The Eckerd College community was invited to learn more about Ramadan through an on-campus Iftar hosted by the Arabic Club and catered by Mio’s Grill and Cafe . Photos courtesy of Gigi Hawgood ’27
About 30 students and guests gathered at Eckerd College on March 27 for an Iftar dinner hosted by the school’s Arabic Club, creating an opportunity for cultural exchange and education centered on Islamic traditions.
The event was to commemorate the end of Ramadan, the holy month observed by Muslims internationally. An Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset during Ramadan. Mohammed Al Yaarubi, a Muslim from Oman who currently lives in Tampa, and Gavin Meyers, a sophomore marine science student from Jenison, Michigan, led an educational talk explaining the significance of both Iftar and Ramadan to attendees.
The event was organized by Gavin, a member of the Arabic Club, who catered the meal from Mio’s Grill and Cafe—a healthy Mediterranean restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg, he also talked about his personal experiences living overseas.
“I lived in the Sultanate of Oman for 11 years), where my father did Muslim, Christian, interfaith, and peace-building. One of the best ways to learn about someone is through immersing yourself in their culture and practices,” Gavin says.
The gathering is significant for campus representation, as it is an Islamic-centered event at Eckerd College.
“It provides an excellent opportunity for the Arab and non Arab community on campus to celebrate our culture and have great food,” says Gigi Hawgood, a senior environmental studies and visual arts student from Cincinnati, Ohio.
“Our representation is important on this campus.”
Students enjoyed the meal and balmy weather at GO Pavilion.
Gavin Meyers ’27 co-led a presentation on Ramadan.
