Anna Lifson came to Macalester from a secular household in Madison, WI. As a first-year student she participated in Lives of Commitment. In this program, students volunteer weekly with local immigrants and refugees and explore what it means to live a life of commitment in small and large cohort groups. She was also a Lilly Summer Intern at Macalester-Plymouth Presbyterian Church where she was the resident “seeker,” helping this faith community understand the perspective of young people who are seeking a religious community. Below Anna reflects on her experience with the Lilly Project.

“My involvement with the Lilly Project defined my Macalester experience; it would be impossible to consider one separately from the other. Academic coursework of the caliber offered at Macalester helps students develop the intellectual tools necessary to critically examine the world as it is, so that we then can shape it into the world we wish to see. My Lilly-related activities helped me develop the tools to examine myself critically, with an eye towards my personal role in shaping a socially just world. My involvement in the Lilly Project helped me consider the unique skills and interests I possess, and the way I can use these personal gifts to effect positive social change.


"Before my involvement in the Lilly project, I viewed matters of religion and spirituality largely with disdain, an "opiate for the masses," as Marx said. Through my Lilly experiences I was able to consider the way that religion and spirituality can highlight the bonds between us all, and can inspire people to work for the common good throughout their lives. I knew that the institution of religion had been used historically (and is still used today) to divide and oppress people; now, thanks to the Lilly project, I also understand the way religion can be used to unite and empower them.”

After graduating in 2006 with a Political Science major, Anna participated in the Lutheran Volunteer Corp and now continues to work in Washington DC with Women Empowered Against Violence (WEAVE) as their Program Coordinator.