Register to attend via Zoom (Keynote Only)
Event Details:
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center, Augsburg University
Theme: Building Trust in Divisive Times
An annual invitation to build community, foster collaboration, and create a more caring world through learning about religious/spiritual/worldview diversity, participating in enriching dialogue, and networking with exceptional interfaith leaders. As the most ethnically diverse campus in the Midwest, Augsburg University embraces students with a variety of religious beliefs and worldviews. Join us for this opportunity to learn about building partnerships across differences and how to face the future with hope and determination.
Keynote Speaker: Manu Meel, BridgeUSA
Manu Meel is passionate about empowering young people to bridge divides. As CEO of BridgeUSA, Manu is leading the largest and fastest growing student movement to bridge our differences. He currently serves on the boards of Convergence, American Promise, and Bridge Alliance.
Manu has interned as an associate at the venture capital firm Amplo and at the Department of State as a political analyst in counterterrorism. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and other media platforms. In 2022, Manu was recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Interfaith Panelists for luncheon:
Panelists will explore best practices on religious/spiritual/worldview diversity in different workplace contexts.
Schedule of Events
10:30 a.m. – Registration Open – Valet parking available from 10:30 am – 2 pm
Guests are encouraged to check in at the welcome desk upon arrival. You’ll be escorted to your seats in preparation for the keynote address.
11:00 a.m. – Keynote Address from Manu Meel, BridgeUSA
Manu Meel will share how he views trust building in these especially divisive times with an audience of students, faculty, staff and community leaders. There will be time for Q&A. Reserved seating for sponsors and special guests.
12:00 p.m. Luncheon and Panel Discussion
Please join us for a special lunch immediately following the keynote address. The panel will be moderated by Najeeba Syeed, El-Hibri Chair and Executive Director of the Interfaith Institute at Augsburg. Attendees will be seated at tables and encouraged to share in small group discussions. Prompt questions about best practices for spiritual diversity in the workplace will be provided by our distinguished panel.
2:00 p.m. Symposium Concludes
Guests are welcome to tour the Augsburg campus or depart at the conclusion of the luncheon.
Register to attend via Zoom (Keynote Only)
2024 Interfaith Symposium Sponsors:
Visionary Sponsor
Signature Sponsors
Benefactors
Entenza Law Firm
Ann Aspenes Ulring and Scott Ulring
Friends
Sue and Joel S. Bjerkestrand
Mary Lou ’64 and Denny ’64 Erickson
Jane ’68 and Jim ’68 Gisselquist
Ione ’68 and Mark ’68 Hanson
Rick ’68 and Rachel Quenemoen
Gerry and Peter Rogness
Norma Jean ’69 and Peter ’69 Strommen
The John and Heidi Strommen Giving Fund
Marty Stortz
Sponsorship opportunities
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email Catherine Hurley for opportunities.
Press & Media Kits
Media Advisory
Press Release
Social Media & Poster Assets
2024 Interfaith Symposium Host Committee Members:
Nancy El-Hibri, Augsburg Parent and Benefactor, El-Hibri Foundation Trustee
Matt Entenza, Augsburg Board Chair Emeritus
Anant Rambachan, Professor Emeritus of Religion, St. Olaf College
Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, President & CEO, Interfaith Alliance
Zafar Siddiqui, co-founder, Islamic Resource Group
Marty Stortz, Professor Emerita, Augsburg University
Joffrey Wilson, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Mortenson