Interfaith Dialogue: Integrating Diverse Beliefs into Campus Culture
Interfaith Dialogue: Integrating Diverse Beliefs into Campus Culture
Curious about how to bring your faith or beliefs into your everyday life on campus?
Whether you’re religious, spiritual, or secular, your beliefs are a powerful part of who you are. Join us on Thursday, September 19th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the RGC Multimedia Room (1103) for an interactive event designed to help you confidently express your values in the college community and beyond while building community through food and in celebration of the 25th Annual International Day of Peace.
- Connect with Peers: Meet other students who share your passion for making a difference through their beliefs.
- Inspiration & Ideas: Discover new ways to integrate your beliefs into your daily life, on campus, and in your future career.
- Real Stories: Hear how ACC faculty and staff integrate their beliefs into their actions and decisions. Panelists will share personal journeys, exploring how diverse communities can promote and strengthen a culture of peace.
Event Highlights:
- Refreshments & Icebreaker Activities(5:00 – 5:15 PM): Enjoy refreshments as we kick off the event with activities designed to foster meaningful connections.
- Group Conversation: Influence of Lived Experiences on Identity (5:15 – 6:30 PM): Engage with panelists as they share their personal and professional journeys and their sense of belonging at ACC.
- Guided Group Dialogue (6:30 – 7:00 PM): Join facilitated small group discussions with fellow students to share stories and explore how your beliefs can inspire change.
Who’s Invited? All ACC students, faculty, staff, and community members interested in exploring the intersection of beliefs and belonging are welcome.
Don’t Miss Out! This is a valuable opportunity to connect, share, and grow. Join us for an evening of thoughtful dialogue and new perspectives.
REGISTER HERE
Meet the Panelists
Dr. Samuel Echevarría-Cruz has served as a Professor of Sociology at Austin Community College District (ACC) since 2009. While at ACC, he has also held positions as department chair, Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences and recently as the Associate Dean of DEI Instructional Initiatives. Before coming to ACC, he held faculty positions in Sociology at the Ohio State University and was also employed in the private sector as a survey statistician and statistical consultant. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin Sociology and Demography program where he earned his BA, MA and PhD. Dr. Echevarría-Cruz is originally from Brownsville, Texas and is happily married to his wife, Diane while they share the parenting of their five sons. He is an active member of 20 years at Park Hills Baptist church and is also very proud of his Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage.
Sherry Blum has been a Philosophy and Humanities Professor at ACC for more than 25 years. She is also an active volunteer, including currently serving as Board President of Austin Jews and Partners for Refugees. AJPR brings together volunteers of all faiths (and those who don’t profess a faith) to help refugees get what they need to start their new lives here in Austin.
Dr. Grant Potts is currently serving as Interim Dean of Curriculum Management at ACC, and is also a Professor of Philosophy, Religion, and Humanities. He is primarily trained in the academic study of religion, to which he adds a professional focus on philosophy, interdisciplinary humanities, religious literacy, and peace and conflict studies–all within the community college context. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Great Questions Foundation and on the Advisory Committee for the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies. He is committed foremost to building educational institutions that empower students as engaged members of their communities.
Manal Mahmoud is a member of TLED in the Office of Curriculum Development, where she helps leads the college’s initiatives in designing and implementing micro-credentials and badging. Her work focuses on providing students with valuable, flexible learning paths that enhance their skills and qualifications. Additionally, Manal serves as the student advisor for the ACC’s Muslim Student Association, guiding and supporting the organization in its activities and mission.
In addition to her work in education, Manal is an active member of the Austin Muslim community. She has previously served as a Trustee on the board of directors for the North Austin Muslim Community Center, contributing her leadership and vision to the center’s growth and outreach. Currently, Manal holds the roles of Women’s Committee and Events Coordinator, where she continues to support and connect with the community through various initiatives and events.
Her contributions reflect a deep passion for both education and community service. Manal strives to bring the Noor – light – of Islam wherever she goes, infusing her work and community involvement with the Islamic values and principles she holds dear.
This event will be held in person
