Thomas Jefferson was one.

So was Christopher Reeve.

Both of these well-known Americans have a little-known fact in common: They shared the Unitarian Universalist faith.

"We're a conglomeration of people who may or may not be Unitarian Universalists," said Rachel Evans, president of Penn State's Unitarian Universalist Students (UUS). "We try to be a supportive haven for each other on our own spiritual journeys."

On Oct. 18, four UUS members were introduced to the practice of meditation by two members of the Penn State Meditation Community (PSMC).

For 10 minutes, the UUS group members and two guest speakers silently sat in a circle with downcast eyes, counting their breaths and trying to clear their minds of thought.

"It could take months to get to 10 breaths because your mind is so crazy," PSMC President Zach Danek said, explaining how meditation can be incorporated into individual spirituality.

Meetings such as these are typical for UUS.

UUS meetings include a discussion on social issues or the different belief systems of religious faiths. In the past, groups such as Silver Circle and the Baha'i Club have been invited to discuss their beliefs with UUS attendees.

"I feel like I have too many things to do to take time out and meditate," Kate Streitel (freshman-biobehavioral health) said.

"But it's still cool learning about [meditation]," she added.

Streitel said she is new to the student group, but not to Unitarian Universalism.

"I've been getting blank stares my whole life," she said, adding that most people have never heard of Unitarian Universalism before.

The Unitarian Universalist Association was formed in 1961 when the Unitarian and Universalist denominations merged.

UUS adviser Sean Cook said Unitarians questioned the doctrine of the Trinity and believe it was a useless distraction from the teachings of Jesus. Universalists questioned the existence of Hell, asking why an omnipotent God would punish his "children" forever.

He said the groups were compatible for their mutual interest in questioning views, seeking individual truth and working within social movements.

"UUs are non-dogmatic," Cook said. "We believe studying all religions is a good thing."

Evans said she thinks college is a time when people start thinking about their spirituality and the open forum of Unitarian Universalism allows people to explore and question their beliefs in a non-judgmental way.

"I like the discussion we're able to have with each other. I think it's a very comfortable environment," UUS Vice President Heather Leebens-Mack said, adding that the group is typically small.

Evans said while the group would welcome more members or visitors, Universal Unitarians shy away from aggressive recruiting.

"We have a fine line with that because we don't want to be proselytizing," she said.

Still, the Unitarian Universalist community extends beyond campus boundaries.

The group has a relationship with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County, 780 Waupelani Dr. Extension, where members can attend 10:30 a.m. Sunday services.

"We are really open to any beliefs people have and the diversity of beliefs are important," Evans said.

UUS meetings are at 6 p.m. on Mondays in the library of Eisenhower Chapel.