Interfaith America Founder to Deliver Talk at Fisher

Dr. Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith America, the leading interfaith organization in the United States, will deliver a lecture as part of St. John Fisher University’s Spirit of Identity Week. Free and open to the public, Patel’s talk is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, in Cleary Family Auditorium in Kearney Hall.

Named “one of America’s best leaders” by U.S. News and World Report, Patel is a civic leader who believes that religious diversity is an essential and inspiring dimension of American democracy. Under his leadership, Interfaith America has worked with governments, universities, private companies, and civic organizations to make faith a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division.

Patel’s talk, “We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy,” draws on his new book of the same title. The University has spent the last year weaving the book’s diversity, equity, and inclusion philosophies into the development and implementation of its new CORE curriculum through the assistance of a $5,000 grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). During the 2023 spring semester, faculty engaged in workshops and dialogue around his work. The final component of the grant involved inviting Patel to campus in the coming academic year.

His appearance coincides with the University’s Spirit of Identity Week, which features more than 25 events and activities that promote an appreciation for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Patel to our campus,” said Dr. Ann Marie Fallon, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Fisher. “Students, faculty and staff have been engaged in rich conversations all fall on the importance of interfaith dialogue and the ways we share our identities with one another to build community. This week and Dr. Patel’s keynote represent a touchstone for our deep belief in the power of inclusive dialogue.”

Two events for the campus community are also planned for before and after the keynote to foster discussion and reflection.

Patel will meet with students during a forum to be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, in the Elaine Wilson Formal Lounge. He will deliver framing remarks then lead a discussion.

Faculty and staff are invited to a post-keynote discussion around the chapter, "America, The People's Potluck," from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, in the Elaine Wilson Formal Lounge.

For more information about Patel’s visit, visit the Spirit of Identity Week website.