ASWU and Whitworth’s Chapel put on a ‘Stations of the Cross’ exhibit on the second floor of the HUB from Mar. 31 to Apr. 2. With original artwork from Scott Erickson, they had twelve stations that describe Jesus’ final day before his crucifixion.
The Stations of the Cross, as described in the artist’s statement, “began as a remembrance that pilgrims had when they were retracing Jesus’ final steps in Jerusalem up to the hill where He was crucified.”
These stations began being shown in the HUB in 2025. After the previous ASWU Spiritual Life Coordinator, Jude Richley, purchased the rights to Erickson’s artwork and messaging last year, Jasmine Schmidt, the current spiritual life coordinator, decided to display the stations once again this year.
Stations of the Cross is typically a Catholic tradition that has fourteen stations, beginning with Jesus’ condemnation and ending with his being laid in the tomb to rest. The version Whitworth displays was designed to cater more to a Christian audience. It begins with Jesus’ temptation and ends with his return to life.
Whitworth’s dean of spiritual life, Forrest Buckner, explained how these stations are designed to bring the ancient story to life in a contemporary context.
“They try to apply it to today, so it’s not just this thing that happened a long time ago,” Buckner said. “I think it helps that Whitworth students have another way to engage this Holy Week … It’s another way for Whitworth students to remember what’s happening.”
Amanda Clark, dean of the library and special programs, said that the stations provide a route to follow the passion of Christ.
“Actually, passion means to suffer, and so when we talk about Christ’s Passion, we are talking about his suffering and death on the cross,” Clark said.
Clark had a different takeaway than simply following along with Jesus’ journey through the crucifixion.
“As a Catholic, I imagine myself side by side with the mother of Jesus. I follow her lead in how I follow her son. I’m mixed with emotions, both sad and joyful,” Clark said.
