lowry and Wysokowski, students can gain an inside look at what attending the retreat can look like for them.
“I would absolutely recommend that you go on the Interfaith Retreat!” said Lowry. “It’s free; you get fed every day, get to spend some time with mama earth, and it is so rewarding and refreshing. You will leave with so many new perspectives, new friends, and memories that last a lifetime.”
Step outside of your comfort zone, create connections, and grow as an individual by joining Better Together on this year’s Interfaith Retreat.
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Sykes Chapel where on-campus events correlate with various faiths, non-faiths, and spiritualities are hosted in the Chapel. One of the signature Better Together events hosted here is the “Interfaith Service”. Photo courtesy of Vivian Laskowski