The Latter-Day Saint Student Association (LDSSA) is an RSO that has been active at UW for more than 10 years and works to help students find balance in their secular and spiritual education.
One of the largest RSOs on campus, the LDSSA has over 70 members and is open to everyone on campus. President Liz Hancey said this makes the LDSSA stand out.
“I think one thing that makes LDSSA unique is the amount of people that do come the activities,” Hancey said. “It is like a huge family that comes together and shares experiences and grows together.”
The LDSSA is associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Hancey said goals surrounding spirituality are a priority.
“[The LDSSA] is geared towards anyone,” Hancey said. “However, we are more a religious RSO and do focus on balancing spiritual education in our lives.”
Grant Asay, LDSSA committee member and coordinator, said the LDSSA leaders “want the LDSSA to be a place where everyone knows that they are welcomed and loved. Also, that they can have an opportunity to grow spiritually stronger.”
Members of the LDSSA hold bi-monthly events that are open to all students. Asay said these events are designed to help students have a positive impact on the community and to build friendship with each other.
“We always want to make our community and campus a stronger place,” Asay said. “We try hard to make sure that everything we do is to the benefit of the members or others.”
Some of the larger events put on by the LDSSA this year have included the Brown and Gold Banquet, which included a formal dinner and motivational speaker, and service activities where students made blankets and hygiene kits for the Laramie Youth Crisis Center.
The Brown and Gold Banquet is the RSO’s largest event and is open to the entire community. This year’s speaker was Ryan Stream, who spoke about perseverance amid difficult circumstances.
“LDSSA has a positive impact on the UW and Laramie community by providing fun, safe activities,” Hancey said. “Sometimes I feel that students want to get involved but don’t necessarily know how, and LDSSA is a great way to make friends and get involved with the community.”
Other events put on by the LDSSA include lunch devotionals, daily classes, dances and other service opportunities. Morgan Downs, secretary, said member participation in these events is what makes them so enjoyable.
“It’s the people who make a difference,” Downs said. “I love the activities and getting to know the people better. Some of my best friends have come through LDSSA.”
Hancey said events such as these are great for building relationships with like-minded individuals on campus.
“In my personal experience, I am so grateful for an RSO that helps me become a better person and helps me improve my spirituality. With so many people participating in the activities, it is also a great opportunity to make friends,” Hancey said. “The friends that I have made in the activities have become my best friends.”
The LDSSA has several events coming up in the next few weeks. On April 8 they are hosting a breakfast and genealogy event, and on April 22 they are holding a community service day in honor of Earth Day, which will be followed by a barbeque.
Information about events and the LDSSA can be found on the LDS Institute of Laramie, Wyoming Facebook page or on the LDSSA’s colligate link page.
“All students are more than welcome to come,” Hancey said. “The more the merrier!”
