Peace conference encourages worldwide unity
Campus Times
March 20, 1998
To build awareness of peacemaking is the purpose of the Peace Fair
sponsored by Campus Ministry and the Peace Studies program.
A scheduled series of events on campus will take place from Monday,
March 23, through Friday, March 27.
Monday night is the introduction of the series, as the film "Romero"
will be shown in the Chapel Seminar room at 7 p.m.
"Romero" tells the story of Oscar Romero, an El Salvadoran
priest who was assassinated for pursuing justice. Romero was a leader in
a community who promoted peace in a war-torn area.
His personal secretary will be on campus to speak on his experiences
during the time of the assassination.
Beginning Tuesday at noon, a chapel service covering the topic "Images
of Peace and Justice" will be shown, and will be followed by a choir
performance.
That evening, at 9 p.m., the film "Killing Fields," will be
presented at the peace loft in the Chapel.
"The peace loft is a cozy place for students to relax and study.
There will be peace literature in the loft that will promote the Peace
Studies Minor at the University," said Roberts.
Wednesday evening will feature a Model Passover Seder at 5:30 p.m. in
the President's Dining Room.
The Seder is a traditional Jewish Passover Meal. It is a ritual meal
which is shared on campus every year.
Rabbi Leslie Bergson Jewish Chaplain and Hillel Director of the Claremont
Colleges will be be featured at this year's Seder.
A concert featuring women composers will be following the Passover Seder
at 8 p.m., and "Mississippi Burning" will be shown in the Chapel
at 9 p.m. the film deals with the racial injustice during the period of
the Civil Rights Movement.
In continuation of the festivities, a variety of events will be presented
throughout the day Thursday. It begins with exhibits in the Quad from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m., with the planting of a Peace Pole at 4 p.m.
During this event, the phrase "May Peace Prevail on Earth"
will be expressed in eight different languages. Participants of the dedication
ceremony include President Stephen Morgan, Eldridge Cleaver, Assistant Professor
of Psychology Gloria Morrow, and various clubs and organizations.
Organizations and schools from many areas of the world will participate
in the planting of the pole. It will be planted on Third Street in front
of the Chapel.
"Every time people walk by the sight they will see the eight different
languages and it will be an effort to bring awareness of peace issues and
support diversity," said Protestant Campus Minister Debbie Roberts.
A presentation will be given in La Fetra Auditorium by Dr. Ken Brown
at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Dr. Brown is from the Peace Studies Institute at
Manchester College in Indiana and will be speaking on his January experience
in Vietnam along with other participants of the trip.
An Oriental fireworks display will conclude the series of events on
Thursday at 9 p.m.
The week-long celebration coincides with International Celebration Week;
sponsors encourage student attendance "as fully as their schedules
allow."
"We hope to encourage ULV to be involved in activities and programs
on campus which point in the direction of peace," said Roberts.
