PHOTO: SBU Muslim Chaplain Meets President Obama

Sister Sanaa Nadim, Stony Brook University Interfaith Center's Muslim chaplain, was recently recognized by President Barack Obama during a White House dinner.

According to an official White House transcript, Obama recognized Muslim and Muslim-American women for their bravery and their role in history.

According to the transcript, Obama said: "They are faith leaders like Sanaa Nadim, one of the first Muslim chaplains at an American college – a voice for interfaith dialogue who’s had the opportunity to meet with the Pope to discuss these issues. We’re very proud to have you here."

The dinner celebrated Iftar, which marks the breaking of fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Sister Nadim, who founded the Stony Brook Muslim Student Association, said it was an honor to be recognized by President Obama.

"He truly values the religious diversity that forms the fabric of our nation," she said in a statement. "Being at the White House where our founding fathers fought many years ago for the freedoms we enjoy today, reminded me of the importance of working to build bridges between groups divided by ethnic, cultural or religious differences. We are truly blessed to have a president who appreciates the beauty of interfaith collaboration, and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to have spent time with him.”