Ocean County College: Over a Decade Engaging With USIP

The Global Peacebuilding Center at USIP recently hosted students and faculty for the 11th consecutive year from Ocean County College in Toms River, New Jersey. The college has a strong commitment to global education. Since 2002, the college has organized an annual student trip to Washington, DC that focuses on the work of international conflict management and peacebuilding. This year’s visit to USIP took place over two days - May 17 and 18. The first day centered on briefings from USIP experts. Staff from two of USIP’s Centers of Innovation conducted briefings: Alexis Toriello talked about the work of the Media, Conflict, and Peacebuilding Center, and Kathleen Kuehnast briefed the group on the Gender and Peacebuilding Center.

USIP’s Alexis Toriello (far left) talks to students of Ocean County College on May 17, 2012 about the work of USIP’s Center of Innovation: Media, Conflict and Peacebuilding, including Salam Shabab.

The second day focused on a peacebuilding workshop using the GPC’s multimedia exhibits: the Witnesses to Peacebuilding and the Peace Well.

One student commented, “I am thankful for having been able to attend this seminar and watch the educational videos and the presentations given by leaders of peacebuilding.”

The group was hosted by David Smith, who has worked extensively with community colleges. In the past both Smith and Jeff Helsing, dean of USIP’s Academy for International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding, have visited Ocean County College.

The Global Peacebuilding Center extends USIP’s work with educational audiences through multimedia exhibits, educational programs, and a website with resources and activities (www.buildingpeace.org). We regularly host educational groups including community colleges for programs that provide students with the opportunity to learn more about international conflict management and peacebuilding. To inquire about bringing a student group here for an educational program, email buildingpeace@usip.org.

More about other recent programs.