“GO PIOS,” the term commonly heard at a Cru meeting, starts off the night as Chip Cipoletti begins the service with his usual jokes, puns and announcements. Cipoletti, a sophomore at DU, gained his leadership position with Cru after he joined the group his freshmen year.
Founded in 2012, Cru has been a presence on DU’s campus, holding weekly services, bible studies and various other community-building events. As a Christian organization, Cru states its mission as, “to be a caring community at DU passionate about living for something greater.”
“On a campus like DU, there aren’t a lot of places where people can ask questions about the meaning of life. At Cru, people feel comfortable asking questions of purpose or questions not school related,” Cipoletti goes further to explain why he joined Cru and continues to attend the services and hold bible studies.
Weekly services are held in DU’s Evans Chapel, commonly referred to as the “Well,” at 7 p.m. These meetings last an hour and include worship, a short service by a leader or student and pizza. Students of all different ages, backgrounds and beliefs gather together to “grow in their faith” and learn more about how to get through life. Small group meetings are also provided, which meet Thursday at 7:30-9p.m. at Cipoletti and his roommate Drew Harrilchak’s apartment.
Many DU students attend Cru for the community and opportunity to grow in their faith. Freshman Emory Ferguson, an international studies major from Boulder Colorado, says, “Cru is a weekly break from all the stress of school.” John David, sophomore computer science major from Grand Junction, Colorado, joins in Ferguson’s praises as he adds: “I really appreciate the community Cru provides me.”
David has shared his thoughts with Cru, as he is one of the countless students who have given a small service on Wednesday nights. David recently brought Alpha Gamma Omega, a Christian fraternity, to DU and is proud of its success. Alpha Gamma Omega has grown to 12 members, and continues to expand as brothers “come together in faith.”
Emily Zee, senior double major in music performance and psychology from Frisco, Texas, leads worship at Cru services. Zee comments on the power of worship and how it affects students at Cru: “When I am leading and can hear everyone else singing and praising God, I am deeply moved.” Zee adds specifics on how Cru has shaped her experience at DU when she says, “If I am able to deepen someone’s prayer in some way while leading worship, I would consider that the single most important thing I’ve done at DU.”
This Wednesday, Cru will meet in Driscoll for a potluck at 7 p.m.
