The Ritual of Belonging: 35 Years of the Friday Center

The Ritual of Belonging: 35 Years of the Friday Center

Come. Connect. Celebrate.

In 1991, UNC President William C. Friday opened the doors to what he called "the citizens' classroom," a place built to make learning and connection open to everyone, with or without a UNC degree. Named for Bill and Ida Friday, two North Carolinians defined by their service to education and public life, the Friday Center was founded on a simple belief: learning never stops.

For 35 years, the Friday Center has carried that belief forward by opening doors, bringing people together, and extending Carolina's knowledge beyond the traditional classroom. It is a place where the University and the community meet, where ideas are shared, relationships are built, and learning becomes part of a larger public life.

This November, we're celebrating 35 years with an evening centered on something that has always been essential to the Friday Center: the power of gathering, and the belonging it creates.

Joining us is Casper ter Kuile, author of The Power of Ritual and co-founder of Sacred Design Lab.

THE POWER OF RITUAL

Amidst rising rates of disconnection, what are the rituals that gather us together? How can we deepen our relationships, make meaningful connections, and experience joyful belonging? Join author and co-founder of Sacred Design Lab Casper ter Kuile for an evening's conversation on the power of ritual. You'll explore how to cultivate the containers of connection at home, on campus, and in the wider community. Learn how ritual can weave us back into a fabric of common life.

The Evening

6:30pm | Director's reception, join us for refreshments and conversation
7:15pm | Casper's talk, followed by a live Q&A

This is a free event, but space is limited, and registration is required to attend.

About Casper ter Kuile

Casper ter Kuile is the author of The Power of Ritual and co-founder of Sacred Design Lab. His work explores how ritual and intentional gathering help people build meaning and connection in their everyday lives. He has spoken on community, culture, and connection at venues including the Aspen Ideas Festival, the Cannes Lions Festival, and Stanford University, and has led workshops on ritual and belonging for organizations including Etsy, Google, and IDEO. His work has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and on NPR.