Student Engagement & Support Services

Institutional Statement on Diversity

Spirituality is an important part of life at Nebraska Methodist College. As a school created in 1891 through the efforts of Methodist deaconesses, we couldn't be prouder of our institutional heritage of Christian faith and service. We continue to embody this identity today through our core values of caring, excellence, holism, learning, and respect, alongside the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, which guide and inspire our mission to positively influence the health and well-being of our community.

Spirituality is about our deepest passions, desires and beliefs and how we put those into practice in our lives. Spirituality gives us a sense of who we are, where we came from, where we are going and how we make our lives meaningful. Viewed through this lens, spirituality is for everyone because it engages us with life's big questions about identity, meaning, purpose and place in the world. 

We challenge you to think about these ultimate questions, not in an effort to tell you what to think, but to reflect and grow in your own understanding, beliefs, values and vocation — your sense of purpose or calling as a healthcare professional.

For some students, this process will be explicitly religious and always includes their faith lives and relationship with God; for others, the process will be more about self-discovery and finding personal meaning in life and in work. A variety of voices and perspectives helps us all to learn and grow in important ways, so we welcome and encourage both ends of the spectrum, and everything in between!

We want all students, faculty, and staff to engage spirituality during their time here, but we also want to practice it each and every day at the College. We strive to create a community where everyone feels supported and cared for, heard and respected.

The NMC chapel provides a space for students, faculty and staff to escape for a few moments from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. The chapel is always open and all are welcome to spend some time in prayer, reflection, meditation or conversation in the quiet, relaxed atmosphere, located on the first floor of the Riley Leinart Center.

There is important symbolism throughout the chapel, including:

• The Cross is a symbol and a reminder of our Methodist identity and heritage. 
• The Stained Glass depicts the four seasons, recalling the words of Ecclesiastes that "to everything there is a season," reminding us of God's presence and care for us during the inevitable ups and downs, joys and challenges, and the changing seasons of our lives. 
• The Sculpture, "Unity Amidst Diversity," highlights that NMC values and promotes inclusion and diverse perspectives, identities, and backgrounds - spirituality and religion, race and culture, gender and sexuality. 
• The Circular Shape of the chapel is an expression of oneness, equality and wholeness, as well as a reminder of the cycle of life and the eternal nature of God.

All are welcome to use the chapel to take time to reflect, re-center and recharge.