The Muslim Life program at Trinity College provides a vibrant and inclusive space for students to explore spirituality, engage in interfaith dialogue, and contribute to community outreach, all rooted in the core principles and ethics of Islam. The program emphasizes the importance of compassion, mutual understanding, and spiritual growth, fostering a strong sense of community among Muslim students while promoting intercultural exchange and respect across the campus.
Muslim Life at Trinity College
Trinity College has a longstanding commitment to supporting Muslim students and fostering a vibrant Muslim community on campus. The College has further strengthened its support by appointing a full-time Director of Muslim Life, Imam Osman Simsek, who oversees and coordinates all aspects of Muslim Life at Trinity.
Imam Osman works alongside dedicated faculty and staff, including the College Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual & Religious Life, Marcus Halley, who advocates for Muslim students, as well as faculty adviser Marieke Koertner. The Muslim Advisory Group, which includes four additional faculty members, and other colleagues in the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life also provide valuable support to Muslim Life at Trinity.
The Muslim Students Association (MSA) is integral to Muslim Life at Trinity, working closely with the Director of Muslim Life and college staff to organize religious services, cultural events, and educational programs. The MSA coordinates the weekly Jumu’ah Prayers every Friday, hosts events such as Discover Islam Week, and collaborates with other student organizations and academic departments to create interfaith programming and outreach activities that promote understanding across the campus community.
Muslim Life is centered around the Muslim Prayer Room located at 76H Crescent Street. This welcoming space serves as a hub for daily worship, study, and social gatherings. It includes a library of Islamic books, comfortable furnishings for meetings, and areas for prayer. All students are welcome to visit, learn about Islam, and engage with the resources available.
Weekly and Daily Opportunities
The Trinity Muslim Life community offers several weekly gatherings and opportunities for connection and growth:
- Friday Prayer & Lunch: Open to all students. Join for prayer or simply come for lunch to share in the spirit of community.
- Daily Prayers: Held at 12 PM (Dhuhr) and 3 PM (Asr), with gatherings for whoever is available.
TEA BREAK AT THE WEEKLY SUHBAH CIRCLE - Weekly Suhbah Circle: A time for reflection and learning, held on Mondays at 6 PM, centered around meaningful discussions on various topics.
- One-on-One or Small Group Meetings: Imam Osman is available for individual or small group meetings to offer guidance, answer questions, or simply connect. Appointments can be scheduled through his email.
Imam Osman and the MSA aim to cultivate a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive Muslim community that contributes positively to the Trinity College campus. From religious observances and spiritual counseling to informal gatherings and social events, Muslim Life at Trinity is designed to enrich the experience of every student, regardless of their background or faith.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Imam Osman Simsek, Director of Muslim Life, at [email protected] or by phone at 860-297-2090.
To honor and express gratitude for those who came before us, we are sharing three photos from previous years below:
