April 10, 2024
Nighat Shah '22
As many of us struggle to find our path in this life, I found mine five years ago when I joined the Cal Lutheran community as an administrative assistant in the International Students office. My boss at that time, Dr. Juanita Hall, introduced me to Dr. Lisa Buono, director of the professional program, and said, “Nighat will start classes soon in your program.” Dr. Hall believed in me when I doubted myself. With my passion for international education, and with the support I received from everyone I worked with, professors, and administration, I knew this is where my path lies. I am honored to be a staff member at California Lutheran University, an alum, and a current student who wants to give back and grow with this amazing institution.
As a Muslim working in a Lutheran institution, I was always hesitant about how the university would feel if I started wearing a hijab. When I did, members of this community and Campus Ministries told me, “We are so proud of you,” and “We applaud you.” That was the day I knew my kids belong here, and their religious identity will be welcome. My daughter, Sana Shah, enrolled in Cal Lutheran and, in no time, became an active member of this community, starting the Muslim Student Alliances club, which equipped her with lifelong leadership skills. She strives to make her school community, as well as the community at large, a better place. Sana was a Campus Ministry student representative in the ELCA’s Churchwide Assembly and a student advisory committee member.
This year, she will be graduating with a major in chemistry. During her time at Cal Lutheran, she received many opportunities, thanks to her professor and mentor Dr. Grady Hanrahan. She was awarded the Ronald E. McNair scholarship and presented her research at the McNair Scholars Symposium. She also had the privilege to attend the Langkawi International Multidisciplinary Academic Conference, where she received a publication in the Asian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences.
My family and I are honored to be a part of California Lutheran University, with its commitment to diversity and the values it stands by.