Panel Will Address “What Is Islam?”

SHERMAN, TEXAS - Austin College will host the panel discussion, “What is Islam?” on Thursday, February 25, at 5:15 p.m. in Hoxie Thompson Auditorium in Sherman Hall. The discussion is free and open to the public. Dr. Ivette Vargas-O’Bryan, Austin College associate professor of religious studies, has invited several panelists to offer their perspectives on Islam. Discussants will include: • Imam Arsalan Haque, Imam of the Islamic Association of Allen, Texas • Zia Sheikh, Imam of the Islamic Center of Irving, Texas • Betz Muhammad, director of development, Yusuf Ziya Kavakci Institute for Islamic Research and Good Tree Academy Islamic School; professor emeritus in teacher education, Southeastern Oklahoma State University; converted from Christianity (Methodist) • Dr. Hind Jarrah, executive director of the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation • Members of the Austin College Muslim Student Association “With Islam as one of the fastest growing religions today and the mixed perceptions on the news, we need as an educational institution to educate ourselves on the tradition,” Dr. Vargas said. “The panel complements what I am doing in my course ‘Introduction to Islam.’ The class provides a historical and cultural perspective on Islam, while this panel will provide a regional and community perspective.” Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book College’s That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 36 percent of students representing ethnic minorities. A residential student body of 1,250 students and a faculty of more than 100 allow a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. The College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates and inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.