Marquette University chaplain emphasizes shared humanness between faiths

Fatih Harpci, Marquette University's new Muslim chaplain who joined Campus Ministry in summer 2025, is focusing on listening, interfaith dialogue and student advocacy; talks about a larger prayer space are ongoing.

Fatih Harpci is Marquette University's new Muslim chaplain and joined Campus Ministry in the summer of 2025. He grew up in Turkey and initially planned to be a doctor before studying religion. Harpci earned a bachelor's degree from Marmara University and a PhD from Temple University, where he researched Hadith scriptures about the Prophet Mohammed's attitude toward Jesus. He also teaches as an associate professor of religion at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Key details: - Fatih Harpci joined Marquette's Campus Ministry staff in summer 2025 and serves as the university's Muslim chaplain. - He holds a bachelor's degree from Marmara University and a PhD from Temple University and also teaches at Carthage College. - Harpci says his primary purpose as chaplain is to listen to students and to guide them along academic and spiritual pathways. - He advocates for Muslim students on issues such as halal dining and access to larger prayer spaces; the current prayer room in the Alumni Memorial Union is reported as too small for many Friday Jumuah gatherings. - Marquette University Student Government passed a spring 2025 resolution and formed a workgroup to explore a larger, shared interfaith prayer space; Harpci said he does not expect a decision in the near future and talks with university officials are ongoing. - Harpci has participated in campus interfaith events, is scheduled to speak at "Soup with Substance" on Feb. 16, is working with the Muslim Student Association to organize an Iftar during Ramadan, and is available on campus Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Summary: Harpci's role highlights overlapping values between Islam and the Jesuit tradition, especially a focus on seeing the humanness in others, and his work centers on listening and building interfaith connections. Discussions about a larger prayer space are ongoing and undetermined at this time, while several campus events and collaborations are planned.