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Breaking Bread (BB), a program in its fourth year, takes on new shape this year.  Organized by the Office of Mission and Rector, Community Wellness Services and the Center for International Programs, BB brings together students from different cultural backgrounds to meet, share conversation and learn from each other over the course of three home-cooked meals. 

A program that initially started small had benefits of welcoming intimate sized cohorts that had the opportunity to get to know each other through conversation and reflection.  Students left the program often having made new friends that they kept in contact with throughout the rest of their college career. 

Since its inception the program has grown in demand, now welcoming cohorts of 40 to 50 students for one series.  In an effort to preserve that special dynamic of the initial BB program, the coordinators have cultivated a group of international and U.S. students to serve, together, as leaders for each of three Spring semester cohorts.  By creating this framework, the student leaders work to facilitate conversation amongst a small group of BB participants, asking peers to reflect upon questions like, “What matters to you most? Share an intention you have for this semester?”  In breaking bread together, students bring out the Marianist charism and sustain inclusive hospitality which is what contributes to community here at UD.

Each cohort will meet for three consecutive weeks, including a dinner at 461 Kiefaber, an international potluck, and a dinner in a student neighborhood house.  Upcoming dates include February 8, 15, 22; February 9, 16, 23 and March 9, 16, 23.  Come fall 2017 the BB coordinators are hoping to recruit more student leaders to help shape the program.  The leaders will attend a 3-dinner training series in November, and will have opportunities to share ideas on how to continue to grow and shape this great program.  

To learn more, visit go.udayton.edu/breakingbread