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, the President’s Office, and the Deans’ Office.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 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. Pictured center (in a red sweater) is Catholic Chaplain Father Bill Wallace and at right is Protestant Chaplain Rev. Tracy Mehr-Muska.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)
Olivia Drake
Mike Mavredakis
Ziba Kashef
Andrew Chatfield