Tom Facchine joined the Hamilton community to serve as imam on campus earlier this year. He has been an imam at Utica Masjid (Muslim Community Association of Mohawk Valley) since Aug. 2020.
Originally, Imam Facchine is from Camden County, New Jersey, and he graduated from Vassar College in 2011. While at Vassar, he studied abroad in Istanbul, Turkey, which was an integral part of his introduction to Islam.
Imam Facchine was raised Christian, growing up primarily in the Presbyterian church, but also having experience in the Catholic church. As he grew up, Facchine moved away from the church and eventually became an atheist. After studying in Turkey, he learned more about Islam, and began praying and fasting in the Islamic tradition. He later applied and was accepted to an Islamic seminary in Saudi Arabia.
Almost six years later, he returned to the United States and began working with the Muslim Community Association of Mohawk Valley where he aims to build bridges with other religious organizations and educational institutions. From there, he met with the staff at the Hamilton chaplaincy office and began his work here at the college.
At Hamilton, Facchine says it his responsibility to add value to the experience of the Muslim community here on campus “whether it be spiritual counseling, religious instruction or just a friend to talk to who has similar experiences as a Muslim person navigating a secular liberal arts college.” He also connects Muslims at Hamilton with those in nearby Utica. He works to make sure the dining halls accommodate Muslim dietary restrictions, and he advocates for the Muslim community at Hamilton whenever possible. Facchine is also a resource who can convey and clarify Islamic beliefs and practice, as well as “be a support, a smiling face and a sympathetic ear to everyone.”
Facchine describes the Muslim and religious communities on campus as “very genuine and conscientious.” He cites the chaplaincy staff as a crucial part of campus life who can help assist student wellness and help students explore things like meaning, purpose and satisfaction.
Imam Tom’s door is always open!
Chat with him at:
Office hours at the Azel Backus house on Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., Weekly Muslim Student Association dinners on Fridays at 7:00 p.m., All Beliefs Union discussions on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., Monthly Inter-religious Roundtables, or via email at [email protected].
