The program, through the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, encourages connections and bridge-building across the campus community.
When Hunter Siegel ’25 thought about his last year at Elon, his first instinct was to make every moment matter. His second, was to leave a legacy that combined his passion for multifaith work and bringing people together. Better Together is the perfect combination of those goals — a program designed to foster connection, conversation and community through shared meals and meaningful dialogue
In this time when division and disconnect can feel overwhelming, the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life has brought back Better Together, a program dedicated to fostering connection, conversation and community.
Spearheaded and hosted by Siegel and Director of Multifaith Programming and Engagement, Hillary Zaken, Better Together creates space for students, faculty and staff to engage in meaningful dialogue, share personal stories and explore diverse beliefs, ideas and worldviews—all while enjoying a meal together.
Each gathering is centered around a unique theme, providing a foundation for conversation that naturally unfolds. The fall sessions – framed as a pilot for the new lunchtime format – were a resounding success, bringing together members of the campus community who may have never interacted otherwise. Participants found the experience deeply meaningful, as walls came down and bridges were built through casual yet profound conversations.
Better Together was created by Chaplain Emerita Jan Fuller and Associate Chaplain for Muslim Life Shane Atkinson in 2018 as a series of Wednesday evening dinners. The program was based upon the idea that human beings are hardwired to thrive when they are in conversation and communion with each other.
“Participating in Better Together is so meaningful for me because every time I attend, I learn something new about the other participants,” said Rev. Julie Tonnesen, associate university chaplain. “It reminds me that underneath all of our busy schedules and academic interests and extracurriculars, we are whole people with unique stories and traditions in ways of engaging with the world.”
This spring, the program continues with a lineup of engaging themes: Happiness, Technology, Tradition, Values, Loss and Resilience and finally, Better Together.
“I liked that it was a casual way to get to know people outside of my daily bubble and bring people together without judgment,” said Griffin Pace, a student participant.
Siegel, whose hard work brought Better Together back to life, reflected on the impact of the program.
“Programs like Better Together are essential in today’s world of division and disconnect,” said Siegel. “People often focus on and judge others based on differences in background, experience, and ideology. Better Together brings everyone to the table to make authentic connections through casual conversations around important themes like our conceptions of home, identity, tradition, and more.”
Siegel also notes how natural the conversations became.
“One of the most amazing things is that, though I had discussion topics ready every session, the participants were engaging so strongly and naturally in discussion that the conversation flowed almost without any aid at all,” he said.
For Zaken, who helped bring the program back, the most important part of Better Together is its ability to build relationships and community
“It’s so important to step back from our roles as students, faculty, and staff, and simply break bread together—acknowledging and listening to each other as human beings,” said Zaken.
The program’s successful revival at Elon has proven that breaking bread is a powerful way to bring people together.
“The act of sitting down at a table and sharing food and conversation inherently lowers walls and allows for thoughtful conversation,” said Siegel.
Whether you’re looking to meet new people, engage in reflective dialogue, or simply enjoy a good meal, Better Together invites you to take a seat at the table. RSVP and be part of the conversation.
