Author: Brynn Boyer

Islamic culture and religion has evolved and transformed over the centuries, broadening its traditional principles to become more open and progressive while still maintaining the integrity of its spiritual origins. Over time, events in Islamic culture have enlightened and even contributed to modern society. The Islamic Student Association and James Farmer Multicultural Center invite you to celebrate the vast Islamic culture and discover how it fits in with contemporary Western ideologies and values. Increase your awareness of the many Islamic contributions to the overall achievements of humanity, whether they be technological, ethical, cultural, or moral.

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Henna Night
Monday, November 28
Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center; 5 p.m.

The art of Henna is often thought of as being part of Islamic religion, but, in fact, it is part of its culture. The decorative body art has been in existence longer than Islam and is celebrated by individuals from around the world. Please join the Islamic Student Association as they address the history of Henna in combination with the opportunity to express yourself in utilizing this form of body art.

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Islamic Invention Display
Tuesday, November 29
Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center; 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

While the Dark Ages consumed most of the world, the Islamic Empire carried the light of human civilization. Ranging from India to Spain, the Islamic Empire, from the Caliphates to the Ottoman Empire, were the world’s leaders in technology, medicine, and innovation. Come explore the inventions and discoveries that the Islamic Empire has contributed to the history of the world and modern society.

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Islam And Science: Movie Night
Film and Discussion
Wednesday, November 30
Monroe Hall, Room 116; 6:30 p.m.

Terms like algebra, algorithm and alkali are all Arabic in origin and at the very heart of modern science – there would not be modern mathematics or physics without algebra, computers without algorithms, or chemistry without alkalis. Join Physicist Jim Al-Khalili in a captivating documentary, as he travels through Syria, Iran, Tunisia, and Spain to tell the story of the great leap in scientific knowledge that took place in the Islamic world between the 8th and 14th Centuries.

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Islamic Cultural Banquet
Cultural Awareness Series Keynote Speaker: Imam Yahya Hendi
Thursday, December 1
Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center; 6 p.m.

The Islamic Cultural Banquet offers traditional food, fellowship, and a keynote lecture from Imam Yahya Hendi. Imam Hendi is the Muslim Chaplain at Georgetown University, the first American university to hire a full-time Muslim Chaplain. He has written numerous publications on many topics, including Islam and biomedical ethics, and religion and Islam in the United States. A sought-after speaker, Imam Hendi has presented a multitude of interfaith and general lectures in the U.S., Asia, Africa, Europe, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Australia, and the Middle East over the past 14 years. He has traveled to more than 63 countries and 45 U.S. states for conferences.

Kristen LePine has been named resident playwright and company member at the HUB Theatre in Fairfax, Virginia.  The HUB has commissioned Kristen to write a new play this spring.

Also, Pinky Swears Productions in Washington, DC recently presented an excerpt of Kristen’s play Leto Legend at their SWEAR IT! Smörgåsbord.

“Philanthropy can bring more joy than anything else in your lifetime,” Doris Buffett said when she spoke to the Economics of Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Sector class on November 3. She advised UMW students that a good philanthropist must have kindness, collaboration, and common sense.

UMW is one of 30 institutions across the country to participate in a special project through the Learning by Giving Foundation. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., the Learning by Giving Foundation has awarded UMW $10,000 to support the class project. Under the direction of Professor Robert Rycroft, the students have formed a special foundation to evaluate grant proposals from local nonprofit organizations. Students will announce the award decisions in early December.

Buffett said she hopes classes like this will educate students about the joys and the pitfalls of philanthropy. “We believe in putting money where it counts,” said Buffet. “That is helping to empower people.”

The University recorded Buffett’s discussion with the class at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. Click here to view.

Jim Groom, director of teaching and learning technologies, is featured in the November 2011 newsletter of Educause. The newsletter, “7 Things You Should Know About MOOCs,” mentions Groom’s leadership with the “Digital Storytelling” course. Read the full article.

Jeff McClurken, associate professor of history, will moderate the Years of Anguish Sesquicentennial speakers’ forum on Saturday, Nov. 12.  The forum, held in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium from 1 to 5 p.m., will feature acclaimed historians Gary Gallagher and Peter Carmichael.

The Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, the National Park Service and the University of Mary Washington are sponsoring the program, which is free and open to the public. A book signing will follow the presentations in the Dodd Auditorium Foyer.

Gary Gallagher, the John L. Nau III Professor in the History of the American Civil War at the University of Virginia, will present the lecture, “Devoted to Union.”

Peter Carmichael, director of the Civil War Institute and Robert C. Fluhrer Professor of Civil War Studies at Gettysburg College, will explore how the generation of 1861 understood the war and why they fought.

Pre-registration is not required, but is requested.  Register on-line at www.famcc.org, or 540-371-3037 ext. 400.