By Ben Dickison and Joseph Hammann, Back Page Editor and Staff Writer

Spring 2025 has marked the pilot semester for the THRIVE Center, located on the second floor of the Gallagher Student Center, which serves as the heart of Ignatian Belonging for Xavier students.

The space was evaluated on its ability to serve Xavier students at the beginning of this year. In October, the Division of Ignatian Belonging decided to change the name of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion to the THRIVE Center, a change that went into effect at the beginning of the spring semester.

“The reason for the name change was to speak things into existence,” Director of the THRIVE Center Samuel Terry said. “When students say I’m going to ‘thrive,’ they are manifesting goodness whether they realize it or not.”

THRIVE is an acronym for the words transformative, heartfelt, respect, inclusivity, voices and empowerment. Despite the name change, its leaders say the THRIVE Center still holds its mission to empower every student to excel both in and out of the classroom setting and fosters an environment and initiative to promote cura personalis, Ignatian belonging, leadership and transformational justice. It will still offer its regular community and support groups such as Queeries, Barber Shop Talk and X-ish. 

Goals for the THRIVE Center will include expanding to serving first-generation college students in hopes to improve the retention rate of this demographic. Xavier is now officially part of the network of First-Gen Forward colleges and universities. 

First-Gen Forward, according to its mission statement, is a program that provides a “model for scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first generation student experience and advance academic and co-curricular outcomes.”

In the context of federal-and state-level initiatives aimed at eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. President Colleen Hanycz released a statement earlier this month, titled “Commitment to Community.” 

“In light of the rapid changes in our local and national environment, I want to affirm Xavier University’s unwavering commitment – and my unwavering commitment – to fostering an inclusive, supportive and welcoming environment for all,” Hayncz said in her message.

 “More broadly, Catholic social teaching has given us a rich foundation that grounds our commitment to social justice. Guided by our mission, we remain steadfast in our dedication to Xavier’s work to support a just society, given our absolute belief that everyone is created in the image and likeness of God,” continued President Hanycz in her statement.

Terry believes the work of the THRIVE Center will meet this commitment by serving students through summer orientation programs, peer mentor initiatives and community support groups.

“I believe we’re the office with the biggest heart on campus,” Terry said. “I want people to know that all the work we do in here is to ensure that Xavier is a safe place, no matter what.

In addition to being directed by Terry, who is in his 24th year of student success work, THRIVE is staffed by Tamara Serrano Chandler and Diamond Brown, who specialize in programming and retention efforts, respectively. While the THRIVE Center is known for creating community through programming, the space is also a nucleus for students to study, have conversation, receive advice or even take a nap.

“It means a lot that Xavier is committed to creating a space of belonging for students and holding true to its values,” senior biology major Lola Perez, who values the space for its “familial” nature, said. 

The THRIVE Center is located in room 210 of the Gallagher Student Center, and is open from dawn to dusk most days.