Have you ever wondered how you can change the world? Students in the Partners in Peace class sought to answer that question by studying past Nobel Peace Prize winners.
Voices of Peace, hosted by the Wood Honors College’s Partners in Peace seminar, was hosted in the Tuscarora Room at Reisner Dining Hall on April 14.
Voices of Peace was planned by the students in the Honors Partners in Peace seminar. The seminar is part of a larger international initiative created through a collaboration between the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway, and the National Collegiate Honors Council. Shippensburg University’s Wood Honors College was selected as one of 16 inaugural members of the program, which challenges students to “think globally, act locally” by applying the lessons of Nobel Peace Prize laureates to create positive change on their campuses and in their communities.
This spring, students focused their research on Nihon Hidankyo, the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and an organization representing survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Their work culminated in the creation of the Voices of Peace event, designed to educate others about nuclear disarmament and the power of individual activism.
Student Ali Sina Sheriff places a leaf on the Peace Tree.
Wood Honors College director Kim Klein opened the program by thanking attendees and introducing the event’s theme. Junior Cole Pearson provided background on Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Peace Prize and the work of Nihon Hidankyo. Sophomore Brea Fennick, who had the initial idea for the event, introduced the speakers for the afternoon.
Faculty members Joe Shane, Mark Sachleben and Steven Burg each addressed different aspects of the history and impact of nuclear warfare. Shane spoke about the development of the atomic bomb, while Sachleben discussed the political context of World War II. Burg highlighted the mission of Nihon Hidankyo and encouraged students to reflect on the power of individual action.
“We can all make the world a better place,” Burg said. “How can you use your voice to do that?”
Between each speaker, attendees participated in activities that reinforced the event’s themes. Participants folded origami cranes, a traditional symbol of peace associated with Hiroshima and the legacy of atomic bomb survivors. They also contributed to a Peace Tree by writing down how they could use their voices to make the world a better place.
Posters described the history of Nihon Hidankyo.
Posters around the room provided additional context, featuring historical information about the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, survivor testimonies and details about the ongoing advocacy work of Nihon Hidankyo.
“It’s been incredibly educational, and I’ve learned so much,” said Michael Luzi, SU sophomore and event attendee. “It’s fascinating to study the atomic bomb, its effects and how it impacted everyone involved.”
The event also featured a Peace Fest, where guests shared a Japanese-inspired meal and reflected on the day’s messages. The event drew students from Shippensburg University, students from Shippensburg Area Senior High School and representatives from the Shippensburg Peace Garden.
“The Voices of Peace event was a fantastic interdisciplinary effort involving the Partners in Peace class and served as our inaugural event,” said Pearson. “We are very grateful for all of the community members who turned out because, of course, the community is the ‘voices’ in Voices of Peace.”
Kevin Dean, director of the Honors Program at West Chester University and founder of the Partners in Peace initiative, closed the event by encouraging students to use their voices to create change. Dean reflected on the importance of storytelling and education in building a more peaceful world, echoing the messages shared by earlier speakers.
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