Rathbun Program Offerings

The Rathbun Fund provides the Dean for Religious & Spiritual Life with discretionary means to develop and offer “high touch” programs to help students explore further what it means to lead a meaningful life. The Rathbun Fund also provides resources to enhance the following programs for the benefit of the broader university community.

Alumni Panels: Stanford alumni come back to campus to participate in panels held student residence halls and other places on campus throughout the year. The panelists answer questions such as, “How has your definition of success changed since you graduated from Stanford?” and "What were the key decisions that I faced during my career journey?"

Baccalaureate Celebration: This gathering is part of Commencement weekend and is a bookend to the Opening Convocation held four years earlier. Baccalaureate is a time to acknowledge the spiritual contribution to the education of the whole person. 

Fellowship for Religious Encounter: The Office for Religious & Spiritual Life offers up to 16 fellowships to engage students in sustained, meaningful religious encounter with one another. This year-long program is open to Stanford undergraduate, graduate or professional students from any academic discipline. 

Guest Speakers: Speakers from diverse backgrounds are invited to campus to be a part of events intended to encourage self-reflection and moral inquiry.