by Elisabeth Coon, Student Public Relations Writer
Responding to a growing need for meaningful connection among college women, Cedarville University students will launch a chapter of Delight Ministries this fall. The Christ-centered initiative comes as loneliness continues to affect students nationwide, with a February 2026 Trellis Strategies brief reporting that 57% of undergraduates feel lonely sometimes or always.
Led by Alyssa Rayner, a junior psychology major from Centreville, Maryland, and Kate Niswonger, a sophomore biblical studies pre-M.Div. major from Springfield, Ohio, the chapter aims to create a welcoming space where women can build meaningful relationships, study the Bible and support each other during formative seasons of life.
What Is Delight Ministries?
Delight Ministries is a national nonprofit organization with chapters on college campuses across the United States. It was founded to invite women into a Christ-centered community through Bible study, mentorship and intentional relationships.
The ministry emphasizes vulnerability, storytelling and spiritual growth, encouraging women to be known and supported. Unlike some campus ministries, Delight does not focus on dating or romantic relationships but on building strong, faith-based friendships.
“It’s a safe place for women to come together,” Niswonger said. “It gives us a place to grow in relationships with each other and explore our faith without the pressure of focusing on dating or marriage.”
What Delight Looks Like at CedarvilleDelight Ministries structures its programming to balance spiritual growth with fellowship. Throughout the semester, the leadership team hosts weekly devotionals, worship nights and service opportunities.
The chapter also encourages personal connection through less structured events. One distinctive feature is its “Delight Dates,” during which participants are paired for one-on-one meetings designed to build stronger friendships.
Even in its early stages, the ministry has already begun to make an impact. At events, members can submit anonymous prayer requests, allowing leadership to pray for them in a personal and meaningful way.
One request in particular — asking for godly female relationships — struck Niswonger as a clear reflection of the organization's purpose.
Though Cedarville’s Delight chapter is still in its early stages, it is beginning to establish itself as a place for genuine connection and spiritual growth. Niswonger and Rayner hope it becomes a place where women feel loved and known throughout their college experience.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
