An Interfaith Celebration
Thursday, May 20 , 2021
Program
Terras Irradient
“Let them give light to the world”
WELCOME and LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Harrison Blum
Director of Religious and Spiritual Life
STUDENT READINGS
Eunice Daudu '21
Bi-Semester, Dinner Church
Quentin Jeyaretnam '23
Buddhist Group
Meredith King '21
Amherst Christian Fellowship, Terras Irradient
Sabir Meah '21
Muslim Student Association
PROTESTANT BLESSING
Rev. Shannon Farrand-Bernardin Interim Protestant Advisor
MUSICAL SELECTION
“Rise” performed by the Choral Society (via video, lyrics are found at bottom of this program)
STUDENT READINGS
Leah Ritterband '21 and Cammie Cho '21 Hillel (via video)
Mahathi Athreya '24
speaking from the Hindu tradition
Alfred Kibowen '23
Newman Catholic Student Association Hantong Wu '23
Buddhist Group
HINDU PRAYER
Manju Sharma
Hindu Advisor
CHRISTIAN PRAYER
Deacon Tom Lynch
Catholic Advisor
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER
Harrison Blum
BACCALAUREATE ADDRESS
“Hearts Are Brave, Again” Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian
Founding Director of the Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership Ministerial Leadership Team, Alden Baptist Church, Springfield, MA
CALL TO ACTION
Rabbi Bruce Bromberg Seltzer
Jewish Advisor
CLOSING DO’AA
Mohammed Abdelaal
Muslim Advisor
Rise Lyrics
I will rise with all my daughters, I will rise against my foes,
I will rise with all the mothers, I will carry all their woes.
I will rise to fight for freedom, I will rise, though faced with fears,
I will rise against all hatred while my eyes are veiled in tears.
I will rise for religious freedom, for a rich diversity, I
will rise for all the weary, for each lonely refugee.
I will work for all our women who deserve equal pay,
I will work for all our children who await a better day.
Sisters, oh, stand with me! Rise up hand in hand!
Oh, stand with me! We will fight to spread love across this bitter land.
I will rise for love and justice, that we may see a better day,
I will rise in peace and service for our world in disarray.
I will rise with all my brothers for all those who cannot stand,
I will rise with all our fathers who have lost a home and land.
I will rise to build up bridges for this broken world we see,
I will tear down walls between us that divide you and me.
Brothers, oh, stand with me! Rise up hand in hand!
Oh, stand with me! We will fight to spread love across this bitter land.
Everyone, oh, stand with me! Rise up hand in hand!
Oh, stand with me! We will fight to spread love across this bitter land. I will rise!