Listen Here
Column by Dr. Darcy Metcalfe
Assistant Professor of Religious Studies
College is more than lectures, exams, and late-night study sessions—it’s a community, a shared space where diverse lives intersect. In this vibrant environment, the virtues of compassion, benevolence, and beneficence are not just admirable ideals; they are essential for cultivating a campus culture that uplifts, heals, and inspires.
From a religious perspective, compassion is often seen as a divine attribute. In Christianity, Jesus’ ministry was marked by acts of mercy and healing, reaching out to the marginalized and the suffering. In Buddhism, compassion (karuṇā) is one of the Four Immeasurables, a boundless quality that leads to liberation. Islam teaches that God is “Ar-Rahman” and “Ar-Rahim”—the Most Compassionate and the Most Merciful—urging believers to embody these traits in their dealings with others. These traditions remind us that compassion is not weakness, but strength: a sacred response to the pain of others.
Philosophically, compassion is the bridge between self and other. Thinkers like Immanuel Kant emphasized the moral duty to treat others as ends in themselves, not merely as means. Meanwhile, contemporary ethicists like Martha Nussbaum argue that compassion is foundational to justice and human dignity. On campus, this means recognizing the humanity in every person—whether it’s a roommate struggling with anxiety, a professor facing burnout, or a custodian working quietly behind the scenes.
Benevolence, the desire to do good, and beneficence, the act of doing good, are natural extensions of compassion. They move us from feeling to action. A benevolent student might offer a listening ear to a friend in distress; a beneficent one might organize a food drive or volunteer for a tutoring program. These virtues transform campus life from a transactional space into a relational one, where people are valued not for what they produce, but for who they are.
Importantly, these virtues are contagious. A single act of kindness can ripple outward, creating a culture of care. When students choose empathy over indifference, generosity over self-interest, and service over apathy, they build a campus where everyone feels seen and supported. This doesn’t mean ignoring boundaries or burning out in the name of helping others—it means fostering a spirit of mutual respect and shared responsibility.
In a time when many students face mental health challenges, financial stress, and identity struggles, compassion becomes a lifeline. Benevolence becomes a balm. Beneficence becomes a beacon. These virtues remind us that we are not alone, and that our presence can be a source of healing for others.
So, as we navigate our journeys here at the University of Findlay, consider this: What kind of community do you want to help create? Let compassion guide your heart, let benevolence shape your intentions, and let beneficence move your hands. In doing so, you won’t just succeed academically—you’ll help build a campus where everyone can flourish.
*Share your story of kindness by contacting us at rogan@findlay.edu with “Find the Kind” in the subject line.
