Interfaith leader and educator to speak at COD Presidential Lecture Series April 15

Community members are invited to hear interfaith leader and educator Eboo Patel at College of DuPage’s Presidential Lecture Series on Wednesday, April 15, in Belushi Performance Hall at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Networking and light refreshments begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by the free lecture at 1 p.m.

In his talk, “The Promise of Pluralism: The Art of Cooperation in a Diverse Democracy,” Patel will explore how the tradition of pluralism offers a relevant framework for engaging the full complexity of American diversity today, even its most challenging expressions.

Patel is founder and president of Interfaith America, a Chicago-based national nonprofit built on the idea that faith can serve as a bridge for cooperation rather than a barrier of division. Named “one of America’s best leaders” by U.S. News & World Report, Patel has worked with universities, governments, corporations and civic organizations to help them unlock the potential of America’s religious diversity.

Patel also served on President Barack Obama’s inaugural Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. He has delivered hundreds of keynote addresses and written five books, including “We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy.” A Rhodes scholar and Ashoka Fellow, Patel earned a doctorate in the sociology of religion from the University of Oxford.

Designed to advance COD’s commitment to a culture of care and belonging, the Presidential Lecture Series brings together expert speakers, thought leaders and innovators to share insights on the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of higher education.

RSVP for Patel’s lecture at cod.edu/calendar/.

For questions, please contact the Office of Organizational Development at carpenterd2871@cod.edu.