Reflections on Ramadan from an IU Dining & Hospitality employee
Hadele Walet Louis
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT MANAGER
BALLANTINE CAFE, ART MUSEUM CAFE
Members of the IU Bloomington community who observe Ramadan will find meal options at several campus locations between Friday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 30. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is a time for prayer, community, and reflection for Muslims, with fasting from dawn until sunset. The dates vary each year and depend upon the sighting of the moon.
Forest (Worry Free), McNutt (Free From IX), Goodbody, and Collins will offer adjusted hours to accommodate for suhoor (pre-dawn) and iftar (post-sunset) meals, with at least one vegan option available at each location and Halal proteins. Meal plan holders who observe Ramadan may request a carryout container for use at any All You Care to Eat dining hall during this time. Dining Dollars and Combo Meals may be used at campus retail locations for carryout, Halal-certified options including chicken, meat products, instant noodles, and snacks.
Meet Hadele
Hadele Walet Louis, assistant production manager for the Ballantine and Art Museum cafes, said Forest and McNutt are her favorite spots for Ramadan meals on campus. Her favorite dish this time of year is jollof rice, a flavorful, one-pot rice recipe made with tomatoes, onion, peppers, and spices that is often served with grilled meat, fried plantains, or stew.
Hadele initially came to IU as a student of the Intensive English Program and worked a part-time job at Forest Quad Dining Hall. After completing the IEP program in 2014, she worked in a series of roles with IU Dining & Hospitality before accepting her current role, production assistant manager, in 2021.
Managing the cafes at Ballantine and the Art Museum requires adaptability, collaboration, and multitasking. Hadele trains and develops staff, manages inventory, oversees compliance, and ensures a welcoming environment.
“The best part of my job is mentoring employees the way I was once mentored and helping create positive dining experiences for the campus community,” she said. Hadele particularly likes working with Drew Smith, retail director for Dining & Hospitality, citing his communication skills and collaborative style. “Drew’s approach makes for an enjoyable work environment where we really come together to reach shared goals.”
In addition to fasting from dawn to sunset daily for the month of Ramadan, Hadele said the observation encourages personal growth, self-control, and empathy for those in need through increased prayer, charity, and community bonding.
“Ramadan is a deeply spiritual and transformative time of reflection, self-discipline, and connection with Allah,” Hadele said. “Working on a campus that supports dedicated suhoor and iftar options makes me feel seen and valued. It acknowledges and respects the needs of Muslim students, faculty, and staff.”