Property acquisition opens doors for Christian students

In a move to placate an increased demand for member housing, the Christian Student Fellowship last week acquired the former Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity house, 1968 N. Jordan Ave. \nThe move comes after an offer made by the CSF in late July. The board of trustees later approved the purchase.\nThe building will be converted into the centralized hub for the CSF, merging the four CSF residential centers across campus, said Ritchie Hoffman, organization director and a Bloomington resident.\nHoffman said the University-approved acquisition will widen the range of CSF activities and services.\n"We will offer housing and we will have offices for CSF activities," he said. "Plus, it will offer opportunities for social and recreational things."\nBible student worship services, small group activities and fellowship-sponsored service projects will still be held on campus, Hoffman said.\nHoffman said the decision to acquire the property was driven by an increased member demand for housing. Currently, four CSF residential centers across campus accommodate 27 students, compared with the new center, which has the capacity for at least 80 students. \n"It looks like a lot of student interest," he said. "For years we have had more student demand than room or places to live. This will offer us room for that."\nSophomore Stephanie Michael said the CSF saw a surge in the number of applications for housing during the summer.\n"This past year, when people applied for housing with the CSF, there were a lot more people than spaces available," Michael said. \nThe acquisition will also provide fertile ground for cultivating an atmosphere sensitive to students of the Christian faith, said sophomore Emily Kluesener.\n"This indicates a demand for housing that is not provided by the University," she said. "There is no other Christian house on campus where you can live with Christians on campus that is appealing to all Christians." \nHoffman suggested the new center will affirm and reinforce Christian values and foster member solidarity.\n"CSF students like to live with students with similar Christian values and purposes," he said. "Students look to find that faith and common goals."\nThe center won't be occupied until next Fall, Hoffman said. In the meantime, CSF members will remain quartered in four CSF living units on 707 E. Eighth St.\nThe CSF was established on campus in 1968. CSF is a not-for-profit organization funded by independent Christian churches across Indiana and by private individuals. The fellowship conducts and engages in a swath of activities and programs across campus through which they promote awareness of and identification with Christian values and customs. Their flagship activity, "Students Together for Praise", meets every Wednesday during which students sing hymns, share in dialogue and listen to campus ministers.