On September 14, 2026, a group of volunteers gathered at AST’s President’s Lodge for a community gathering unlike any other. The focus was not just to study faith but to practice it in community.

The premise of Alpha is simple. Curiosity is the only requirement. What does it look like to welcome a stranger? To sit with someone’s questions? To be present at someone else’s table?

Nearly 3 million people in 158 countries experienced Alpha in 2025—because it made a difference in their lives. It has been adopted across virtually every Christian tradition, including those at AST, precisely because it creates space rather than pressure.

We sat down with AST’s Board Chair, Greg Aikins, who stepped into facilitating Alpha at AST in an independent, volunteer-led role outside of official AST operations.

“It was my exposure to the lack of community or fellowship in the residence that first touched my heart,” shared Aikins, adding, “Then I realized that for the many AST students not in residence, it was a real opportunity to enhance student life by building community with lasting relationships while learning how to share the beauty of our Christian faith in an open and loving way through the Alpha experience.”

Following are some excerpts from our conversation with Aikins.

Alpha is hosted in over 150 countries, but why did you feel this specific format—a shared meal and open discussion—was the right fit for students and campus residents right now? 

A number of factors come together to make it challenging for a university like AST to have a vibrant student life beyond the classroom. The Alpha model of open table fellowship in a safe space where the most important questions in life can be freely explored without judgement or expectations is a format that can build genuine community, which is pretty counter-cultural when you think about it. Alpha complements AST’s rich academic life in a practical way that can have lifelong impact on students’ faith journeys.

Looking back at the first gathering on September 14, what stood out to you most once people actually sat down at the table together?

The first night of Alpha can be very daunting for guests (and the team!), as many have little experience with a social environment where you eat and chat with strangers. What struck me was the amount of conversation that seemed to be flowing. I think having a delicious meal helped with that!

Was there a moment or conversation from that first evening that confirmed why hosting this space was worth the effort?

I was helping in the kitchen while the groups got into their discussions, but afterwards the team members who’d been at the small group tables were enthused with the level of engagement on the first night.

The announcement touched on the quiet loneliness many students face when away from home. How did you see the idea of ancient hospitality take shape on night one?

We live in a time where loneliness is prevalent like never before. For those who take a chance on the Alpha experience, their barriers are usually softened by loving, open hospitality where the hosts are simply interested in them as they are and who they are without any expectations other than showing up.

Because this isn't an official AST program or academic requirement, what kind of organic culture or connections are you hoping forms among participants over the course of the term?

As the small groups journey together, they usually begin to develop bonds with each other, sometimes making real connections with people they wouldn’t otherwise hang out with and feeling a sense of community. I think this can only enhance the campus culture at AST and foster bonds that carry on long after they’ve finished the Alpha journey. I often meet people who are still connected with people from their Alpha group many years later. This could translate into more dynamic and connected alumni if Alpha takes hold at AST.

For a student or resident who missed the September 14 kickoff and might feel hesitant about dropping in late, what would you say to them?

Come and see, it’s not too late! It’s fine to come for week 2 or even week 3 and see if you like it. Regardless of what preconceptions they may have, they’ll only know why it’s the world’s biggest ecumenical movement by experiencing it themselves. If there is one aspect of Alpha that is consistent across all cultures, age groups, and circumstances, it’s that it changes lives in a beautiful, Spirit-led way.

If you’re ready to explore questions, express your interest here and RSVP/share your dietary needs here.

You are free to come and see what Alpha is all about next week (Sept. 28, 2026) at 6.30 p.m. at the President's Lodge, AST Campus.