As the world approaches the second anniversary of the October 7th attack by Hamas-led militants from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel, American colleges and universities continue to navigate religious, national, and cultural tensions on campus. Beyond responding to instances of antisemitism and Islamophobia, several campuses are promoting respect for religious pluralism and interfaith cooperation through grant funding from Interfaith America.
Alvernia University, Reading, Pennsylvania
Alvernia University has expanded its interfaith and cultural engagement programs on campus in cooperation with local religious communities with the goal of building a culture of inclusion and mutual understanding. Hasna Bahar, Campus Minister for Abrahamic Faith and Culture, said, “Interfaith programming allows students from minority religions not only to feel seen, but to lead.” Thirty-one events were supported by grant funding. More than 500 students participated in the events, many of which were student-led. “We’re no longer asking students to assimilate, we’re asking them to share, teach, and transform the culture with us.”
Students at Alvernia University engaged in faith-based discussions, shared personal experiences, and explored different traditions. Many events featured representative food and music. Sarah Alamodi, a senior nursing student, said, “Organizing the Iftar and Eid al-Fitr celebrations was a meaningful experience that allowed me to share my faith and culture while also creating space for curiosity and connection.” The events encouraged students to be curious, honest, and ask questions. “It reminded me that interfaith cooperation isn’t just about coexistence — it’s about learning from one another with an open heart.”
Elijah Carr, a psychology graduate student, said, “The planning and execution of events has made having faith more meaningful. I feel thankful to be in a role to give people the opportunity to think further about their purpose as they understand it through our programming.” Student interfaith leaders included students who are Muslim, Christian, Sikh, and secular with cultural roots from the Middle East, South Asia, and Latin America. The events attracted students from both majority and minority faiths on campus.
Bahar emphasized the Franciscan Catholic mission of Alvernia University and the importance of diversity of thought, faith, and culture. “Alvernia’s Franciscan values of contemplation, humility, peacemaking and collegiality come alive through our interfaith efforts. This is not just DEI work — it is spiritual formation, community building, and a true expression of our Catholic mission,” she said. Alvernia University partnered with the Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, the Jewish Federation of Reading, and the Islamic Center of Reading to co-host events and provide greater opportunities for students to experience interfaith hospitality and understanding.
Holy Family University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
At Holy Family University several programs, including a workshop on cultural humility, sought to foster respectful dialogue on campus. Dr. Juliana Mosley-Williams, the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Salus University in Elkins Park, PA, was invited as a keynote speaker. Participants also engaged in a facilitated conversation on cultural humility during a shared meal.
Troy Young, Director of Residence Life and JDEI Initiatives, acknowledged that conversations on cultural humility can be challenging for both the facilitator and participants. “A key outcome of this workshop has been a campus community that is leaning into difficult conversations to create a better and braver space for faculty, staff, and students,” he said. There has also been an increase in attendance at events and celebrations sponsored by the Advisory Council on Community and Belonging following the workshop. “It has made more room for people to share thoughts, opinions, feelings and lived experiences. Our campus community has grown mentally and spiritually due to the work enabled by the grant.”
Maria College, Albany, New York
Maria College was founded in 1958 on the principle of service to others. “Developing literacy in religious pluralism was a key learning outcome for our initiative, especially as the majority of our students will be working in healthcare settings, contexts that are religiously and demographically diverse,” said Tara Flanagan, Chief Mission Officer and Assistant Professor.
Events included community meals, facilitated conversations, and presentations by religious leaders about beliefs and practices in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students learned about the observance of Passover in Judaism, Lent and Easter in Christianity, and Ramadan and Eid al Fitr in Islam. Through poetry, song, food, sacred texts, and conversation, students, faculty, and staff joined together in a spirit of learning. “As a Catholic college, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Maria College encourages the theological value of hospitality,” said Flanagan. “We learned through our interfaith events that hospitality is a virtue by no means exclusive to one tradition.”
The president of Maria College, Dr. Lynn Ortale, participated in “Moral Leadership and Diversity,” a program hosted by Interfaith America for college and university presidents to engage in conversations around religious pluralism. Ortale said, “The program had a transformative impact on my effectiveness as a bridge builder to support the interactive programs made possible through Interfaith America grants which heighten awareness, broaden perspectives, and help students, faculty, staff, and board members embrace religious pluralism.”
Michael Hahn, Ph.D. is the associate dean of the school of education at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
