Office of Religious and Spiritual Life Opens New Multifaith Lounge, Renovated Space

Olivia DrakeFebruary 18, 20195min
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The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life hosted an open house on Feb. 14 to celebrate a partial renovation and the creation of a multi faith lounge.
The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life hosted an open house on Feb. 14 to celebrate a partial renovation and the creation of a multifaith lounge.

The project was a collaboration between the Student Interfaith Council, ORSL chaplains, the Office of Student Affairs, and the Deans' Office.
The project was a collaboration between the Student Interfaith Council, ORSL chaplains, the Office of Student Affairs, the President’s Office, and the Deans’ Office.
Prior to prayer, the religion of Islam requires Muslims to be clean before presenting themselves to God. As part of the renovation, a "wudhu" room was installed, which provides students of the Muslim Faith to cleans their face, hands and feet.
The religion of Islam requires Muslims to be clean before presenting themselves to God. As part of the renovation, a “wudhu” room was installed, which provides persons of the Muslim Faith an area to clean their face, hands, and feet before praying. Muslims may typically pray five times a day.
A new shoe-free zone allows Muslims to pray in a clean environment.
A new shoe-free zone allows Muslims to pray in a clean environment.
A new closet and shoe rack area was installed at the rear of the office.
A new closet and shoe rack area was installed at the rear of the office.
At left, Roseann Sillasen, associate director/project manager for Physical Plant - Facilities, was recognized for managing the renovation project.
At left, Roseann Sillasen, associate director/project manager for Physical Plant – Facilities, was recognized for managing the renovation project. Pictured center (in a red sweater) is Catholic Chaplain Father Bill Wallace and at right is Protestant Chaplain Rev. Tracy Mehr-Muska.
Rabbi David Leipziger Teva
Jewish Chaplain Rabbi David Leipziger Teva speaks with Muslim Chaplain Imam Malik Shakoor at the open house. “Our goal is that space serves as an intentional, contemplative, perhaps even sacred location for the 14-plus diverse religious and spiritual communities on campus as well as students from any, all, and no religious backgrounds,” Rabbi David explained.
Students enjoy the new multifaith lounge. “This space is now a bright, clean place that is much more welcoming and conducive to promoting the spiritual and religious well-being of students of all faith traditions,” Father Wallace said. (Photos by Olivia Drake)