Dawn Bonker
With a reading of student poetry and an interfaith blessing from members of the Fish Interfaith Council, Chapman University dedicated a new Peace Pole on Friday, Feb. 17.
The simple wooden pole standing in front of Argyros Forum joins thousands like it around the world as part of a tradition begun in the wake of World War II. But President Danielle Struppa urged the students, faculty and staff gathered at the dedication ceremony to take the symbol of the pole and the spirit of its message to heart.
“These are very difficult times all around the United States and the world. Civil discourse seem to be evaporating,” he said. “This is not just a symbolic moment.”
Chapman University freshman Jade Michaels ’20 reads poetry during the Peace Pole dedication ceremony.
The installation of the pole was planned and managed by Civic Engagement Initiatives, in collaboration with Peace Studies and the
College of Educational Studies
. The traditional message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” is represented in eight languages, including Gabrielino-Tongva, the language of the Native Americans of the region, said Justin Koppelman, associate director of
Civic Engagement Initiatives
.
Fittingly, the
Peace Pole
is just a step or two away from the bronze bust of the late Don Will, Ph.D., a member of Chapman’s faculty for more than 25 years and an untiring advocate of the
Peace Studies Program
.
Display image/Students from the Interfaith Council encircle the Peace Pole during its dedication.
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