University welcomes first Muslim Chaplain

Tufts' two new associate chaplains, including its first Muslim Chaplain, have begun to accommodate to University life after being named to their positions during the summer.

Imam Noureddine Hawat, formerly Tufts' Muslim affiliate, was appointed Muslim associate chaplain and Ann Penick, formerly of St. Anne's University Parish in Boston, was hired as the University's associate Catholic chaplain. Penick replaced Father David O'Leary, who is now the University chaplain.

The Chaplains are full-time Tufts employees who coordinate religious activities on campus and serve as counselors for students.

"I heard they were looking for someone to do Friday services, and I volunteered," said Hawat said, who has been at Tufts since December 1998.

Hawat considered his recent promotion "just a title change," since his responsibilities as an affiliate were the same as those of an associate. "It's not about the title, it's about the job," Hawat said. "If you want to do it, do it. That's why I've been with the school [this long without caring] about the title. It's a duty I've been doing."

Administrative changes within the University Chaplaincy delayed Hawat's appointment. No permanent appointments were made after the departure of the Former Chaplain Scotty McLennan while the University was looking for an official replacement for him.

According to Hawat, O'Leary was instrumental in appointing a Muslim chaplain. "He already talked about it before he took his position [as University Chaplain], and when he took his position, he pushed it very quickly," Hawat said.

Penick is also the director of the Catholic Center. "I'm looking forward to being here for hopefully a long time. Each year I'll be getting to know campus," Penick said.

Right now, Penick's immediate concern is the maintenance of the Catholic Center Building, where a new heating system is being installed.

Both new Chaplains see themselves part of a larger community rather than just resources for students of the same religion. Hawat has been involved in several dialogues with Hillel and other Jewish student groups.

"We like to reach for any other group _ we like open discussions, we encourage open discussions," Hawat said. "The only way we can unite each other is by discussion, and look to the positive of each one instead of looking for the negative."

Hawat encourages opportunities for strengthening students' faith. For example, the Islamic Center is hosting dinner and a special prayer every night of Ramadan.

Penick would like to become more involved in different organizations, but she is "still finding [her] way." In her previous post, she was active in dialogues with the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender group at Emerson.

Penick began her career in the campus ministry at the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina. She was most recently a pastoral associate at St. Anne's University Parish in Boston.

After she received a call from Tufts this summer asking her to come for an interview, Penick said she "jumped at the opportunity." Penick considers working at Tufts as a chance to "come to an excellent school, with a great group of students." Coming to Tufts has also allowed Penick to continue working full time, which she would not have been able to do at St. Anne's because of future Archdioceses' staff cuts.

President Larry Bacow appointed the new chaplains on a recommendation from the Chaplain's Office.

O'Leary is very happy with the two new additions to the Office of the Chaplaincy. "I was thrilled that they were both interested. They're both doing excellently, trying to get us established," O'Leary said.