All Wildcats welcome at Better Together: Building Community One Story at a Time
If loneliness is the epidemic of our time, we have to get better together.
Data from the U.S. Surgeon General, Gallup and the World Health Organization shows reported loneliness is at an all-time high across the United States. Despite being more connected than ever through technology, many people feel less connected than ever.
The 2025 K-State common read, "Together" by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, explores why connection is essential for health, happiness and success. Murthy explains how loneliness has become one of today’s biggest challenges, and how friendships, kindness and community can help people thrive.
Since 2010, K-State First has selected a common read each year to create a shared experience for first-year students, helping them grow academically and socially while connecting them with the broader campus community.
“In a time when loneliness is one of the greatest challenges facing college students, this book reminds us that connection is a necessity,” said Tara Coleman, K-State First Book coordinator, interim associate dean for K-State Libraries and program services coordinator for the Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab and the Dow Center at Hale Library. “This event creates space for real conversations, shared stories and meaningful relationships that help us grow stronger as individuals and as a community. It’s a chance to show that at K-State, we don’t just talk about being better together, we live it.”
"Better Together: Building Community One Story at a Time" will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, in the K-State Student Union Ballroom.
Attendees can enjoy music, fun and Willie the Wildcat during check-in, followed by a brief program featuring K-State students, faculty and staff sharing their insights on "Together." Attendees will then split into small groups led by trained facilitators for conversations and reflections. By sharing stories and perspectives from the book, participants will explore practical ways to build stronger relationships, support one another and create a campus community where everyone can thrive.
All Wildcats are welcome, especially first-year students. A social with cookies and drinks hosted by the Union Program Council will follow the event.
Registration is due by Friday, Oct. 31.
K-State students, faculty and staff interested in serving as facilitators can sign up here by Monday, Oct. 27. Facilitators will lead small group conversations and receive training and a Better Together T-shirt.
Training sessions will take place in person at the Leadership Studies Building on the following dates:
- 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30
- 12:30-1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3
- 4-5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3
- 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4
All first-year students received a copy of "Together." Other K-Staters can borrow a copy from Hale Library or purchase one from a bookstore of their choice.
"Better Together: Building Community One Story at a Time" is sponsored by K-State First, the Staley School of Leadership, Student Programs and Involvement, the Dow Center at K-State Libraries, the Morrison Family Center for Student Well-being, DASSA, the Department of English and the K-State Student Union.