First held in 2017, the annual Unity Project highlights diversity and inclusivity found in the Reinhardt University campus community. The tradition is a significant aspect of the First Year Seminar curriculum. This year, the event took place on September 20th in front of the Bratton Memorial Bell Tower.
On the green space, thirty-two poles are arranged in a circle. Each pole is labeled with various beliefs, demographic backgrounds, and interests. Using a blue or gold cord, participants weave their way through the poles and each other to connect to the statements with which they most identify.
The actions produce a spectacular web-like canopy symbolically illustrating how each student’s individuality can exist simultaneously with others’ differences and how connections and differences can create a vibrant Reinhardt community.
The accumulation of interconnected yarn created by hundreds of participants personally affected students. Rose Dickinson (RU-2028) reflected on the experience, saying, “Participating in this event made me feel more connected to the Reinhardt community.”
The project seeks to be a symbolic visual manifestation Reinhardt’s vision to be an institution where “diverse talents grow together.” Reinhardt plans to carry on providing similar experiences for future classes and looks forward to witnessing these students’ growth over the next four years.
