Year in Review

2022-2023

FALL 2022

Educational Events

  • A group of people sitting at a dining table during a meal, with vegetables and snacks on the table.

    Small Groups

    Small groups are at the heart of educational ministry at the Study Center. Through book discussions, Biblical studies, and informal discussions, we dive into the truth of the Gospel and what it means to be a Christian.

  • A diverse group of people seated in rows of chairs in a church or conference room, listening to a woman speaking at a podium in front of a crucifix and a large screen displaying a presentation.

    The Good Life Method with Meghan Sullivan

    Notre Dame Professor of Philosophy (and UVA alum) Meghan Sullivan spoke on her recent book The Good Life Method. Drawing on the great philosophers, Sullivan discussed what it means to live well.

    This lecture was co-sponsored by St. Anselm Institute and Catholic Hoos.

  • A man giving a presentation or speech to a seated audience in a room with beige walls and framed pictures above a fireplace.

    Two Views on Justice

    The Two Views Series has been a tradition at the Study Center for years. During this iteration, Study Center Executive Director Bill Wilder and Sam Health of Equal Justice USA discuss if retribution is an essential component of justice.

  • Two women in colorful traditional African attire performing a dance with baskets on their heads in a room with a gray wall and a wooden panel, while others watch and a person plays a drum.

    Experience The Black Intellectual Tradition

    We were delighted to host an immersive evening based on the book The Black Intellectual Tradition written by UVA Professor of Sociology, Angel Adams Parham and Howard University English Professor, Anika Prather.

    The evening consisted of dramatic readings, musical performances and more. This event was the first of the University Faculty Lecture Series.

  • A man giving a presentation in a classroom with adult students seated at tables, some taking notes or using laptops, with a screen displaying slides to the right.

    To Be Human with Bill Wilder

    Led by Study Center Executive Director Bill Wilder, this class was offered to community members through Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville.

    This class covered themes such as the wisdom of God, what it means to be made in God’s image, and the implications of the incarnation.

Hospitality Events

  • People gathered around a kitchen table preparing food, with various ingredients and condiments on the table, in a home setting with a sign that says 'PRAY' hanging on the wall.

    Foundations Week

    Foundations Week is a four-day program, strategically scheduled the week prior to the start of classes and designed for incoming first-year students. The 12 students who participate in Foundations Week share meals together, participate in Bible studies, and get acclimated to Charlottesville through an around-town scavenger hunt.

  • People gathered outside a house celebrating a move-in day lunch event. The house has a balcony with balloons and a banner reading 'Welcome to the Move-In Day Lunch.' Some people are wearing coordinating orange t-shirts, and there are bushes and trees around the house.

    Move-In Day Lunch

    It’s a Study Center tradition! First year students and their families are welcomed to Grounds with a delicious meal and the opportunity to meet with a variety of Grounds Ministries. Move-In Day Lunch is a great way to get connected with Christian community before classes even begin!

  • Homecomings Tailgate

    This year, we were delighted to partner with friends of the Study Center and several Grounds ministries to provide a homemade waffle bar at our annual Homecomings celebration. Over 280 waffles were served as we cheered on our Hoos!

  • Group of young adults and middle-aged people socializing indoors, some wearing Virginia apparel, at a casual gathering or event.

    Family Reception

    Family Reception is hosted during UVA Family Weekend and gives students an opportunity to show their loved ones where they spend all of those late nights studying and spending time with friends.

  • Two young women smiling and leaning close together at a holiday gathering, with friends sitting nearby under a staircase decorated with Christmas garland and lights.

    Exam Snacks

    Hundreds of students pour through our doors twice a day for Exam Snacks each year. In caring for students most basic needs during Exam Week, we remind them of Christ’s care and concern for their whole person.

SPRING 2023

Educational Events

  • People sitting at a dining table during a meal, with snacks like carrots and zucchinis, paper plates, cups, and a book visible on the table.

    Small Groups

    Small groups are at the heart of educational ministry at the Study Center. Through book discussions, Biblical studies, and informal discussions, we dive into the truth of the Gospel and what it means to be a Christian.

  • A classroom or meeting room with students seated at tables, listening to a man presenting at a podium in front of a fireplace, with large windows showing trees outside.

    Lunch Club

    Lunch Club is the perfect time to tackle tough topics and some of life’s big questions (all over a homemade Study Center meal, of course!)

    This semester, we heard different perspectives on the meaning of success.

  • A lecture hall filled with diverse audience members attentively listening to a speaker standing at the front. The speaker is a man in a blue blazer and pink pants, holding a microphone. There is a large screen to his left displaying presentation content.

    Love, Sex, and Faith with Brad Wilcox

    UVA Professor of Sociology Brad Wilcox spoke on common mistakes college students make when considering marriage and family. This lecture was the second in our University Faculty Lecture Series.

  • A man giving a lecture or speech at a podium in a university lecture hall at University of Virginia School of Nursing, with an audience seated in front of him.

    Engaging the Culture Without Losing the Gospel with Russell Moore

    Editor-in-Chief of Christianity Today Russell Moore visited UVA for a lecture on Engaging the Culture Without Losing the Gospel. Known for his bold stances on politics and religion in the Church, Moore has emerged as a leading voice on Biblical faithfulness in modern American culture.

  • A black-and-white photograph of the Statue of Liberty holding a book and torch. Text overlay: 'What's Wrong with Democracy? three answers. no consensus. with John Owen, PhD. 5 PM, Tuesday April 11th, Wilson 402.' Logos of Center for Christian Study and InterVarsity at top right.

    What's Wrong with Democracy with John Owen

    UVA Professor of Politics John Owen gives a lecture on three forms of liberalism and where American democracy goes from here. This lecture was the final installation of the University Faculty Lecture Series this year.

  • Man in a suit giving a presentation to a seated audience in a well-lit conference room.

    Living in the Light Conference

    Living in the Light was a two-day event full of fellowship, learning, and fun at 128 Chancellor Street and around the Charlottesville area. This conference provided an opportunity for parents, alumni, and friends to experience the faith and fellowship offered through our ministry.

Hospitality Events

  • Black and white photo of several young women standing and waiting in a hallway, some holding folders, and one woman walking out the door carrying a backpack, with a man visible outside near the door.

    Rush Hospitality

    For nearly 20 years, the Center for Christian Study has served as a Hospitality Home during UVA’s sorority rush. We provide restrooms, snacks, and a place to relax for the hundreds of young women participating in rush.

  • A backpack, a patterned blanket, and a Bible are placed on a wooden dock by a calm lake, with trees in the background.

    Soul Sabbath

    Soul Sabbath is a time for students to step away from the busyness of their daily routines and seek the Lord in silence and solitude.

  • Group of eight young women sitting at a dining table, smiling, with plates of salad and drinks, in a well-lit room with a window and a table with red mugs in the background.

    Fourth Year Dinner

    We love to send off our fourth-year students with one last taste of Study Center hospitality!

  • Group of young people standing outside on a sidewalk near a brick building, smiling and posing for a photo.

    Exam Snacks

    Hundreds of students pour through our doors twice a day for Exam Snacks each year. In caring for students most basic needs during Exam Week, we remind them of Christ’s care and concern for their whole person.

  • Group of people celebrating graduation outside, with balloons. The graduate is wearing a black cap and gown, holding a diploma, smiling with friends and family around.

    Graduation Lunch

    We wouldn’t miss a chance to celebrate the Class of 2023! Graduates and their families were welcome to the Study Center during our annual Graduation Lunch.