Community News (V14-I27)

Prof. Rafik Beekun receives second Fulbright AwardR

ENO,NV–Management professor Rafik Beekun has added another feather to his cap of many accomplishments. He has just been awarded a second Fulbright Award. It allows University of Nevada (Reno) professor to travel and teach in Turkey next year.

“This represents a golden opportunity to teach and research in an amazing country, as well as to learn from a totally different culture,” Beekun told the University newspaper. “It will also allow me to share what is best about our great country with others.”

Beekun received his first Fulbright Award for the 1999-2000 academic year, which he spent at the University of Mauritius in Reduit, near Madagascar.

The Fulbright Program, which is made possible through funds appropriated annually by the U.S. Congress, as well as funds from private sectors, awards approximately 8,000 grants annually.

The program allows United States students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists and artists to apply for scholarships to study, conduct research or exercise their talents abroad. It also allows qualifying individuals from other countries to do likewise here in the United States.

Dr. Beekun has published in many academic journals and is the author of 4 books. His book,Islamic Business Ethics, was published by the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), and has been translated in several languages. He co-authored another book with Dr. Jamal Badawi titled Leadership: An Islamic Perspective.

Islamic center to come up in Grand Forks

FARGO,ND–Until now Muslims in Grand Forks area did not have a permanent place of their own for communal worship and other activities. In a unique arrangement they will soon have one. They are buying the property of the United Church of Christ. However, the church will still use the facility on alternate days.

The UCC congregation, which dates back more than a century has about sixty members. One change for UCC members is they have been asked by the Islamic center to leave their shoes at the door before going in for Sunday morning worship. Some other changes to the building might also be made. The facility marks a unique interfaith arrangement which works for all.

Khalfani Muhammad  wins athletic laurels

LOS ANGELES, CA–High School athletic star Khalfani Muhammad has won won the 100 meters in 10.56 at the Arizona Sprints Showcase. He finished second in the 200 in a personal-best time of 21.00. He is all set to compete in the World Junior Championships in Spain next month.

His father Malik  Muhammad had  ran for Puerto Rico in the 1984 Olympic Games when he was known as Luis Morales.

Canadian Muslim sisters recognised for work as disability advocates

TORONTO, CANADA–Two blind Muslim sisters have been awarded with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubillee Medals for their work advocating for disabled people in Canada.

Rabia Khedr , 42,  runs her own consulting business called diversityworX that offers human rights and equity training. She speaks in public about a variety of issues. She is also chair of the Mississauga Accessibility Advisory Committee, chairs her children’s school parent council and is executive director of the Canadian Association of Muslims with Disabilities. A long time Mississauga resident she is married and has four children.

Her younger sister, Uzma Khedr, who lives two doors down from her home, has taken a different route in life. Khan is single, has a career in information technology with CIBC and was vice-chair of the former Accessibility Advisory Council of Ontario. She was also been involved with CIBC’s Workability Employee Network, an advocacy group for employees with disabilities.

14-27