Student Interfaith Scholars

2012-2013 Interfaith Scholars

Caelin Niehoff
Junior
If Interfaith were a structural component of a sentence – a grammatical term – I think it would be a verb. Over the past two years at DePaul I have encountered Interfaith as an active experience: one which links, supports, and moves its subjects. Its potential acts not only as a catalyst but also a clarifier. As a Roman Catholic, Interfaith has challenged my faith, while also solidifying it. My time thus far, as an Interfaith Scholar, has called me to examine intrafaith diversity within the Christian and Catholic faith traditions. I have learned of the expansive nature of my own personal, faith journey and the role of Interfaith dialogue as I seek to listen, understand, and grow as a person of faith. I hope to continue to understand myself and others I encounter, through the soulful relationships Interfaith offers.

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Dana Jabri
Sophomore, Muslim
“As a Muslim, embracing diversity has always been an important virtue I grew up cherishing. One of the verses that God revealed to the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him,) in the Quran states, “O mankind, indeed We created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes for you to get to know one another. Qur’an, 49:13). This verse has always been the motivation that helped me understand the importance of interfaith dialogue and the values that come with every conversation. I like to use metaphors, and to me engagement in interfaith dialogue is like a freshly planted seed, with every drop of water, a new leaf or fruit begins to grow. I am a Sophomore hoping to pursue a career in International Community Development. My major currently is International Studies with a triple minor in Public Policy, Economics, and Community Service Studies. I very much enjoy reading the Sunday New York Times, my favorite section being the Sunday Review Opinions. During my free time I volunteer at a non-profit, LIFT in Pilsen, where I help direct resources to the impoverished clients that I serve. I enjoy writing prose, riding my bike, and playing basketball. I believe that through interfaith dialogue and engagement we can expand our horizons of self understanding, and discover the uniqueness in faith, tradition, and culture each individual possesses.

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Josh Graber
Senior, Buddhist
“My path toward interfaith has wound through a wealth of religious traditions. Though I was born and raised Jewish I have attended and observed more Christian holidays and services and, at one time or another, read French and German existentialists and denied God's existence, traveled to the Vedic City to learn about Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and sat regularly with a Zen Sangha in Ravenswood. Now I study primarily Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity for my Religious Studies degree at DePaul and I remain closest to these three traditions and the Judaism of my family. Some days I self-identify as belonging to all of these traditions, other days none of the above. I find that studying religion is an excellent way for me to better understand the people with whom I share the planet - and I believe interfaith dialogue is a beautiful way to acknowledge and express our interconnectivity with one another, with God, and with the rest of the cosmos.

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Laura E. Mena
Junior, Public Relations
Roman Catholic
"For the past 20 years of my life, I have been living and learning in the wonderful city of Chicago. I am the oldest out of five and I have the privilege of providing my siblings with a role model and a friend they can trust. As a college student, I have tried to be as involved on campus as I can because meeting new people and learning their story is something that interests me a lot. As a scholar, I believe interfaith promotes diversity and different perspectives. There have been various conflicts with religion but ultimately it is what keeps individuals on their feet. Faith, hope and love are the virtues and qualities one needs in order to be complete. I encourage interfaith because it helps not only one self but others as well to understand faith. It is important to understand others' faith because it shapes them on who they are. I believe DePaul's University Ministry creates a welcoming environment for anyone with or without a religious background. The interfaith community is important because they have been strong supporters of who I am now. I am glad DePaul has giving me so many wonderful opportunities, including this one."
"Go forth and set the world on fire." - St. Ignatius of Loyola

Leah Karchmer
Sophomore
Jewish
For me, religion always has served as a medium through which to explore and question the world, life, and all of the beautiful struggles that make up the human experience. I consider myself tremendously privileged to have been raised in a strong Jewish community, which nurtured the development of my religious identity and education. However, as I move forward I find myself yearning to expand my understanding beyond strictly what is familiar. Interfaith presents a unique and unparalleled opportunity to expand this exploration beyond the realm of my own perspective. Through encounters of interfaith dialogue, the common language of faith provides a common ground from which each of our unique perspectives emerges. I am eager to venture into this new terrain, where the path of my religious journey will lead me to further discover my self, challenge my faith, and understand the world around me.

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Webster Vital
Junior, Protestant-Baptist
During my journey of faith, I always knew that I wanted to be involved in campus ministry. I was constantly searching to find a community where I can share my faith and engage in dialogues with those of different religious perspectives. When I heard of the Interfaith Scholars, I knew that this group would be the best way to gain valuable information about others faiths and traditions while sharing my own. I thought to myself, together we can build a community on campus of people from all faiths and traditions and work together to achieve a common goal. I am excited to be an Interfaith Scholar this year, I am ready to lead, learn, and share with others. “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others”-Philippians 2:1-4.

Penelope D. Antonopoulos
Senior, Orthodox Christian
Interfaith is a rather new concept to me. I attended an Orthodox Christian school for most of my life, and while my high school was diverse there was not a lot of dialogue among my peers about faith. Also, because Orthodoxy is often associated with ethnic communities, it can be difficult for us Orthodox Christians to branch out and learn about what other faiths exist and believe in. I feel both honored and privileged to be given the opportunity to be an advocate for peace in the university community through the Interfaith Scholars. I anticipate working alongside a diverse group of people from all sorts of various backgrounds, and I look forward to learning about different faiths by discussing our differences and celebrating our similarities. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” –Mark 12:31

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• For information about Student Interfaith Scholarship (SIS), click here.