In the summer of 2015 I established a gift account for the Columbia University Seminar on Religion and Writing (#751).  Although the seminar’s basic expenses are covered by The University Seminars at Columbia University (https://universityseminars.columbia.edu/about-us/), during the years I relied on the generosity of foundations and organizations, such as the American Institute of Iranian Studies (AIIrS), to enhance the seminar’s program. 

Of course, I will continue to submit applications to foundations and other sources of academic funding in order to bring in speakers from outside the tristate area.  Still, any contribution to the gift account will be greatly appreciated.  All gifts to Columbia University as a contribution to Seminar #751 are fully tax-deductible; no portion of a gift will be retained as an operational charge by either Columbia University or The University Seminars.  For more information about how to make a gift, please see The University Seminars’ website about donations: https://universityseminars.columbia.edu/gifts/.

Thank you for your consideration.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to write to me (dar2111 [at] columbia.edu).

Dagmar A. Riedel, chair
Columbia University

First published, 1 September 2015
Last updated, 24 October 2025