Within the next week, an amazing opportunity will present itself to the students of Marquette.

The 2010 Student Leadership Summit, an annual and free (that’s correct, free) day conference, will aim to focus the attention of student leaders on the difficulties, as well as the benefits, of interfaith dialogue.

I strongly encourage the entire undergraduate student body, including you reading this now, to consider attending the summit, entitled “Better Together: Interfaith Leadership.” The topic of interfaith dialogue has never been more relevant than it is today. Over the past few months, several examples of interfaith conflict have been in the forefront of American media, and it increasingly needs to be taken seriously.

It is our perpetual responsibility as women and men of a new time to strive in broadening our minds and opening our hearts. The Student Leadership Summit will encourage participants to explore their own story and beliefs.

Then, through small groups, it will grant student leaders the tools necessary to incorporate an interfaith aspect around campus. Working with the Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC), an organization based in Chicago, this year’s conference is determined to bolster the communion of youth from different belief backgrounds. IFYC’s main goal is to aid in building relationships between diverse youth in order to promote peace and acceptance among various religious groups.

Should you be available on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m., I highly suggest registering for the Student Leadership Summit. Registration can be filed on the Office of Student Development’s website, marquette.edu/osd, but needs to be completed by Nov. 3. This is a great opportunity to come together as a diverse student body, share our stories and learn how we can work in interfaith harmony.

Nate Schultz is a leadership programs assistant in the Office of Student Development