DURHAM, N.C. - Members of Duke University's Muslim community now have a formal place to gather on campus.

The new facility for Muslim Life at Duke, located at 406 Swift Ave., will officially open with a ceremony that is free and open to the public on Thursday, April 9, from 3 to 5 p.m.

The event will begin with a reading from the Koran, followed by a call for prayer recited by Muslim students. Duke's Muslim Chaplain Abdullah Antepli will offer a welcome and introduce speakers, who include Larry Moneta, vice president for student affairs; Sam Wells, dean of Duke Chapel; and, Bruce Lawrence, professor of religion and director of Duke Islamic Studies Center.

Following their comments, members from the Triangle Muslim community will present a plaque to President Richard H. Brodhead acknowledging the university's support for the Muslim community on campus. Brodhead will give brief remarks, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house.

"We're trying to create a community where everybody who considers themselves Muslim -- regardless of their ethnic background, level of practice, their commitment to the faith -- feels welcome," Antepli said.

Antepli said the new location will be a place where students can participate in book clubs and weekly gatherings, various cultural events and classes for cooking ethnic cuisine, music and dance. The facility also will serve as a resource to the greater Muslim community, as well as non-Muslims who are curious about the faith, he said.

"It is as important to us to serve the non-Muslim community as well as the Muslim community," Antepli said, noting he will offer an introduction to Islam class for the community as well as provide information and resources for people interested in learning about the Muslim faith and culture.