UIW has opened the first Interfaith Prayer Room located at the Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO). The room
Dr. Andrew Buzzelli, dean of the RSO, Fr. Tom Dymowski, and Luis Macias, ophthalmic support tech at the RSO, at a Mass celebration in the new UIW Interfaith Prayer Room. Mass will continue to be held in the room on a monthly basis, as well as other spiritual and religious prayer services.
is a place that offers students, faculty, staff and administrators the opportunity to worship, enjoy mutual fellowship, seek spiritual guidance, and learn about religious traditions.
“The School of Optometry is the only faith-based optometry school in the country,” said Roya Attarhousseini, student and intern in the RSO. “Creation of this room falls in line with the Mission of the university which is committed to educational excellence in a context of faith and development of the whole person.”
Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI, introduced the idea of an Interfaith Prayer Room and the idea was supported by Dr. Andrew Buzzelli, dean of the RSO. Faculty, staff and interns representing diverse faiths at the School of Optometry had the opportunity to share what they would like in the room.
“Funding was a major concern, but with the help of UIW interns, the School of Optometry received a generous grant from HOYA, the second largest ophthalmic lens company in the industry, to complete the project,” Attarhousseini said.
Every detail of the room has been uniquely chosen so that it gives visitors a sense of peace, comfort and personal awareness upon entering. The room is available to the UIW family anytime during regular campus hours.
