Campus Renew began at Minnesota State University in the spring of 2008. Staff Members of the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center wanted students to have a means of gathering to reflect on their life with Christ in the college experience. A Core Team of students were asked to join the ministry in the fall of 2008 and begin the process of bringing Campus RENEW to you. They worked that semester to join in fellowship, to learn how to lead a small group, and to discuss the logistics of beginning Renew at Minnesota State University, Mankato. In the spring of 2008, Renew officially began and was offered to the university community for the first time. There were 6 groups that first semester. Campus Renew continues to grow and flourish in the strong community of St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center.

Renew itself is not a Minnesota State University, Mankato creation, but rather an international organization that offers resources for interested campuses and parishes looking to form small communities in their faith center. Renew is known as Campus RENEW on college campuses.