With the rising number of Muslim students and the local Somali population matriculating at the University of St. Thomas, a series of lectures discussing Islam by subtopic is important for our community.
Haleh Esfandiari
Interfaith dialogues on campus have brought major understanding between Islam and Catholicism, but discussing the root of the Islamic beliefs and values can bring a much greater understanding and appreciation of the diversity Muslim students bring to the university while breaking down stereotypes.
International Student Services will lead this effort in collaboration with the Saudi Club, Muslim Student Association, GMSA (Globally Minded Student Association), Campus Ministry, the Muslim/Christian Dialogue Center, the Women’s Center, Student Diversity and Inclusion Services, the Islamic Resource Group of Minneapolis, and the Department of Theology.
The lectures are free and open to students, faculty, staff and the public. With the exception of March 6, the lectures will be presented from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Woulfe Alumni Hall. The March 6 lecture will be presented at 7 p.m. in O’Shaughnessy Educational Center. Light refreshments will be available.
Lectures
- Thursday, Sept. 26 – Introduction to Islam and Muslims
- Tuesday, Oct. 29 – Women and Islam
- Monday, Nov. 18 – Islam and Culture (panel discussion)
- Tuesday, Feb. 11 – Prophet Mohammed (PSL)
- Thursday, March 6 – Haleh Esfandiari, director of Middle East Program at Woodrow Wilson International Center
- Tuesday, April 22 – Islam and the Media
This series of lectures stems from a Loftus Grant that was acquired by International Student Services.
