Rotary Peace Center Celebrates 20th Anniversary
On April 1st, the US Rotary Peace Center of UNC/Duke held its annual Rotary Peace Center Conference, in which graduating fellows present their research on a wide range of issues affecting peace around the world. This year, the Center celebrated its 20th anniversary with 177 alumni in 64 countries after this graduation. RPCVs have historically been among the Peace Fellows at other Centers, and our RPCV Ed Pikaart was among the hosts this past session.
Each year, the two universities welcome 10 new fellows—five on each campus—for two years of graduate study in programs related to peacemaking, international development, public
health, global studies and related fields. Rotary International funds the fellowships, which cover tuition and living expenses. Kim Dixon, president of Partnering for Peace, attended the Conference and walked away in awe of the commitment to peace that these Fellows will carry back with them to their home countries. She commented, “They have become skilled peacebuilders, with specific issues and concrete solutions that they are already implementing. This isn’t an academic exercise, but real life. The professors and peers support them to be the best peace builders they can be and it gives them the confidence and tools to be successful.”