Elon’s Ripple Conference to be a celebration of student-led interfaith work

Registration for "The Art of Interfaith" is now open.

For Morgan Williams ’25 and Ryan Gibbons ’25, this year’s Ripple Conference is a chance to teach their peers to view religious differences as opportunities for connection rather than division.

As co-directors of Elon’s student-led interfaith conference, they are eager to create inclusive spaces where individuals of all religious, spiritual and ethical identities can gather, engage in dialogue and collaboratively shape a more inclusive and just future.

“Interfaith to me means bridging understanding and curiosity across perspectives,” shared Williams. “This can be broad, like the intersectionality between spirituality and the environment or with music, for example. It means being open-minded and willing to see what someone else is about, how their worldview impacts their lives, and taking what you learn for yourself or to share with others.”

The Ripple Conference: Impact far past Elon

Two people stand side by side with their hands on their chins. A bookshelf is behind them
Morgan Williams ’25 and Ryan Gibbons ’25

Now in its 9th year, the Ripple Conference remains a cornerstone of the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life’s multifaith work. Conceived by a Truitt Center multifaith intern, Ripple brings together college students and young adults to build community through active interfaith engagement.

This year’s theme, The Art of Interfaith, will explore how artistic expression can inspire collaboration, spark creativity, and foster dialogue and understanding. From Feb. 21–23, 2025, participants will engage in reflection, dialogue, and training around this theme.

Registration is now open, with special early bird discounts for the Elon community.

For Gibbons, this theme is deeply personal.

“I’m super excited to explore the theme this year,” said Gibbons. “Art is a huge part of my identity, specifically with music performance. Finding ways to explore the intersection between artistic expression and religion is of great interest to me and has a lot of depth.”

A Transformative Experience

Ripple offers participants opportunities to develop bridge-building skills and connect meaningfully with others through a range of experiences. The conference features a keynote speaker, panels, interactive workshops, teaching prayer sessions, a community art project, the Sacred Sounds Coffee House and a service project.

“Ripple is such a meaningful experience,” said Gibbons, who has led the Sacred Sounds Coffee House event for three years. “I’ve been able to help shape it for most of my college experience. Becoming director in my senior year feels like the culmination of all the hard work I’ve put towards fostering interfaith on our campus.”

Last year’s conference brought together participants from eight college campuses and a service corps group, making it the largest student-led interfaith conference in the region. Williams, who serves as a second-year multifaith intern and was last year’s public relations and marketing coordinator, is excited to build on that momentum.

“I’m really excited to help make Ripple even better than last year,” she said. “I know how much people enjoyed it, and I’m committed to bringing even more experiences and learning this year.”

From the theme and keynote speakers to logistics, marketing and programming, Ripple is entirely student-led, supported by conference advisor Hillary Zaken, director of multifaith programming and engagement.

“Come for the art, the services, the music, and the interdisciplinary experiences,” Williams urged. “Leave with new connections, fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.”

Morgan Williams sits in a chair and looks at whiteboard. Ryan Gibbons holds a whiteboard while sitting on the floor.
Morgan Williams ’25 and Ryan Gibbons ’25

More about the Ripple Conference

Early Bird Registration for the Ripple Conference is now open and will run through Jan. 1.

Registration information can be found at rippleconference.org.

Elon students, faculty, and staff are invited to reach out to conference adviser Hillary Zaken or co-directors Ryan Gibbons or Morgan Williams with questions, and for codes for discounted participation for Elon students, faculty and staff.

On the conference website, you can register, apply for leadership roles, and view other conference details as they become available. Opportunities include leading breakout sessions, community groups, Affinity Groups, or performing in the Sacred Sounds Coffee House.

For more information and updates about the Ripple Conference, follow Elon University’s Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life on Instagram and Facebook and visit the Truitt Center website or the Ripple Conference page.