Story by: Dima Halwani, Staff Writer
Photo by: Dima Halwani, Staff Writer
Cypress College took a meaningful step by hosting its first-ever Ramadan awareness event, an initiative that not only introduced students to the significance of the holy month but also highlighted the growing need to support Muslim students on campus.
Joey Quenga, coordinator at the APIDA Resource Center. “The event was a major success that exceeded expectations.” said Quenga, who focuses on student support and campus engagement, explained that the event marked a milestone for the college as it was the first Ramadan-focused program ever held on campus.
According to Quenga, the level of support was remarkable. The event brought together the Muslim Student Association, faculty members, and campus leadership, including Dr. Gonzalez, Dr. Paul de Dios, and Dr. Scott Thayer. Their presence reinforced the importance of recognizing and supporting the Muslim student community.
Rather than facing challenges, Quenga emphasized “the experience was primarily educational.” He and his colleague, Vanila Pulu-Suliafu, approached the event as an opportunity to better understand the cultural and religious needs of Muslim students during Ramadan. This learning process, he noted, will help the center improve future programming and student services.
Attendance exceeded expectations, making it the largest gathering ever held at the center. The room was filled with a diverse group of attendees, including Muslim students, faculty, and others interested in learning more about Ramadan. The event also featured engaging speakers, including Osman Khan and Bayanne Kanawati, from the local Muslim community, as well as student representatives who provided deeper insight into the meaning and practices of the holy month.
Quenga concluded that the event not only succeeded in raising awareness but also set a strong foundation for future initiatives. He believes it can serve as a model for similar events, helping to foster inclusivity and cultural understanding across campus.
