As Salaamu Alaikum.

I am Dr. Isam Vaid, the Muslim Religious Life Scholar in Emory OSRL.

As the weather turns cool in Atlanta, with a warm gingerbread latte in hand and a light sweater, I wanted to bring your attention to something I’ve been advocating for over the last 25 years, Emory’s very own Interfaith Center.

Thanks to the support of President Fenves, our Dean Greg McGonigle, and others, it is happening at last, and we now have very exciting news of where it will be and what it will look like. It will be a cozy home for Emory’s spiritual and religious communities and a place that will come to life with so many activities -- prayers, meditations, study groups, meetings, meals, and opportunities to serve.

The daily flow of the Interfaith Center will include Emory's vibrant and enthusiastic Muslim students who are back on campus as the university has made a full return to in-person teaching for classes at all Schools. Just recently, our MSA held its Halal Taco Night with hot sauce and a cup of hot chocolate by the toasty fire during a delightful Fall Festival. The students also began the semester with a remarkable Welcome Back Dinner which included a silent auction to raise funds for Afghan refugee resettlement in Atlanta. And they also undertook a beautiful hike together up the Stone Mountain in order to admire creation's beauty.

Now as the semester comes to a close, Emory Giving Tuesday is coming up on November 30, right after Thanksgiving. We would be greatful if you would think about the new Emory Interfaith Center on #givingtuesday; your contributions to help us maximize our program in the new space are welcome here.

Sincerely yours,

Isam Vaid

Muslim Religious Life Scholar

Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life