This group was created out of a Front Porch grant. To build relationships across difference, the UNC Crossroads Program has created the Forty-Niner Friends (modeled after the Friday Friends Crossroads project of Mecklenburg Ministries). With help from UNC Charlotte’s Multicultural Resource Center, this program will recruit 100 freshmen to pair with 100 students from student organizations representing diverse groups like PRIDE (People Recognizing Individual Diversity and Equality, LASO (Latin American Student Organization), International Club, Hillel (Jewish Student Association), FCA (Fellowship of Student Athletes), Earth Club, and Collegiate 100. A freshman student would be paired with another student who is racially, culturally, or religiously different. These student pairs would be required to meet over lunch once a month, for three months during the Fall 2009 semester. To support these meetings, UNC Charlotte Crossroads would provide the planning, banquet space, and conversation starters for three coordinated luncheons. Free lunches will be provided to participants. Participating freshman students would be asked to keep a reflections journal about their experience. Students would be recognized by the UNC Charlotte Crossroads program for their successful participation.