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Spring 2013

Melissa Grupe, MA is an International Psychology Doctoral Student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP).  Her dissertation work is focused on the global presence of religious persecution and the impact of Islamophobia on Muslims.  Melissa earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Specialization from TCSPP and has over a decade of experience in working with marginalized youth and families.

Spring 2012

My name is Paulina and I’m a senior at Loyola University Chicago majoring
in History and International Studies. I first heard about American Islamic
College (AIC) when I was looking for an institution that offers quality
Modern Arabic Language classes. I successfully completed my first Arabic
Language class last semester and started Arabic 102 this semester. My trip to
Egypt in December of 2011, however short, left a lasting impression. Ever
since, I have closely followed events and conflicts in the Middle
East. I became an intern because I enjoyed my classroom experience at AIC and want to learn
more about the College, the Arab world and ideas for conflict resolution.
My time at AIC has helped me tremendously in achieving my goals.

Summer 2011

My name is Amy and I’m a senior in high school and by the time of my graduation, I will have studied Arabic for 2 years in high school in addition to studying the language at the University of Chicago. I’m interested in the Muslim world and its relationship with the U.S and see the American Islamic College as an opportunity for me to engage with the discussion of that subject while getting early and valuable experience in a professional work environment. AIC is personally rewarding, but I also believe that with the commitment from those involved, AIC can make a meaningful impact on the cultural and religious plurality in the community. When I’m not busy with AIC, amongst other work, I usually listen to music, (try to) tango, and read.

Outreach Intern

My name is Anya – I’m a 19 year old student, getting my Bachelor’s Degree in Global Studies with a minor in Arabic. I love to read and learn, and I am always ready to philosophize and discuss! Languages and Singing are my biggest passions, but I would like to pursue a career in International nutrition/hunger awareness.  Interning at AIC is fantastic because it allows me to get involved at an important juncture in the process of getting the college accredited and help make sure that this important and beautiful goal is accomplished!   I would encourage anyone who has the same hopes for this school to do the same.

Administrative Intern

Hello there! My name is Meghan Kuentz and I am an AIC Intern (and an AIC Beginning Arabic Student!!)! I’m originally from San Antonio in the great state of Texas (Hook ‘Em!) and came to Chicago after graduating from St. Edward’s University with a degree in Political Science specializing in International Relations. I am currently a graduate student at the Catholic Theological Union pursuing a masters degree in Justice Ministry focusing on Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution.
I became an intern at AIC because their work to combat the rising prevalence of Islamaphobia in the United States is something I feel is incredibly important in the increasingly globalized world. If I could help in any small way to change the overwhelming negative opinion of others toward the Islamic community than my time here will have been well spent.
Favorites: FAMILY, Friends, cooking, Irish Rugby, films (particularly Historical films), MUSIC, traveling, Home DIY Projects and Opera

My name is Nija Fountano–I am a senior at the University of Illinois, Chicago in the College of Urban Planning and Public Policy. I am also pursuing  a minor in International Studies so that I can focus on International Urban Development. The AIC internship  experience is so great because it is a place where people of all backgrounds can come to discuss issues relating to the
Islamic world. Religion, philosophy, literature, social justice, democracy, linguistics, history, all the components of what makes the Muslim world so rich and also so pertinent today. I am happy to be a part of a team here at AIC. In my free time, I enjoy making things and being creative. I enjoy making jewelry, furniture, stationery, food–I love the freedom of creating unique items, whatever the item may be.