Annual Dinner Helps Promotion of Diversity

Monday night marked the fifth annual dinner hosted by the Institution for Interfaith Dialogue. Over the years, the dinner has attracted prominent guest speakers, including University President Robert Gates in 2005 and Sen. Chet Edwards in 2006. Texas A&M Provost Dr. Jerry Strawser was the guest speaker Monday, and the event was attended by judges, deans, leaders of religious and campus organizations. "The Institution for Interfaith Dialogue is a group which was established in 2005 with the goal of promoting understanting between religons," said Alpaslan Sahin, the Houston representative from the Institution for Interfaith Dialogue. "Both former University President Dr. Gates and current Intirim University President Eddie J Davis have awarded the organization with a 'Keeping the Dream Alive' diversity award in past years."

The organization hosts events to encourage diversity and understanding in the community. But the pride of the organization is the trips they take to Turkey.

"In cities with large universities and institutions we are pushing to invite more contributors to come on trips to Turkey," said Tufan Adiguzel, a member of the Institution of Interfaith Dialogue. "Turkey is historically a place where people of different faiths coexist. One of the places we visit in Turkey is Interfaith Garden, a place where churches, mosques, and synagogues are all neighbors peacefully."

The organization is created based on the writings and philosophies of a Turkish scholar, Fethullah Gülen.

"Gülen inspired people to open schools and educate moral values for all," Adiguzel said. "We visit followers of Gülen's teaching [in Turkey]."

There were several repeat guests at the dinner.

"This is my third time," said Ben White, mayor of College Station. "The first time I didnt know what I was getting into, but I quickly learned that they were trying to help us learn to get along."

White explained that the city supports the organization by having officials appear at their events. The mayor attended the groundbreaking of the facility.

Some guests represented organizations which have worked with the Institute of Interfaith Dialogue in the past.

"It's really important for our University to have diversity and dialogue supporting the different faiths at the school," said Amy Goldman, a junior marketing major and member of the campus Jewish organization Hillel.

"We have cosponsored events with the IID in the past," said Ashley Pudnos, senior psychology major and prime minister of Hillel.

Many Christian churches had representatives at the dinner to show their support for diversity and understanding in the modern world.

"I think it's so important for us to get to know each other on a personal basis," said Pam Engler, the education director for the First Presbyterian Church. "Do this, and our differences dissolve."