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Religious Life

In embracing Colgate’s motto, “For God and Truth,” we work collaboratively with Colgate’s faculty and staff to provide students with intellectually robust ways to integrate their religious and ethical commitments with their academic pursuits.
A view of Colgate's campus level with the chapel steeple, looking down on Drake and Curtis Halls
The college years are often when people shape and refine fundamental life commitments. We serve the Colgate community by providing a dynamic, friendly, and supportive place in which students can seek answers to life’s biggest questions. We encourage them to become the best versions of themselves, growing as people of integrity and commitment. 

We seek to cultivate strong, active faith communities. It is our hope that, through participation in our religious communities, students will be brought to greater understanding of and fidelity toward their own traditions. Our interfaith dynamic recognizes substantive differences while promoting respect and friendship across religious lines. Since college provides a great opportunity to explore the ways in which others make sense of the world, we promote interfaith understanding and cooperation.

Centers of Religious Activity

Our students gather, socialize, and worship in a several locations on campus.
Memorial Chapel
The chapel is a campus landmark that is home to University Church and Newman Community services. It also hosts many secular lectures and concerts throughout the year. The beautiful space includes our Holtkamp pipe organ. The Office of the Chaplains is located in the Garden Level. SEE MORE
Chapel Garden Level
The Chapel basement is home to the offices of the chaplains, as well as a second home to many students, who utilize the kitchen, Wii, and extremely comfortable couches at all hours of the day and night.  It’s a great space to study or stay up all night having philosophical conversations.  Students have their own decorated coffee mugs on designated hooks, a testament to their regular presence. The basement also houses a library, offering a small, quiet space for studying or meetings, as well as a collection of books on various religious subjects which are available to borrow.
Saperstein Jewish Center
"The Sap" is the focal point of the Jewish community on campus. It includes a multi-purpose worship space for weekly and holiday services, separate kosher meat and dairy kitchens, a Judaica library, and a lounge and study space. Lectures and social and cultural events are also held at the center. READ MORE
Chapel House
This unique space is a center for the study of the world's great religions. You and all members of the Colgate community are invited daily to use the space for religious study, prayer, meditation, or worship. The facility includes a chapel, a music room, and a library. Residential guests may be welcomed for a several-day visit for the purpose of meditation and study. READ MORE

Religious Organizations

Many of our students actively engage with their beliefs and faiths through student-led religious organizations. These groups support education and acceptance with frequent interfaith initiatives and events. FIND AN ORGANIZATION

Meet the Chaplains and Staff

We collaborate with students, staff, and faculty to provide intellectually robust ways to integrate religious and ethical commitments with their academic pursuits. MEET US!

Religious Life News

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Weddings

Alumni, faculty, and staff may host weddings on campus during select summer months. Wedding ceremonies may be led by non-Colgate officiants, or you may contact us to schedule one of the Colgate chaplains. LEARN MORE

Memorial Services

The Chaplains may also perform memorial services in the Colgate Memorial Chapel. Please contact us at chaplainsoffice@colgate.edu or 315-228-7682 for more information. 

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