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Dr. K. Leigh Forell is Alternative Spring Break Advisor for Interfaith, Homeless Issues Trip

Dr. K. Leigh Forell, academic advisor in Poole College’s Office of Undergraduate Program, was selected to be faculty advisor for NC State University’s Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip in spring 2012. She will be leading an Interfaith & Homeless Issues service trip coordinated through NC State’s Alternative Spring Break office, part of the university’s Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service (CSLEPS).

Forell explains that the Interfaith Service ASB trip aims to unite individuals across faith traditions in service to humanity. During this week, she said, students will be encouraged to explore with an open mind the complex religious mosaic within Philadelphia, Penn., one of America’s first cities and a haven of religious freedom. Students will have the opportunity to meet with practitioners of many faiths, including Catholicism, Islam, Baha’i, Buddhism, and Judaism while presenting a common vision of service. The connection between personal faith and social action is a central focus, she said. Students will be challenged to grow in their own faith tradition while learning about various forms of religious expression and faith-based service.

The NC State ASB team will partner with the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia and spend time doing direct community service alongside members of a variety of faith communities.
In addition to her student advising responsibilities, Forell also serves as Poole College’s diversity coordinator and co-leads the Student Network Groups that provide the college’s incoming freshmen and undergraduate transfer students opportunities to learn about the diversity of cultures expressed at NC State and the Raleigh community. She also is faculty advisor for the Poole Council, a leadership organization with representatives from all Poole College student organizations.

“I feel that this (ASB) project will directly impact my work in students advising and especially as diversity coordinator,” she said, “broadening my experience with and understanding of various faith groups and allowing me to build new skills in facilitating interfaith dialogue.”