The celebration began with an educational program in the McBride Gathering space before moving outdoors to Phi Beta Kappa Commons for an evening of food, music, and henna. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ¡¯s Eid celebration is part of the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life¡¯s festival series, religious programs that create space not only to mark holidays, but to deepen understanding of culture, meaning, traditions, and values.

Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and gather for nightly meals known as iftars. Throughout the month, the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ community participated in a range of Ramadan-related programs that offered opportunities to learn, build relationships, and share in these practices together.

This year¡¯s Eid celebration reflected both growth and connection within the campus Muslim community.

¡°Here at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ, this Ramadan has been especially meaningful,¡± said ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Muslim Society President Adil Qadeer. ¡°The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Muslim Society has grown so much over the years, and this year we saw that growth not just in numbers, but in connection. From on- and off-campus iftars to early Waffle House suhoors, to all of our events with friends from all kinds of backgrounds, this Ramadan truly felt like a community effort, and that¡¯s what makes today even more special. Eid reminds us to be grateful for our faith, our families, and the communities we¡¯re part of. It reminds us to celebrate, but also to reflect on who we¡¯ve become and who we still want to be.¡±

The program opened with a welcome from Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, and an educational presentation from Truitt Center multifaith interns Omar Khamis and Bella Kuperman, who shared the history and traditions of Eid. Remarks followed from Associate Chaplain for Muslim Life Imam Shane Atkinson, and students Adil Qadeer and Huria Tahiry.

For many students, the event provided a sense of belonging that extended beyond campus.

¡°Working on Eid al-Fitr as a Muslim multifaith intern was an amazing opportunity to learn how my fellow Muslim colleagues celebrate,¡± said Multifaith Intern Omar Khamis, who helped plan the program.?¡°Meeting with students and faculty and learning about their traditions to get a pulse on how to plan for this event meant more than a job, but an opportunity for growth and reflection. Seeing what is unique and familiar allowed me to feel more connected with them as a fellow Muslim. And the ability to see it all come together was very heartwarming. Having a very large crowd come together from the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ community, especially with members from the local mosque in Burlington, allowed me to feel like I was back home in Jordan, celebrating with friends and family again.¡±

That sense of connection across difference was echoed by the other student planner, Multifaith Intern Bella Kuperman.

¡°Working on Eid al-Fitr was a vibrant journey that connected us with diverse stories and traditions,¡± shared Kuperman. ¡°It enriched our understanding and allowed us to celebrate the holiday¡¯s spirit from both inside and outside the Muslim community.¡±

The wide attendance of the event highlighted the continued growth of Muslim Life at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ, as well as the university¡¯s broader commitment to religious and cultural engagement ¨C this year¡¯s program was co-sponsored by the Center for Religion Culture and Society and the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center. The celebration also welcomed around 100 guests from the Burlington Masjid, strengthening ties between campus and the local community. As dinner was served, families, students, and children filled the space with joy, laughter, and shared belonging.

For many, that sense of shared belonging reflects a core value of Eid itself.

Eid celebrations center on joy, gratitude, and community. At ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ, those values take shape through partnerships, relationships, and intentional spaces for connection, ensuring that students can celebrate not in isolation, but as part of a broader, supportive community.

¡°Programs such as Eid exemplifies how ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ makes space for students to stay rooted in their own traditions and celebrations, while allowing them to expand their perspectives and learn about where their peers find meaning and purpose,¡± said Director of Multifaith Programming and Engagement Hillary Zaken. ¡°Our festivals are both authentic celebrations and also learning spaces that prepare students to move through our diverse and interconnected world with awareness and respect.¡±

The Eid festival is one of several major religious celebrations hosted each year by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. Planned by the Zaken and the multifaith interns, these events are designed to build religious literacy, foster meaningful relationships, create opportunities for students to engage traditions beyond their own, and learn about the common threads that bind members of the campus community together, regardless of identity.

As Huria Tahiry shared, ¡°Being here, far from home, Eid feels different. I miss the sounds, the gatherings, and the familiar traditions. But today, I am grateful to share a piece of my culture with you. Eid teaches us values that go beyond any one country, which are community, forgiveness, and generosity.¡±

The celebration offers an opportunity for reflection, education and connection, deepening understanding of API communities¡¯ lasting impact, with the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE) leading a variety of programs throughout the month.

Recognizing the diversity within Asian & Pacific Islander communities, this year¡¯s theme, “Distinctly in Bloom: Growing Together”, focuses on highlighting the uniqueness of different Asian, Pacific Islander and South Asian cultures and identities across the diaspora.

¡°Our hope for the theme is that the campus community will understand and get to learn about the full spectrum of APISA cultures and identities,¡± George Dou, assistant director of the CREDE, said. ¡°That means also learning about each culture or people individually as well, which is something we’re hoping to highlight throughout the course of the month.¡±

Throughout April, with events continuing into May, the CREDE will host a variety of events to honor and highlight these communities. Highlights of this year¡¯s events include the annual kickoff celebration, the Asian Film Series and the Kaju & Lina Piano Duo (Voyage of Dance).

For additional questions, please contact Dou at gdou@elon.edu.

Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Events at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ

Communi-Tea Time

Every Tuesday in April

12:30-1:30 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

APIHM?Kickoff

Wednesday, April 1

5:30-7 p.m. | Medallion Plaza

The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ community is invited to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities at our API Heritage Month Kickoff Event! This celebration will feature different foods, cultural performances, local businesses and engaging activities that highlight the contributions and traditions of API communities.

Kaju & Lina Piano Duo (Voyage of Dance)

Wednesday, April 1

7:30 p.m. | Whitley Auditorium

A duet piano recital featuring classical and Korean folk music. Kaju Lee and Lina Yoo Min Lee met while teaching in Wisconsin and have performed together at various institutions and venues, often showcasing both well-known classical pieces and works by contemporary and Korean composers. Their performances frequently feature both solo and duo (4-hands) repertoire. Sponsored by the Department of Music.

Matcha & Sushi Pops

Tuesday, April 7

2-3 p.m. | Outside Lakeside

Spring into History w/ Chinese Club & Arabic Club

Wednesday, April 8

6-8 p.m. | El Centro Kitchen (Carlton 114)

K-DNS: Open Dance Session

Friday, April 10

6-7 p.m. | Koury Dance Studio 5

Holi

Friday, April 10 (Rain dates: April 17 and April 24)

4 p.m. | Phi Beta Kappa Lawn

A Hindu spring festival of color and sharing love, Holi marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ community gathers at Speaker¡¯s Corner to throw colored powder at one another, celebrating the earth returning to color and life and good triumphing over evil. If you plan to throw color, please wear old clothing that can get dirtied by paint. There will also be crafts, food, and other ways to celebrate the holiday. Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious & Spiritual Life.

APISA Community Dinner

Monday, April 13

5:30-7 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

Rainbow Boba?

Friday, April 17

5:30-6:30 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

Asian Film Series: The Globalization Tapes

Tuesday, April 21

7 p.m. | Global Media Room 103

A documentary exploring how a community in West Java navigates the forces of globalization, tourism and cultural identity.

Food For Thought: Korea

Wednesday, April 22

6 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

Donghua Night

Friday, April 24

8-10 p.m. | Alamance 315

A collaboration between the Chinese Club and the Anime & Japanese Studies Club where we will be watching donghuas (¶¯»­), which is the Chinese term for anime.

Exploring Asian America: Workshop

Wednesday, April 29

5:30-7 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

An interactive workshop where participants will get to learn more about the spectrum of voices and experiences in Asian America.

Asian Film Series: Perfect Days

Tuesday, May 5

7 p.m. | Global Media Room 103

A Tokyo toilet cleaner finds quiet beauty and contentment in his daily routine and unexpected human connections.

Tai Chi with Chinese Club

Wednesday, May 6

5-6 p.m. | Colonnades Quad

LTW: EOY Celebration

Thursday, May 7

6-7:30 p.m. | McKinnon (Moseley 128)

Explore the full schedule of API Heritage Month events on the CREDE website.

While university administrators and faculty report that the word ¡°multifaith¡± is often associated solely with belief in transcendent beings, they emphasize that, at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ, it encompasses a broader invitation for the community to explore questions of meaning, value and purpose across religious, spiritual, ethical and secular worldviews.

The Multifaith Strategic Plan, developed in 2023, aligns with the Boldly ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Strategic Plan and outlines four guiding goals:

• Increase religious diversity
• Foster a more equitable and inclusive campus community
• Support meaningful multifaith learning and engagement opportunities
• Articulate the educational value of multifaith diversity, equity and inclusion for all.

Together, they say, these goals build upon ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ¡¯s longstanding traditions while expanding how the university honors and supports worldview diversity. The strategic plan affirms that graduates should be equipped to navigate a world shaped by differences in religion, belief systems, values and ways of life and that such preparation begins on campus.

Spirit of shared meaning

One of the most visible expressions of this commitment is Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection, held Under the Oaks during Commencement Week. Reimagined in 2022, the ceremony reflects the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ motto ¡°numen lumen,¡± meaning ¡°spiritual light¡± and ¡°intellectual light.¡±

Rather than a traditional sermon, the gathering centers on shared reflection, celebration and inspiration, featuring student voices alongside readings and blessings drawn from a wide range of religious and cultural traditions.

¡°This will be a place for seniors to be able to come together with their friends and reflect together on their ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ journey,¡± said Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, when the redesign was introduced. ¡°Baccalaureate is being reimagined as a space of pure celebration of the diversity within our graduating class.¡±

That same spirit of shared meaning is visible each December during the Festival of Lights and Luminaries, one of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ¡¯s most cherished traditions. The event brings the campus community together to learn about and honor a variety of religious, spiritual, ethical and cultural traditions, reinforcing the idea that multifaith engagement is not limited to formal spaces but woven into the rhythm of campus life.

This reflection is more than just once a year; it’s weekly. Every Thursday from 9:50 to 10:20 a.m., the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ community is invited to Numen Lumen: A Thursday Inspiration, where they can hear?members of the community share pieces of their stories, enjoy live music and artistic expression, and share in coffee and refreshments.

¡°°Õ³ó±ð²õ±ð events are an invitation for every community member, regardless of religious, spiritual, or ethical tradition and worldview, to encounter perspectives and practices beyond our own,¡± said Hillary Zaken, director of multifaith programming and engagement. ¡°They are unique spaces that are genuine and authentic celebrations of these important holidays, and at the same time make space for our community to practice skills of respectful engagement, learn about and honor diverse identities, and lift up the Truitt Center¡¯s work to show that spiritual and intellectual growth belong together.¡±

Learning spaces

Through facilitated dialogue, educational programming and student leadership opportunities, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ encourages exploration of worldview diversity as an essential component of a liberal arts education.

For example: the Ripple Interfaith Conference, a student-led initiative advised by Zaken that has grown steadily since its founding 10 years ago by an intern in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. Designed to empower and inspire interfaith student leaders, Ripple convenes participants from diverse religious, spiritual and ethical identities for dialogue and community-building.

The 2026 theme, ¡°A Recipe for Interfaith,¡± invited participants in February to explore how connection is built through shared practices, particularly food. By examining meals, recipes and storytelling, the conference highlighted how everyday experiences can foster understanding across differences

¡°Interfaith engagement, like cooking, requires curiosity, patience and a readiness to experiment,¡± said Lauren Bedell ¡¯26, co-director of the 2026 conference. ¡°Ripple is designed to serve everyone, and its cook time is lifelong.¡±

Food and faith

Food also plays a role in ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ¡¯s multifaith commitments. Harvest Table, the university¡¯s dining partner, works closely with campus stakeholders to accommodate religious observances and dietary needs.

Passover meals are available in Lakeside Dining Hall during the Jewish holiday, to-go bags support students observing Ramadan and Lenten fish is served on Fridays for those abstaining from meat. The Phoenix Flavors Vending Machine in the Truitt Center includes Kosher, Halal and pareve options, while the allgood station in Lakeside offers Halal chicken daily.

ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ¡¯s commitment to multifaith engagement also shows in the religious and spiritual organizations that contribute to campus community and belonging. Through the Truitt Center, students can connect with recognized student groups representing diverse traditions and practices. These include communities such as Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM), which offers weekly Mass, retreats and service opportunities; ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Hillel and Chabad, which provide social, cultural and spiritual support for Jewish students; and the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Muslim Society, where students celebrate Islamic traditions and engage in interfaith dialogue.

There are also Christian ministries like Campus Outreach, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as well as contemplative and wellness groups like Iron Tree Blooming (meditation) and the Yoga Club¡ªall open and welcoming spaces for students across different identities.

Buddhist Life offers opportunities for understanding and awareness of the Buddhadharma, including the Sand Mandala event each fall where a Buddhist monk visits ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ for three days and used colored sand to create a sand mandala, a Tibetan Buddhist symbol that fosters both healing and peace for those who view it. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ enables Hindu students to engage with the religious tradition through events, services and forums, including the annual tradition of Diwali. A small, vibrant and diverse Pagan community is also supported at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ.

Efforts reflect how ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ continues to honor its traditions while expanding multifaith engagement in intentional and meaningful ways. Through ceremony, dialogue, learning spaces and everyday practices, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ affirms its commitment to preparing graduates who can engage thoughtfully and respectfully in a diverse and interconnected world.

¡°ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ¡¯s Multifaith Strategic Plan is a promise to our students, faculty, staff, and the wider community that we will take them seriously as whole, complex people,¡± said Brian Pennington, director of the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society. ¡°It is also a commitment to our students that an ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ education will prepare them to lead in a world where interreligious understanding is crucial to a sound global community.”

This story is the first in a series of stories focusing on ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s Multifaith Strategic Plan.?

Applications for the and there are spots saved for ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ students who?are ready to build skills in dialogue, conflict navigation and team leadership that translate directly into their campus roles.

The Viewpoints Fellowship is a nine-month, stipended program designed for student leaders who want to lead stronger teams and build cultures where honest dialogue is possible. Through training, mentorship, and hands-on projects, fellows learn practical approaches to addressing conflict, engaging differences with curiosity, and creating spaces where diverse perspectives can be heard.

¡°We are excited to continue this partnership and expand opportunities for ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ students to develop the skills needed to lead,¡± said Hillary Zaken, director of multifaith programming and engagement in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ. ¡°The fellowship helps student leaders move beyond avoiding tough conversations and instead equips them to guide them thoughtfully, constructively and with curiousity.¡±

The fellowship builds campus-based cohorts of student leaders from universities across the country. Participants engage in an interdisciplinary approach to understanding difference and disagreement, then apply what they learn by creating programs within their own student organizations and communities.

For current fellow Jacob Bradshaw, president of Milk Club, learning started from the beginning of the Fellowship experience: “In order to discuss something, I don¡¯t always have to be an expert on it or have a perfect argument. It¡¯s more important to have civil discussions with room for error than to not have any discussions at all.”

Current fellows are hosting their capstone on April 11, a program entitled “Disagree Curiously.” Participants will?engage in structured, respectful dialogue through rotating roundtables, guided prompts, and facilitated moments of tension that spark understanding rather than division. From playful debates (2% chocolate milk or white milk, etc) to real-world issues that matter, participants will practice civil discourse alongside faculty, facilitators and a moderator who helps model what it means to disagree well.

Fellowship Overview
The program begins with an all-expenses-paid retreat held September 4¨C6, 2026, where fellows participate in workshops, mentorship, collaborative activities, and reflection focused on constructive disagreement, emotional resilience, storytelling, and community building. Fellows then work with mentors to design and lead a custom program within their student organization. Later in the year, participants reconvene for a winter retreat to share insights and develop campus-wide capstone initiatives that engage the broader community.

Eligibility
The fellowship is open to current freshmen, sophomores and juniors who will be on campus during the 2026¨C27 academic year and who hold formal or informal leadership roles in student organizations, fraternities or sororities, or other campus communities.

What Fellows Receive

• Training in navigating difficult conversations, conflict and civil discourse
• One-on-one mentorship
• A LinkedIn certification in Curious Disagreement
• Access to a national network of student leaders
• A $1,000 stipend and an all-expenses-paid fall retreat

What Fellows Do

• Develop and lead programming in their student organizations focused on curious disagreement
• Collaborate with other student leaders to design and implement a campus capstone project
• Build dialogue and leadership skills through workshops, retreats, and mentorship

Fellows will receive a?$1,000 stipend for their participation and may return as trainers the following year.?Learn more here:?

Applications for the 2026¨C27 Viewpoints Fellowship are now open. The deadline to apply has been extended to April 6 and selected fellows will be notified in mid-April.

Students can apply at or contact hzaken@elon.edu with questions.

About the Viewpoints Fellowship
The Viewpoints Fellowship centers on three core questions: why it is difficult to approach disagreement with curiosity, why it remains essential and how students can build that approach within their communities. By combining leadership development with hands-on application, the fellowship prepares students to lead more effectively in an increasingly complex and divided world.

Throughout the month, Muslim Life, the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Muslim Society, the Arabic Language Organization, Jewish Life, Harvest Table, and other campus partners are collaborating to create spaces for prayer, learning and community connection.

¡°This year, Muslim Life at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ is excited to partner with Arabic Language Organization, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Muslim Society, Jewish Life, and Harvest Table to create our most robust Ramadan programming to date,¡± said Imam Shane Atkinson. ¡°Leading up to Ramadan and Lent, we had a ¡®Pizza and Prayer¡¯ teaching service about fasting at the Ripple Interfaith Conference. Not only do we have two halal dinners at Lakeside Dining Hall, Harvest Table created ¡®grab-n-go¡¯ breakfast bags for fasting students.¡±

Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam marked by daily fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, reflection, and acts of service. Each evening, Muslims gather for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast. At ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ, many of those iftars are organized and led by students.

The month began with a Ramadan Iftar Dinner on Feb. 19 at Lakeside Dining Hall, featuring a street food station with favorites such as adana kebab, couscous, sambal sauce, and roasted vegetables. On Feb. 20, the student-led ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Muslim Society (EMS) hosted a Chat & Chai Iftar Dinner in the Moseley Center Kitchen, bringing together students for halal food, games, and trivia.

On Feb. 25, Muslim Life and Jewish Life co-hosted an interfaith iftar in McBride Gathering Space, where participants shared a home-cooked Moroccan meal and learned about Ramadan together.

In March, there are a wide range of collaborative programs on offer for the campus community. The Arabic Language Organization will host additional iftars on March 4 and March 11, creating space for fellowship and community education around Ramadan practices and traditions.

A Sip of Sunnah Iftar, a collaboration between ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ¡¯s popular Milk Club and the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Muslim Society, will be held March 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. in McBride Gathering Space.

¡°This Ramadan I¡¯m really excited for ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Muslim Society¡¯s Chat and Chai Iftar events,¡± said Adil Qadeer, president of the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Muslim Society. ¡°It¡¯s a great time to connect with others from many different faith traditions and backgrounds. It¡¯s also a great time to learn more about this holy month and how Muslims participate in it.¡±

EMS will host an additional Chat & Chai Iftar Dinner on March 10, continuing their popular student-led tradition of conversation and connection. And on March 16, Lakeside Dining Hall will again feature a Ramadan street food station, serving West African groundnut stew, jeweled rice, and curry chickpea stew.

And finally, an Interfaith iftar on March 17 from 7 to 9 p.m., also in McBride Gathering Space, will invite the wider campus community to experience the breaking of the fast and learn from Muslim students about the meaning of the month.

In addition to special events, Friday Jumu¡¯ah prayers are held weekly at 1:40 p.m. in Room 210 of the Numen Lumen Pavilion. The Long Table in Lakeside Dining Hall is reserved on multiple evenings throughout Ramadan for Muslim students, faculty, and staff to gather for iftar, including Feb. 18, 20, 24, 26, and 27, and March 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, and 17.

The month will culminate in a campus celebration of Eid al-Fitr on March 31 at 5:30 p.m. in McBride Gathering Space. Often called the ¡°holiday of breaking the fast,¡± Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan with prayer, food, and festivity. The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ celebration will include dinner, trivia, a henna station, and goodie bags.

With a significant number of programs envisioned and led by students, this year¡¯s Ramadan observance reflects a growing and vibrant Muslim presence on campus, and a broader commitment to interfaith engagement and shared learning across the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ community.

Since 2022, Festival of Lights and Luminaries has been coordinated by a campus-wide planning committee under the direction of University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement, Rev. Dr. Kirstin Boswell, and Director of Multifaith Programming and Engagement Hillary Zaken. The planning committee includes representatives from across campus, such as the Office of the Vice President of Student Life, the Department of World Languages and Cultures, and Facilities Management. This year¡¯s planning committee also included student representation from Sarah Moore ¡¯26, managing editor of The Pendulum.

For eight out of the past nine years, Festival of Lights and Luminaries has been voted ¡°Best University Tradition.¡± According to Moore, the ¡°Best Of¡± is ¡°decided from a survey promoted to our readers, including students, staff, faculty, alumni and local residents. We have published a ¡®Best Of¡¯ edition each year since 2018.¡±

With thousands of candle-lit luminaries lining Under the Oaks, Historic, and the Academic Pavilions, students gather with friends to find their luminary, pausing for photos and reflection. Music from a cappella groups and student choirs fills the air, contributing to an atmosphere of celebration and joy.

Rev. Kirstin Boswell describes the Festival of Lights & Luminaries as ¡°one of the most beautiful expressions of who we are as a university community. It brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and neighbors across religious, cultural, and worldview differences to honor light in its many forms ¡ª hope, wisdom, justice, compassion, and joy.¡± ?She adds that ¡°recognition?as a ¡®Best Tradition¡¯ affirms what so many experience each year: this is a sacred and celebratory gathering where belonging is made visible and our shared community is literally illuminated.¡±

Beyond the visual beauty, the Festival of Lights and Luminaries highlights the university¡¯s religious, spiritual, ethical and cultural diversity. Academic departments, student organizations and cultural clubs host tables offering educational opportunities about their traditions. The combination of light, music, and meaningful engagement makes the event memorable.

Hillary Zaken shared that she is ¡°always delighted to learn that Festival of Lights and Luminaries has won ¡®Best Tradition.¡¯ It’s truly a festival that celebrates the best of who we are by highlighting our diverse identities and allowing us to shed light on what matters most to the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ community. We’re so grateful for this honor and to everyone that worked to make this happen.¡±

Addison Anderson ¡¯28, Truitt Center multifaith intern lead for this year¡¯s event says that “a unique benefit to planning such a cherished and historic event as the Festival of Lights and Luminaries is the opportunity to learn about the special memories it has created over the years for people, whether that be attending decades ago as a young child, getting a little reminder from home in a lantern, or even putting out the occasional fire with friends. It brings me so much joy to know that the festival lived up to its legacy.¡±

For more information on annual events and programs and ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ traditions, visit the Truitt Center¡¯s website and follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Community Conversations & Civic Engagement

Deliberative Dialogue ¨C America¡¯s 250: What¡¯s Next America?

Monday, Feb. 23, 4:30 p.m., Lakeside 212

As America marks its 250th year, this dialogue invites reflection on our shared past and the opportunity for diverse voices to share space and ideas to develop a collective vision for the next 250. Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and Political Engagement Work Group

Better Together: Breaking Bread, Building Bridges

Feb. 24 ¨C May 5, every other Tuesday, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Join us at Better Together this spring for connection and conversation. This time together invites us to live fully in the present and reflect on what makes this moment meaningful. Share stories, explore diverse perspectives, and build community. .

Dr. Habiba Sarabi: Education Rights of Afghan Women

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Alumni Gym

Join a conversation with Dr. Habiba Sarabi on the global impact of Afghanistan¡¯s ban on women¡¯s education and the fight for educational rights and gender equality. Dr. Sarabi, an Afghan politician, women¡¯s rights activist, and medical doctor made history as the first woman to be appointed a provincial governor in Afghanistan, leading Bamyan Province. She previously served as Minister of Women¡¯s Affairs and Minister of Culture and Education, where she focused on expanding education, protecting the environment and advancing the rights of women.

State of the Union Address Watch Party

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 8-10:30 p.m., Moseley 105

Join us for pizza and a live viewing of President Trump¡¯s first State of the Union address of his second term. Come watch, discuss and stay informed. Sponsored by ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Votes!

Love Your Body, Berry Much

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 11:30 a.m. ¨C 1:30 p.m., Lakeside Entrance

Stop by for coconut-lime strawberries and a strawberry mocktail, courtesy of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Dining, while also learning tips for mindful eating. Swing through, grab a treat and discover ways to build healthier habits. Visit the for more information.

Cynthia Miller-Idriss ¨C ¡°Man Up: Understanding Misogyny to Prevent Extremism

Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Lecture

Thursday, Feb. 26, 4:30 p.m., Numen Lumen Pavilion, McBride Gathering Space

Extremism expert Cynthia Miller-Idriss examines how misogyny ¨C online and off ¨C fuels the rise in far-right and mass violence, and offers strategies for interruption and prevention rooted in everyday life. The Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Lecture honors Lauren, who was set to join ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s Class of 2015 before her murder by a former boyfriend in July 2011. Established in her memory, the fund educates the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ community on healthy relationships and building a culture free from violence. Visit the Spring Cultural Calendar for more information about upcoming events this semester.

Adventure Time with ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Outdoors!

Adventures in Leadership Summer Staff Positions Available

Applications are now open for summer Adventures in Leadership staff positions, where you¡¯ll guide incoming first-year students through exciting outdoor experiences. Earn potential internship credit and build leadership skills. Apply today on the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Job Network!

ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Challenge

The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Challenge is a great way to help classes, teams, organizations, corporations or cohorts grow through building authentic relationships, learning how to manage resources, developing creative thinking, and applying knowledge in new ways. Visit the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Challenge website to review the options, gather your group, and complete the interest form to schedule a customized, no-cost experience.

Last Chance to Become an Orientation Leader

Application Deadline is Friday, Feb. 27

The Orientation Leader application is still live. As an OL, you are an integral part of the orientation process. You will play a pivotal role in the transition of all the new students to ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ, serving as a guide and mentor to new students throughout their transition. by this Friday, Feb. 27.

Miranda is the sixth ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ student in five consecutive years to receive District 7690’s Rotary Club¡¯s Global Grant. She follows Faith Leslie ¡®21, Allison Potter ¡¯22, Kiara Hunter ¡¯23, and joint recipients Megan Curling ¡¯23, Ava de Bruin ¡¯23 and Nazaneen Shokri ¡¯24. All recipients since 2022 have had at least one major in public health, a testament to the Department of Public Health¡¯s ability to successfully prepare leaders who address the most pressing public health concerns of the 21st century.

This opportunity is not limited to public health majors, though, and all interested ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ students and alumni should contact the National and International Fellowships Office for more information about the application process.

From ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ to the CDC

At ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ, Miranda double majored in public health studies and international & global studies and minored in geography. She made the most of her undergraduate experience by engaging in research and service, and studying abroad in Tanzania. Outside of the classroom, she worked in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and is proudest of her time as a Multifaith Intern.

The combination of these experiences prepared Miranda well for a post-graduate career with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she served for five years. She first served as a COVID-19 epidemiologist in Kentucky before transitioning to a new role at the Vermont Department of Health, where she specialized in public health emergency preparedness and response. Miranda¡¯s time with the CDC helped her clarify her passions and refine her professional philosophy: ¡°equitable access to healthcare is essential for thriving communities.¡±

With this domestic training under her belt and her philosophy front of mind, Miranda was ready to go global.

An Intersection of Values

When the time came to think about furthering her education, Miranda grew confident in her decision to look beyond the United States.

¡°I knew I wanted to shift my career toward global health, but I also knew I did not want to do so without first understanding my own interests, values, and limits through hands-on experience,¡± she explained. ¡°When I began thinking about graduate school, I realized that studying abroad would allow me to expand that perspective while learning how health systems operate in a different cultural and policy context.¡±

Miranda was drawn to Taiwan for its strong public health infrastructure and commitment to disease prevention. National Taiwan University¡¯s MSc in Global Health program, with its emphasis on international perspectives, offered an unparalleled opportunity for her to deepen her academic and technical training.

To support her goal of attending NTU¡¯s Global Health program, Miranda began working with the National and International Fellowships Office at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ, which assists students and alumni in identifying and applying for externally funded scholarships and grants. She first applied for a study/research grant through the and was unfortunately unsuccessful, but undeterred. She continued conversations with Ann Cahill and Nicole Galante, director and assistant director of the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ National and International Fellowships Office, and it quickly became clear that she was a perfect fit for another fellowship: The Rotary Global Grant.

Guided by their core areas of focus, Rotary is a highly values-based organization that seeks to support students who are just as passionate about solving the world¡¯s problems as they are. The intersection between Miranda¡¯s work and Rotary¡¯s goals was evident to both Miranda and her advisors.

¡°I couldn¡¯t think of a better fit. It¡¯s almost as if Holly has spent her whole life preparing to be a Rotarian without actually knowing it,¡± said Galante.

It was no surprise, then, when Miranda applied for and ultimately received the $30,000 grant that enabled her to begin graduate studies in the fall of 2025.

Returning to the Classroom While Arriving in a New Country

Returning to the classroom after five years¡ªin a new country, no less¡ªpresented its challenges for Miranda, but she quickly found her footing.

During her first semester, she took courses like Global Health Science, Introduction to Epidemiology, and Social and Behavioral Health, while also participating in field trips to the National Health Care Agency, the global think tank CAPRI, and the Taiwan International Workers Association. To get the most out of her experience in the country, Miranda also took advantage of the free Chinese language courses offered by NTU for international students. Her intensive winter course met for three hours a day, five days a week.

As she looks towards the remainder of her time in the program, Miranda is eager to begin her master¡¯s thesis.

¡°I¡¯m looking forward to conducting my thesis research, focusing on adolescent mental health. I am honored that Professor Shu-Sen Chang is my thesis advisor; he is a leading expert in mental health and suicide prevention in Taiwan and the region. It is a privilege to be part of his lab and to contribute to this area of public health, which I am deeply passionate about,¡± she said

Once she graduates, Miranda will be well prepared to re-enter the workforce, strengthening health systems, enhancing disease surveillance, and improving outbreak preparedness. In the long term, she aspires to lead outbreak response efforts with M¨¦decins Sans Fronti¨¨res (Doctors Without Borders), combining the values and experience she¡¯s gained from ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ to Taiwan, to no doubt make this world a better and healthier place.?

¡°It happened so long ago during my early childhood. It had no bearing on my present life. My parents almost never talked about it. Few of my friends were even aware,¡± said Silbiger. ¡°But then I became aware it was happening again in Rwanda, Bosnia, Sudan, Myanmar, again, again and again. And eventually, as hatred and antisemitism certainly, began spreading, even in the United States, I decided I needed to come out and tell my story.¡±

And that¡¯s what Silbiger did in a packed Turner Theatre on Feb. 12, part of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ¡¯s Holocaust Remembrance Day Speakers Series. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ has hosted Holocaust survivors annually for more than nine years. Funding has enabled Professor Max Negin and his Holocaust Journey course to collaborate with Jewish Life, the Jewish Studies department, and the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life.?The speaker event was made possible through sponsorship from the Levy Family P¡¯26.

Benji Stern, co-president of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Hillel, introduced Silbiger by reflecting on his experience in the Holocaust Journey study abroad course, which takes students through tours of concentration/extermination camps, ghettos, and discussions with Holocaust scholars and survivors.

¡°It was a profound and emotional experience that brought me face to face with both the history and the human suffering of the Holocaust,¡± said Stern, who discussed reading the Mourner¡¯s Kaddish prayer at a memorial during the experience. ¡°With a slightly broken voice, I pulled up the words on my phone, and together, we recited them. In that moment, a shared moment, Jews and non-Jews standing shoulder to shoulder, I felt something that I’ll carry with me forever. The moment was special because all of us participated, not only Jewish people remembering, but that collective act of remembrance reminds us that we’re all connected.¡±

In May 1940, Silbiger, now in his 90s, was just 5 years old when Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands.

¡°At first, the life of the Jews under the occupation, while certainly unpleasant, did not appear to be life-threatening,¡± said Silbiger, who said there was a false sense of security but also rumors of the mistreatment of Jews in Eastern Europe. ¡°Jews had lived in Holland for many centuries, they had made important contributions to its economy and its culture and become a really valued part of the nation. Dutch people would never let their fellow citizens be mistreated in this manner. No one could begin to conceive the eventual role of the Nazis to extinguish the life of every Jew in Holland.¡±

Everything changed when Silbiger’s parents hatched a plan to escape from the Nazi-occupied territory. His mother woke him up and told him they were going on ¡°a trip to the country.¡±

¡°I was surprised because I had not been told anything about this beforehand, and because of the (Nazi travel) restrictions, we had not been traveling anywhere,” he said. ¡°We sneaked across the border to Belgium. Once we arrived there, I learned we were not going back home until the Germans were gone from Holland. Suddenly, without preparation, this 6-year-old was cut off from all of their friends, his stories, everything else.¡±

The family, including Silbiger¡¯s older brother, adopted aliases and traveled through France across the demarcation line to southern France, down to Spain, before eventually traveling by boat to the Gibraltar Refugee Camp in Jamaica. His father used diamonds, hidden in an old smoking pipe, to help keep them afloat financially throughout the year-long journey.

¡°Conditions may not have been so much worse than in a summer camp, except you were forced to stay there for an indefinite length of time, perhaps even several years,¡± said Silbiger of the refugee camp. ¡°On the other hand, our lives were no longer in danger and, for that, we were grateful.¡±

Silbiger¡¯s father¡¯s engineering skills eventually helped the family get to the Dutch Carribean island of Cura?ao and, following the end of the war a few months later, they were able to return to Holland ¨C but it looked much different. Their home in The Hague was still standing, but had been gutted, and his grandparents were taken to a concentration camp in Poland, where they were murdered.

¡°I still have fond memories of my grandparents, who lived only a few blocks from us,¡± said Silbiger. ¡°The thoughts of their last days and final moments continue to haunt me.¡±

His parents decided to return to Cura?ao, where Silbiger finished high school before attending college in the United States. He later married a U.S. citizen, relocated to Germany for a time, and eventually resettled in Durham, North Carolina, where he was a professor at Duke University. Silbiger has since worked to spread awareness of the danger of religious hatred, including in ¡°Our Great Escape: The story of a Dutch family’s flight from persecution (1942-1943).¡± He encouraged the audience on Thursday night to have compassion for anyone escaping their homeland in search of a better life.

¡°They have the same hopes, the same desires, same needs, they are like you and me,¡± he said. ¡°We must open our hearts (¡­for) these people, some who entered the country illegally because they didn¡¯t have proper papers. Then again, neither did we. We entered France illegally. If we hadn¡¯t done that, I wouldn¡¯t be here to tell my story.¡±

¡°Ash Wednesday is a special spiritual day for many of our students. It is one of the days we see the most students. Last year, we saw almost 650 students, faculty, staff, and community members,” shared Trung Huynh-Duc, director of Catholic Life.

?Lent continues for forty days of prayer, fasting, and giving to others, in preparation for Easter. This is a special time to deepen or reconnect with faith. People observe Lent in different ways: reading more Scripture, finding new ways to pray each day, giving up something meaningful (like chocolate, social media or streaming), and volunteering to help others. These forty days invite us to reflect on and honor the time Jesus spent in the desert before beginning his public ministry, helping us prepare our lives and hearts for his resurrection at Easter.

¡°We¡¯re here for you as you journey through Lent,” said Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain of Catholic Life. “We [Catholic Life staff] love getting coffee or lunch with students, so don¡¯t hesitate to reach out.¡±

Catholic Life is also offering free resources at Ash Wednesday services and on their website to help students make the most of these forty days.

Ash Wednesday services

?9:30 a.m. Prayer and Ash service in the Sacred Space at Numen Lumen Pavilion

12:15 p.m. Ecumenical service at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Community Church (collaboration with the Truitt Center & ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Community Church)

4 p.m. Prayer and Ash service in the Sacred Space at Numen Lumen Pavilion

8 p.m. Mass at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Community Church