WPU Celebrates International day of Peace

The annual International Day of Peace on September 21 was instituted by the United Nations to strengthen the ideals of peace in the world. 

William Peace University (WPU) will celebrate its shared name and values with a series of on-campus events to mark the international occasion. 

The celebration on campus is open to the public and runs from 3:20 p.m. to 5 p.m. It includes visual and performance art by students, including an open mic session, and a live podcast panel with guest speakers. Students are invited to attend a Global Dinner after the public events. 

Organizers hope that the activities will build knowledge of the different avenues of peacebuilding and spreading peace throughout the world.

Dr. Heidi Gailor, an associate professor of marketing who spearheaded the university’s second annual celebration, called it “a time to join with the global community as we focus on how to work together to create a more just and peaceful world.”

“I look forward to seeing how our students engage with this year’s theme, actions for peace, whether through artwork that will be presented during our campus celebration or through participating in service with local nonprofits,” says Gailor. 

This year’s theme of “Actions for Peace” is tied to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which include issues such as hunger and climate change that can lead to conflict. 

The day will start out with a gathering on the main lawn of the university at 3:20, featuring student art and an open-mic event. At 4 p.m. in Kenan Hall, a guest panel will participate in a live podcast discussing peacebuilding both internationally and locally. The panelists are worship leader, writer, and justice activist Angie Hong; development professional and peace activist Mustafa Rezaie; and cultural heritage and museum professional Alex Rose. 

“The conversation we are going to have with these folks whose work is actively living the mission of working for peacebuilding,” says Dr. Eliza Laskowski, associate professor of English and event organizer, “seeing what their experiences are but also the ways they can inspire to help let everyone make little changes to work on peacebuilding.”

Students can submit artwork here.