News
News from Hartford International University
General HIU News
HIU Welcomes Executive Assistant to Vice President of Academic AffairsJuly 15, 2026
Faculty In The News
Macdonald Center Co-Director Represents HIU at Christian-Muslim Relations Symposium in Egypt
July 13, 2026
Dr. Jawad Qureshi, newly appointed co-director of the Macdonald Center and Associate Professor of Islamic Studies, traveled to Egypt this month to participate in the symposium of the Network of Centers for Christian-Muslim Relations (NCCMR), marking his first official act as co-director.
General HIU News
HIRR Study Finds America’s Megachurches Have Rebounded Strongly After the Pandemic
July 9, 2026
Five years after COVID-19 disrupted religious life across the country, America’s largest Protestant churches have not only recovered—they are reporting renewed vitality, financial strength, expanding ministry, and growing optimism about the future, according to a major new study released by Warren Bird and Scott Thumma, retired professor of sociology of religion and former director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research (HIRR) at HIU.
Faculty In The News
Journal of Interreligious Studies Publishes Issue on 'Teaching Palestine/Israel'
July 6, 2026
In this new issue, the Journal of Interreligious Studies (JIRS) serves as a space for a critical, constructive, and generative conversation about how to teach and organize events on university campuses regarding Palestine/Israel. The publication elevates the level of dialogue surrounding the teaching of this topic.
General HIU News
Hartford International University Hosts Second Annual Ghadeer Conference
June 23, 2026
Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, in collaboration with the Imam Ali Research Center, convened its second annual Ghadeer Conference on June 4 and 5, marking a significant expansion of its commitment to Shi‘a studies in North America.
General HIU News
HIU Dedicates Children's Story Grove in Memory of Beloved Librarian Marie Rovero
June 17, 2026
On Thursday, June 11, Hartford International University gathered in the library to dedicate a new space created for the youngest members of its community: the Children's Story Grove, a corner for reading, drawing, and play established in memory of longtime library staff member Marie Rovero and in honor of MT Winter.
General HIU News
HIU Mourns the Passing of Dr. Jane I. Smith, Former Co-Director of the Macdonald Center
June 5, 2026
As Co-Director of the Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations from 1996-2006, Dr. Jane I. Smith made an enormous impact on HIU, then Hartford Seminary. The community mourns her passing at the age of 89.
General HIU News
Yale Honors Former Professor Ingrid Mattson with Doctor of Divinity
June 3, 2026
During Yale University's 325th commencement ceremony in May, the institution awarded eight honorary degrees to distinguished individuals whose achievements in their fields have benefited the common good. Among the honorees was Dr. Ingrid Mattson, a prominent Muslim scholar, interfaith pioneer, and founder of the Islamic Chaplaincy Program at Hartford International University, who received a Doctor of Divinity.
Alumni News
He Memorized the Entire Qur'an. Then His Life Changed Forever
June 2, 2026
Millions of Muslims around the world take on the challenge of memorizing the entire Qur’an for spiritual, cultural, and practical reasons. Upon attaining such a highly recognized status, they receive the title of Hafiz or Hafiza (the feminine), an Arabic word meaning "guardian" or "protector." It refers to one who has preserved the Qur'an in their heart, ensuring the text is flawlessly protected against alteration over time. Hakiki, an Indonesian scholar who studied at HIU through the PKUMI program, is one of them.
Faculty In The News
HIU Bolsters Islamic Studies Faculty with 2 New Hires
May 26, 2026
Hartford International University for Religion and Peace is excited to announce the addition of two new faculty members who will join other top scholars contributing to HIU’s historic excellence in the fields of Islamic Studies, Christian-Muslim relations, and chaplaincy.