Pamela Runestad, assistant professor of anthropology, has been named the 2026-2028 Scholar for the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society (CSRCS). During her term, Runestad will focus on resources for faculty and staff with community engaged experiences in their courses. Additionally, she will help build CSRCS capacity for student research, internships and foster campuswide engagement. Runestad will assume her position on June 1, 2026.

鈥淚’m really excited to bring together expertise from CSRCS and PERCS regarding best practices for class site visits to religious sites so that we have resources for faculty and staff who facilitate community engaged experiences as part of their courses. I hope these will be useful for in-house courses and winter term courses abroad,鈥� Runestad said.

CSRCS Director Brian Pennington says that Runestad鈥檚 鈥渆xpertise in Japan and in medical anthropology will bring new skills and insights to the CSRCS. Her commitments to student learning and to campus culture are well known, and we will be excited to welcome her on board.”

Runestad is a Food Studies faculty member and is a medical anthropologist who began to combine interests in biology, social studies, and culture while teaching in Nagano, Japan, from 2000 to 2006. She moved to Honolulu to study medical anthropology in 2006 and returned to Japan for her doctoral research on HIV/AIDS, supported by Fulbright-Hays and the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation, from 2009 to 2013. She is particularly interested in medical narratives, and biocultural aspects of infectious disease, chronic conditions and nutrition.

鈥淎s a medical anthropologist, I’m also excited to contribute to the 鈥楤ridging Faith and Health鈥� microcredential and related conversations about interdisciplinary health and human experience on campus. My own research explores socio-cultural and religious components of maternity clinic strategies to engage patient-clients as the birthrate continues to decline in Japan,鈥� said Runestad. 鈥淪ometimes religious underpinnings of everyday practices are difficult to discern or are more complicated than they appear at first glance. Attending to those underpinnings can make root causes of social issues clearer.鈥�

This year鈥檚 symposium, 鈥淪ensorial Cosmologies and Cultural Resistance in Latin America,鈥� explored聽political strategies, activism, and theoretical interventions聽for combatting cultural homogenization in Latin America and the Caribbean.聽Presenters engaged themes such as religion, cosmology and critical theory; gender justice and eco-feminism; and migration from the global south and racial inequality in the USA.

Seventeen scholars from across the US joined 黑料不打烊 faculty conveners Federico Pous (World Languages and Cultures), Leyla Savloff (Sociology and Anthropology), and Juan Leal Ugalde (World Languages and Cultures) to feature work on counternarratives and cultural resistance offered by Indigenous cosmogony and artistic creation. Presentations included 聽topics such as 鈥淐atholic Feminism and Reproductive Justice in Argentina,鈥� 鈥淩esistance in Apu Kolki Hirka,鈥� 鈥淩evival in the Sikiru Movement,鈥� and 鈥淭rans Migrant Women鈥檚 Spatial Practices in Queens.鈥�

鈥淭he quality of papers presented, and the intellectual conversation we held at the symposium were very stimulating,” said Federico Pous, associate professor of Spanish. “We are currently preparing a dossier for the very well-known journal Acontracorriente, in which most of the participants at the symposium will publish an article on the topic of sensorious cosmologies. I hope to continue organizing academic encounters like this one in the future.鈥�

This year鈥檚 keynote presentation, 鈥淐ontemporary Audiovisuality as a Site of Cosmological Inscription,鈥� was delivered by Ana M. Ochoa, professor of music and ethnomusicology at Tulane University. Her lecture outlined her collaborative work on audio production among indigenous filmmakers in South America.

鈥淭he global politics of migration calls us to think how media, audiovisual and sound technologies are not simply a way to broadcast entertainment, art, or events. They have been part of the fabric of a sensorial cosmological transformation in the make-up of life聽and how we think of it,鈥� said Ochoa. “This is not only the case when, for example, indigenous peoples film聽their myths, or participate in transnational art events to affirm their cultures and聽cosmologies, but also as we trace the historical links between extractivism, the soundscape of life, and audiovisual sensoriums.鈥�

CSRCS Director Brian Pennington emphasized that supporting 黑料不打烊 faculty scholarship is a primary purpose of the symposium.

鈥淪ymposium participants, led by Drs. Savloff and Pous, have already developed a detailed roadmap for publishing these papers, and we are excited about the important collection that will result,” said Pennington.

For more information, visit the On the Edge Symposium webpage.

Since 2022, Festival of Lights and Luminaries has been coordinated by a campus-wide planning committee under the direction of University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement, Rev. Dr. Kirstin Boswell, and Director of Multifaith Programming and Engagement Hillary Zaken. The planning committee includes representatives from across campus, such as the Office of the Vice President of Student Life, the Department of World Languages and Cultures, and Facilities Management. This year鈥檚 planning committee also included student representation from Sarah Moore 鈥�26, managing editor of The Pendulum.

For eight out of the past nine years, Festival of Lights and Luminaries has been voted 鈥淏est University Tradition.鈥� According to Moore, the 鈥淏est Of鈥� is 鈥渄ecided from a survey promoted to our readers, including students, staff, faculty, alumni and local residents. We have published a 鈥楤est Of鈥� edition each year since 2018.鈥�

With thousands of candle-lit luminaries lining Under the Oaks, Historic, and the Academic Pavilions, students gather with friends to find their luminary, pausing for photos and reflection. Music from a cappella groups and student choirs fills the air, contributing to an atmosphere of celebration and joy.

Rev. Kirstin Boswell describes the Festival of Lights & Luminaries as 鈥渙ne of the most beautiful expressions of who we are as a university community. It brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and neighbors across religious, cultural, and worldview differences to honor light in its many forms 鈥� hope, wisdom, justice, compassion, and joy.鈥� 聽She adds that 鈥渞ecognition聽as a 鈥楤est Tradition鈥� affirms what so many experience each year: this is a sacred and celebratory gathering where belonging is made visible and our shared community is literally illuminated.鈥�

Beyond the visual beauty, the Festival of Lights and Luminaries highlights the university鈥檚 religious, spiritual, ethical and cultural diversity. Academic departments, student organizations and cultural clubs host tables offering educational opportunities about their traditions. The combination of light, music, and meaningful engagement makes the event memorable.

Hillary Zaken shared that she is 鈥渁lways delighted to learn that Festival of Lights and Luminaries has won 鈥楤est Tradition.鈥� It’s truly a festival that celebrates the best of who we are by highlighting our diverse identities and allowing us to shed light on what matters most to the 黑料不打烊 community. We’re so grateful for this honor and to everyone that worked to make this happen.鈥�

Addison Anderson 鈥�28, Truitt Center multifaith intern lead for this year鈥檚 event says that “a unique benefit to planning such a cherished and historic event as the Festival of Lights and Luminaries is the opportunity to learn about the special memories it has created over the years for people, whether that be attending decades ago as a young child, getting a little reminder from home in a lantern, or even putting out the occasional fire with friends. It brings me so much joy to know that the festival lived up to its legacy.鈥�

For more information on annual events and programs and 黑料不打烊 traditions, visit the Truitt Center鈥檚 website and follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, provides leadership and guidance for religious, spiritual, and ethical traditions and worldviews on campus. In this role, she leads the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and co-leads multifaith initiatives across campus.

Beyond her campus responsibilities, Rev. Boswell collaborates on published works. Her most recent contribution is Chapter 11, 鈥淭he Conversation Circles: A Sacred Space of Healing,”聽 published in “Redefining Spiritual Spaces in the Age of Technology: Innovations and Pitfalls.” The chapter explores the development and purpose of the Conversation Circles, an initiative housed within the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab, providing support for chaplains of color navigating today鈥檚 climate.

鈥淓ngaging in this work beyond campus deepens my commitment to the students, faculty, and staff I serve,” said Boswell. “Writing this chapter affirmed for me that healing is sacred work, and that it requires intentional spaces where people can speak their truths without fear. The Conversation Circles began as a national project, but they continually remind me that chaplaincy must be both justice-centered and relational鈥攚ork that strengthens our community at 黑料不打烊 as we build spaces of belonging, compassion, and growth.鈥�

Imam Shane Atkinson serves as the associate chaplain for Muslim Life and advisor for the 黑料不打烊 Muslim Society. In this role, he provides support for Muslim students, faculty, and staff across campus, as well as care for faculty and staff as they navigate grief and loss.

In December 2025, Imam Atkinson contributed to an article published in the Journal of Islamic Faith and Practice titled 鈥淭he Illuminating Lamp: A Four-Step Model for Islamic Chaplaincy in North America鈥�. The article offers a four-step framework that affirms the necessity of mentorship, accountability, and continuous self-refinement for Muslim chaplains in America. Through this approach, Muslim chaplains provide support by meeting people where they are. 鈥淐ontributing to the article clarified my approach to mentoring and pastoral care. I focus on being present and building genuine connections,鈥� said Imam Atkinson when asked how contributing to the article impacts his work as a chaplain. He went on to say that 鈥渙nce these relationships are established, we can then explore meaning-making and, if they wish, faith. The article also affirmed my belief that effective chaplaincy relies on ongoing learning, self-reflection, and openness to feedback from peers and mentors.鈥�

Father Peter Tremblay serves as the associate chaplain for Catholic Life and is a member of the Franciscan religious community. In his role, he provides spiritual leadership and pastoral care for students, faculty, and staff of the Catholic faith, as well as members of the surrounding community.

In October 2025, Father Peter collaborated with 黑料不打烊 students to develop a podcast as part of his doctoral thesis on Catholic social teaching. “Peace and Good,” developed for students, consists of nine episodes that focus on different topics, ranging from Catholic social teaching to discussing solidarity. At the beginning and conclusion of each episode, listeners were invited to complete questionnaires to assess whether the conversations influenced their views.

鈥淭here is a deep wisdom and perspective that Gen Z has about society, ethics, and justice,” said Tremblay of how developing the podcast impacts his work on campus. 鈥淐ollaborating with our students, learning from them and engaging their wisdom made my doctoral research both a joy and made me a better chaplain.鈥�

At the core, a chaplain鈥檚 primary role is in caregiving. On a university campus, that care extends to students, faculty and staff alike. Through their work, chaplains contribute not only to the university鈥檚 spiritual life on campus, but their works also invites continued dialogue, learning and engagement on campus and beyond.

For alumni of the 黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir, the festival offers a return to campus and a reunion through song. These former students have come together from across the country to celebrate their shared experiences, faith and passion for gospel music. Their stories reflect a blend of tradition and the ongoing evolution of the choir, capturing a lasting sense of connection to 黑料不打烊 and its community.

A tradition of song and service
黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir has been an integral part of university life for decades, offering a space for students to explore and share their faith through the rich history and culture of gospel music. Many alumni credit their time in the choir with fostering a strong sense of community, acceptance, and spiritual growth.聽

鈥淧articipating in the gospel choir was at the very core of my 黑料不打烊 experience. It helped provide community and opportunities to celebrate culture and faith. Because there were so very few African American students on campus at the time, we all migrated to the choir as a place of community and support,鈥� said聽La鈥橳onya Wiley 鈥�97, assistant director of affinity alumni engagement.

These experiences in the choir left a lasting impact, deepening their connection to their faith and helping them develop lifelong friendships.

Rehearsals and rediscovery
For the choir alumni, preparing for this special performance will bring memories of late-night rehearsals, holiday concerts, and camaraderie. This year鈥檚 reunion offers the opportunity to reconnect, revisiting harmonies and melodies they once sang as students.

鈥淚t feels like I’m coming full circle. To know that I can stand next to someone whose shoes I once stood in and know what singing in this particular group means to them now but what it will mean to them in years to come. It’s especially meaningful to know that the revival of the gospel choir is something that Dr. Book personally requested. It’s encouraging to know that she understands the importance of this organization and outlet modeling at the university at large.鈥� said Wiley.

The preparation for their Festival of Lights and Luminaries performance promises to be both nostalgic and deeply meaningful. Reuniting with former choir members and rehearsing songs together has offered a sense of renewal and reconnection that only music鈥攁nd the shared experience of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Gospel Choir鈥攃ould inspire.

Music that heals and uplifts
This year, led by musical director Che Shearin 鈥�95, as the lights flicker throughout the campus and the songs of the 黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir alumni rise into the evening air, their voices are sure to create an unforgettable experience, uplifting both the singers and the audience.

Joined by current students, their performance will not only serve as a highlight of the night, but will also offer a unique opportunity for reflection, shared by alumni, current students, faculty and the local community alike.

鈥淚 would hope we can spread joy and spread hope to people and remind them that everything will be all right and that we are here together,” said choir member Fancy Mitchell ’25

A lasting legacy
The 黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir has always been more than just a student organization; it has been a foundation for fellowship, cultural celebration and shared purpose. For the alumni returning to perform at the Festival of Lights and Luminaries, this year is a chance to contribute to that legacy and pass the torch to current students who share the same love for gospel music and community. They hope that in their song, there is a flame that ignites to revive this organization.

鈥淭he 黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir has had a legacy of being a space of support, worship, community and joy for many students,” said Rev. Boswell. “In recent post-COVID years, however, the choir has had more challenges maintaining a core membership, which I feel is a great loss to the 黑料不打烊 community.鈥�

As the choir alumni raise their voices once again, they not only celebrate the season but also rekindle the ties that have bound them together long after their years at 黑料不打烊. Their performance serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds formed through music, faith and shared experiences鈥攁nd how those bonds, much like the glowing luminaries, continue to light the way forward.

“There鈥檚 something uniting about coming together in song. Perhaps we are better able to sing together the words of peace and love that we don鈥檛 say to each other often enough,” said Rev. Boswell. “I feel that鈥檚 the importance of a space like the 黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir. I鈥檓 excited for past and present 黑料不打烊 students, faculty and staff to come together to breathe renewed life into the choir and sing together for the Festival of Lights and Luminaries. I hope that it will be the start of something big and will bring joy to festival attendees.鈥�