How Story Exchanges are Bringing Faculty and Students Together

Blog, Featured Posts, In the News

March 25, 2026

In universities and colleges across the United States, Narrative 4 is connecting people through the power of storytelling. Recently, two universities in New York held Story Exchange workshops for faculty and students, offering their communities an opportunity to build dialogue and understanding and bridge gaps on campus. Here’s what happened in NYU and Marist University.

Bridging the Gap: A Faculty and Student Story Exchange

📍 NYU, Manhattan, New York

Last month, NYU students and faculty braved the snow to join Narrative 4 for a Story Exchange Workshop. Part of A Mile in My Shoes — the acclaimed exhibition from the Empathy Museum — the workshop was designed to foster a profound sense of connection and understanding.

The core of the workshop was the Story Exchange, an exercise that cultivated compassion, combining deep listening and perspective-taking. Around 35 participants paired up at random and shared a personal story. They then retold their partner’s story in the first person—as if it happened to them.

We’re all walking around all day with these wonderful stories inside us, and nobody asks about them and we don’t tell them. But if we can [tell more stories], I think we’ll be able to build stronger connections with everyone.

Lori Nitschke, Adjunct Instructor, School of Professional Studies

Thank you to everyone who took part in this powerful workshop!

Celebrating a One-Year “UNIVersary”

📍 Marist University, Poughkeepsie, New York

Blog Post - N4 at Marist University's one-year celebration of university status.

Marist University recently celebrated its one-year “UNIVersary” with a day of events highlighting the pride and enthusiasm shared by the Marist community.

Hundreds of students, faculty and alumni gathered for a block party on campus, connecting with another and building community. With a local radio station broadcasting live from McCann Arena, plenty of delicious food and various yard games and competitions, the UNIVersary was a celebration of all things Marist, a year after it changed from a college to a university.

As part of the festivities, staff and faculty took part in a Story Exchange during which participants shared their Marist experiences. Amanda Benton, associate director of Alumni Relations and one of the event organizers, described what made it so special:

As a participant, it was a really wonderful opportunity to slow down, open up and connect with other Marist staff in a small group setting. It felt like we were really connected and able to break down some walls by being willing to be vulnerable.

In Manhattan, Poughkeepsie, throughout the United States and across the world, we’re honored to play a role in building strong, connected communities. Find out more about how you can bring Narrative 4 to your campus here.

Do you have a Narrative 4 story to share? Get in touch with us here.