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Speakers

First-Name	Last-Name	Notes / Bios
Dr. David	McCreery	David is considered one of the most trusted and influential Syro-Palestinian archaeologists working today in the Near East. In 2003, the Archaeological Institute of America honored him with their Excellence in Teaching award. Since 1970 he has worked on archaeological excavations in Jordan, Syria, and Cyprus. From 1981-88 David served as the Director of the American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR) in Amman, Jordan. While in that position he supervised all excavation activity and developed funding to establish a new center for ACOR in Amman. During the recent Iraqi crisis, he was one of the first American archaeologists to be consulted on the matter of establishing an inventory of lost and stolen artifacts. He is known on the Willamette campus as an outstanding, dedicated classroom instructor. His formal education includes the M.Div. degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a student of the late Paul W. Lapp, who with W.F. Albright, was a leading light among American archaeologists of the time. His publications are extensive and consist of both edited volumes of field excavation sites and his own papers and articles in the field. His name is often found on the programs of national seminars and institutes concerned with Near Eastern archaeology.
Carmen	Rubio	Currently the Director of Community Affairs for the Office of Mayor Tom Potter, Carmen was previously involved with several campaigns, planned events, and worked for Commissioner Serena Cruz Walsh of Multnomah County . She also worked for a public relations agency and a non-profit theater company. Carmen was raised in Hillsboro , Oregon amidst many family members. She attended the University of Oregon where she received her degree in Political Science, with a minor in Ethnic Studies. Carmen also attended the University of Washington Graduate School of Communications in Seattle , Washington . In her spare time, Carmen serves as a board member for Hands on Portland , and advisory board member for NEXT: Generation of Leaders. Carmen’s current position allows her to be the lead contact on community partnerships, citizen outreach and recruitments, diversity issues, as well as the Boards and Commissions Coordinator, and the liaison to Rose Festival and Royal Rosarians.
Rev. Dr. Hector E.	Lopez	Co-Chair of the Interfaith Council of Greater Portland Co-Convener of the Interfaith Fellowship Luncheons Retired Conference Minister Central Pacific Conference United Church of Christ
Malik	Bell	Malik Bell currently serves on the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahais of Portland (an elected administrative body that handles Bahai Community affairs). Malik has lived, worked and traveled extensively in Africa and Asia where he helped to serve in areas of AIDS education, health care, and development policy while actively supporting community service efforts of Bahais in those regions. He is a native Oregonian and lives in Portland with his wife and child.
Hogen	Bays	Hogen Bays began practicing in 1968. He lived and trained at the Zen Center of Los Angeles from 1980-1984. In 1990 he took Tokudo, Priest’s Ordination, with Maezumi Roshi. Since 1990, Hogen has continued his Zen studies with Rinzai Zen teacher Shodo Harada Roshi, abbot of Sogen-ji monastery in Japan and One Drop Zendo in Tahoma, Washington. In 2000 he received Dharma Transmission from Chozen, Roshi. He has been a leader of the Zen Community of Oregon since 1985 and is co-abbot of Great Vow Zen Monastery. Hogan holds a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and Master's Degree (MS) in Psychology.
Will	Deming	Dr. Will Deming is Associate Professor of Theology at the University of Portland. He holds a Ph.D. in Bible from the University of Chicago and also studied at College of William and Mary, several universities in Germany and Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Will is an elected elder at First Presbyterian Church, Portland, and has lead numerous seminars on Christian and interfaith topics throughout the Portland area. His latest book, Rethinking Religion: A Concise Introduction, was published by Oxford University Press in 2005.
Sonal	Shah	Sonal Shah is a business-woman, the president of Northwest Software Inc. who provides information technology (IT) and software engineering. Jainism Is one of the oldest religions in the world. Jain believes in absolute non-violence or minimum violence or harm to any living beings. Jainism believes that all living beings, irrespective of size, shape or form are equal and we should love and respect them. This is the universal love.
Dr. B.G. & Mrs. Pushpaben	Savla	Dr B. G. Savla & Mrs Pushpaben Savla both are senior teachers of Vipassana Meditation,appointed by SN Goenka who is a world wide Teacher of Vipassana Meditation, and has trained more than 900 assistant teachers who are conducting thousands of Vipassana meditation courses in over 90 countries. The technique of Vipassana Meditation is a simple, practical way to achieve real peace of mind and lead a happy, useful life. Vipassana means "to see things as they really are." It is a logical process of mental refinement through self-observation.
Eunice	Schroeder	Eunice Schroeder,D. Min. (candidate) is an experienced and passionate spiritual mentor to persons of all faith traditions at the Interfaith Spiritual Center in Portland , OR and in private practice in Vancouver , WA . She teaches spirituality courses at Marylhurst University and has a ministry with the sacred Labyrinth through Sacred Journey Ministries. www.InterfaithSpiritualCenter.com www.SacredJourneyMinistries.com
Amar	Khalifa	Mr. Amar Khalifa has been involved in the local Musliim community and has participated in many Islamic Educational and Interfaith events.
Dr. Khalid	Khan	Dr. Khalid Khan, Ph. D. is Associate Dean of School of Engineering at University of Portland. For many years he has been very active in the local Pakistani community, Islamic Society of Greater Portland, and Muslim Educational Trust.
Gary	Spanovich	Gary Alan Spanovich, has taught in the Religion Department of Marylhurst University classes on listening to the "still small Voice" within since 1992,as well as numerous retreat centers. He has a book published in this, "A Book of Gentleness". He has also founded the Wholistic Peace Institute which brings Nobel Peace Laureates to Oregon and his meditations are the inspiration for this work with to date, 9 Nobel Peace Laureates. Listening within can be a life changing experience.
Cody	Loveland	Cody B. Loveland is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Having previously served a two-year mission to North Carolina, he currently serves as a Seminary Principal and a Coordinator of the Church Educational System. Additionally his church service includes that as a Ward Mission Leader, the Elders Quorum President, a Counselor in the Bishopric, a temple Ordinance Worker, and a Stake High Councilor to name a few. Cody holds a Master's Degree from PSU and is currently a Doctoral Candidate at George Fox University.
Angie	DeRouchie	Mrs. Angie DeRouchie served as the community services/liaison for the Church of Scientology for 15 years before becoming a lay, volunteer minister. Having represented the religion on boards/commissions around the state of Oregon for several years, she is very familiar with most questions about Scientology, particularly those relating to questions raised by press statements of some of the religion's more famous members.
Scott	LeMert	Scott A. LeMert has served as an ordained minister in the Seventh-day Adventist Church for thirty-two years. He is Special Assistant to the President of the Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists with responsibilities that include church evaluation and assessment and pastoral recruitment and placement. He also serves as special consultant to his church on ethical and theological issues. He has an MA in Religion from Andrews University and an MA in Education from Albertson College.
Gulzar	Ahmed	Closing Remarks