Sister Mary T. Clark, RSCJ Center for Religion and Social Justice

The Clark Center promotes the development of ethical and socially responsible undergraduate leaders for the global community involving the entire student body offering volunteering and service-learning opportunities. In furthering our goal to create a diverse and engaged community, the Clark Center works closely with student organizations, academic departments, administrative offices, and community groups to promote the exploration and celebration of cultural, ethnic, religious and gender dimensions of our human experience for human flourishing and transformation.

Each year the Clark Center collaborates with regional, national and international partners to foster experiential learning for our students through the integration of our four pillars and their role in in community service activities.

Religion and Spirituality
Support of religious beliefs at the Clark Center is provided by three chaplains representing Catholicism, Judaism and Inter-denominational Christianity. They minister to the spiritual needs of students and staff by offering opportunities for faith sharing, one on one spiritual direction, retreat experiences and celebration of religious rituals.
Spirituality is about getting in touch with one's inner self. A component is self-reflection that deepens awareness of the sacredness and mystery of life. It is approached from a variety of perspectives including prayer, meditation, and relaxation techniques that promote peace of mind, body and spirit. Spirituality can be a belief system that is raised to a lifestyle, making life a sacred adventure.

Social Justice
Teaching promotes the belief that all people possess an equal and inalienable worth. This essential dignity includes the equitable distribution of resources enabling members to reach their full potential as human persons. Student, faculty and staff are invited to participate in weekly social justice workshops which address issues pertinent to local and global issues.

Activism and Advocacy
Enshrined in the legacy of past President Grace Dammann, who affirmed the right of the first African American student to be admitted to the college in 1938. Today, this pillar invites students to be at the forefront of championing social issues through education, petitions and peaceful demonstrations. Themes such as diversity and racism, responsible stewardship of the environment, LGBTQ-gender equality, as well as justice initiatives related to immigration and homelessness, are often the focus of these actions.
Community Service
Community service experiences abound at Manhattanville. At the Clark Center, this pillar aims to create "ethically and socially responsible citizens" who demonstrate and inspire others through participation in a variety of programs: Big Brother/Big Sister, the Midnight Run, where care packages of essential items are delivered to persons who are homeless in New York City, mentoring programs, Habitat for Humanity, and numerous environmental programs with the Westchester Parks.