Student Profiles

Sofia Mazgarova:  Being a religious minority for me is not something that I acquired later in life. It is part of my identity, that I was born with. My native city Kazan is a home to Russian Christians, Jews, and the largest ethnic Muslim minority in Russia — the Tatars. Personally, for me Islam was my culture, my name, and most importantly manifestation of my spirituality. The School of the Religion at Claremont Graduate University gives me every opportunity and resource to integrate my life experiences with the academic frame in order to develop skills of producing meaningful intellectual work later in life.	Mazgarova
Abood Shebib:  It was through word of mouth that I first learned of the Islamic Studies program at Claremont Graduate University.  With more research, I discovered the School of Religion was seriously committed to the development of a rigorous program engaged in the academic study of Islam that at the same time sought to understand the religion within its own integrity. This, along with Claremont's established reputation as an excellent place for Religious Studies in general, drew me to study at CGU.  Here, I found a faculty that maintains open door policies, fostering a supportive environment of mentorship and collaboration.  This ideal learning environment in which to plumb the depths of my field, combined with the resources of the Claremont Colleges and their top notch faculty further reinforced my decision to study at the School of Religion.  Upon completion of my Masters degree, I know that I will have a solid foundation to continue onto a Ph.D. at the best institutions in Islamic Studies or Religious Studies.  Whatever I choose, I will be well prepared and capable of excelling at the next step of my academic path.	Shebib
Neelam Khoja: After working in the insurance world for three years, I decided to pursue my passion of studying Islam instead of working up the corporate ladder. I chose Claremont because it offers a learning environment that enables intellectual development as well as personal growth. As CGU is renowned for its program in Religion, I trusted that it would develop a well rounded and strong program in Islamic Studies. My experience here at CGU has exceeded my expectations in many ways. Along with engaging classroom time with the faculty and students, CGU also offers fertile ground to cultivate and implement new ideas and theories. I am very happy to be a part of this wonderful endeavor and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a wonderful educational experience.	Khoja