LVC Invites the Local Community to Consider Everyday Stories of an American Muslim

ANNVILLE, PA (11/22/2016)(readMedia)-- Members of the local community are invited to the Engle Family Lobby of Frederic K. Miller Chapel at Lebanon Valley College to learn about the daily routine of a Muslim. Mohamed Omar, affiliate chaplain to the Muslim community at LVC, will share stories from his life as an American Muslim in Lebanon and Philadelphia, considering specific, illustrative interactions on an Uber ride, at a dinner party, and at a workplace, among others. The event, to be held on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m., will conclude with ethnic desserts.

In addition to gaining understanding about interactions faced by American Muslims, attendees will learn about Quranic verses and Islamic principles that guide Muslim responses of grace to even the most confounding or difficult of situations.

Comments by Rev. Paul Fullmer, who serves as chaplain at Lebanon Valley College, characterize the time as an engaging, informal opportunity to learn about the Muslim faith. "As a presenter, Mr. Omar seeks to engage his audience with openness, understanding, and a great sense of humor. There will be time for questions throughout the presentation."

Desserts for the program will be provided by Lebanon Middle Eastern and Halal Foods. Participants in the program will have an opportunity to taste an assortment of cookies and small cakes such as shebakkia, briwat, and "Gazelle Horns."

The program is supported by the Darrell Woomer Diversity Program Endowment at Lebanon Valley College, established in 2005 to provide support for programs that educate students and other members of the community on issues and topics related to diversity.

Although there is no cost to attend the Dec. 3 presentation, pre-registration is appreciated. Contact LVC's Offices of Spiritual Life at 717-867-6135 or nsmith@lvc.edu to register.

About Lebanon Valley College

Lebanon Valley College is a private, coeducational college founded in 1866 and dedicated to the liberal arts. The College offers 40 undergraduate majors plus self-designed majors and a range of minors, concentrations, and pre-professional options, as well as graduate degree programs in athletic training, business administration, music education, physical therapy, science in STEM education, and speech-language pathology.

The College has 1,608 full-time undergraduate students and 108 full-time faculty. Students can choose from more than 90 clubs and organizations, and 12 study abroad programs. LVC awards generous academic scholarships to those whose high school records demonstrate a commitment to challenge and achievement.