2024–2025 Annual Report
The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies
Editorial content for the 2024-2025 annual report was written and produced by Kaitlyn Granger, program coordinator of the Baker Institute, with assistance by the Juniata College marketing team and student employees of the Baker Institute.
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
Zia Haque, Ph.D.
Director, The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies
Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies
Conflict Transformation in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. We remain committed to fostering more impactful connections, creating experiential learning opportunities, and promoting intercultural dialogue.
For more information on the Baker Institute’s academic department: www.juniata.edu/pacs
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The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies
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Dear Friends of the Baker Institute, It has been a fruitful year at the Baker Institute. I am thankful for the continued growth, influence, and visibility of our program across campus and beyond. As we continue to build on our rich traditions, the Institute remains a lively center of intellectual curiosity through its academic programs, workshops, and symposia. It was truly meaningful to see so many PACS alumni, former faculty members, administrative leaders, and trustees during the Institute’s 40th anniversary celebration. Their presence, stories, and lasting connections made this milestone genuinely special.
The Institute continues to connect both locally and globally. Our signature International Symposium (2024), “Toward Environmental Justice: Transition to a Sustainable Future,” brought together distinguished scholars and practitioners from across continents to reflect on our past achievements and future challenges. Our faculty members continue to excel in teaching, research, and leading short-term study abroad programs, such as Juniata’s participation last August in the Peace Summer Institute in Hiroshima, Japan, led by Dr. Jim Borgardt. Dr. Joseph Bock, the Institute’s Scholar in Residence, concluded his Fulbright Specialist assignment at the University of Ngozi (UNG) in Burundi, where he presented a proposal for an Institute for Good Governance and
Behind these achievements is a community of dedicated colleagues, alumni, students, and supporters who genuinely care about the mission. I am thankful to our faculty and staff, who continue to mentor and inspire the next generation of peacebuilders. We believe the Institute’s mission is timeless. During these difficult times, it is even more crucial to pursue the Institute’s vision of advancing peace and conflict studies as both an academic field and a moral quest. We will continue to ask tough questions, foster compassion, and work toward a future rooted in justice, peace, and human dignity. We thank you for your ongoing trust and look forward to future collaborations.
With gratitude and hope, Zia Haque, Ph.D.
COVER PHOTO:
Student presenters and Institute staff from the Baker Institute 40th Anniversary Reunion weekend.
MISSION AND INSTITUTIONAL GOALS
Our mission is to apply the resources of the academic community to the study of warfare and deep-rooted conflict as human problems and to the study of peace as a human potential.
Deliverhigh-qualityundergraduate education—The Institute’s Peace and Conflict Studies Department at Juniata College provides exceptional undergraduate education. By offering interdisciplinary curricula and various programs of study, the department cultivates an active and engaged community of learners.
Engageincommunityoutreach—The Institute actively promotes community outreach and education by organizing workshops, providing practicalskill training, and hosting public
lectures. These events are open to all and aim to offer engaging learning opportunities for adults, both locally and globally.
Demonstrateleadershipintheacademic field—The Institute is committed to advancing the peace and conflict studies field. This is achieved through creating impactful programming, developing innovative curricula, and encouraging research that contributes to the growth and development of its academic discipline.
“We acknowledge that we live and work on the homelands of the People of the Standing Stone and the Susquehannock. We honor and celebrate their tribal communities; elders, both past and present; and future generations who carry their memory.”
Staff of the Baker Institute
Promotecooperationamongprograms andinstitutions— The Institute actively engages in collaborations that facilitate the development of the peace and conflict studies field. These partnerships extend beyond the academic realm and include national and international actors, fostering a sense of shared purpose.
Zia Haque and Emil Nagengast with students in Russian-Ukrainian War Simulation in International Security Class, Spring 2025.
HONORING 40 YEARS OF JUNIATA COLLEGE’S PEACE INSTITUTE
In 1973, Juniata College initiated its first Peace and Conflict Studies courses, five years after a letter from Elizabeth Evans Baker was sent to President John N. Stauffer, urging the establishment of a program dedicated to exploring war and peace. As we approached the 2023–2024 academic year, the college celebrated its 50 years of peace education. In 2024, the college celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies (originally named Juniata Peace Institute).
To commemorate this milestone, we collaborated with Anne Baker, J.D., daughter of Elizabeth and John Baker, alongside the Rev. Dr. Andy Murray, inaugural director of the Baker Institute, to delve into the institute’s early history. An informative Baker History webpage was created, along with an insightful video featuring an interview with Baker and Murray. These resources help Juniata and the institute communicate its history to external partners.
Want to learn more about the history of the Baker Institute? Scan the QR code.
Want to watch the video? Scan the QR code.
Director Zia Haque with Rev. Dr. Andy Murray and Anne Baker, J.D.
History of Peace and Conflict Studies Education at Juniata YouTube Video
LETTERS FROM THE PROVOST AND BOARD CHAIR
Provost, Juniata College Professor of Politics
The 40th anniversary of the Baker Institute underscores its relevance and importance to Juniata. Our commitment to cultivating curiosity, nurturing community, encouraging collaboration, and valuing kindness are demonstrated by the programs, curriculum, and people of the Baker Institute and the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies in so many powerful ways!
The stories and highlights in this year’s report capture the essence of the Baker Institute’s impact. Our students continue to pursue transformative opportunities through study abroad experiences, mentored research projects, and summer internships. These experiences not only prepare them for careers in diplomacy, international development, education, and advocacy, but also instill the habits of thoughtful listening, empathy, and problemsolving that are essential for building peace in any community.
I also want to acknowledge and celebrate the scholarship of our faculty, who bring expertise, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to the Baker mission into their scholarship. Their work contributes to the broader conversations on conflict transformation and justice across the globe. I want to recognize the faculty and staff, past and present, who have contributed so meaningfully to this work for such a sustained period. I especially want to recognize Andy Murray for his inaugural leadership and his ongoing support.
As we look forward, we celebrate the legacy of the Baker Institute while also affirming its continued relevance in today’s complex and interconnected world. The Institute is a source of great pride at Juniata advancing our collective commitment to peace.
Sincerely,
Lauren Bowen, Ph.D.
Congratulations to the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies on its 40th Anniversary—a historic milestone that reminds us of the ongoing importance of studying peace, war, and conflict, especially as we continue to confront pressing global challenges.
According to its bylaws, the purpose of the Baker Institute is “to apply the resources of the academic community to the study of warfare and deep-rooted conflict as human problems and to the study of peace as a human potential.” This mission continues to guide the education and training of Juniata College Peace and Conflict Studies students in addressing conflicts at individual, national, and international levels.
Careful listening, crucial to understanding and communicating with the “other side,” analysis of ideas, in-depth efforts to understand opposing views and to communicate our own views in a manner which encourages the exchange of ideas and perspectives, are among the abilities being developed in the peace and conflict studies course work.
The success of the Baker Institute at Juniata College is to be celebrated. Among the achievements: increased student enrollment, foreign programs (in Japan, Costa Rica, and Sweden), domestic summer workshops, and the ongoing hiring of current peace and conflict studies students and graduates for prestigious and interesting jobs – before and after graduation – in academia, the State Department, and at other meaningful organizations.
We are all extremely proud of Juniata College and its ongoing commitment to the peace and conflict studies program.
Sincerely,
Anne Baker, J.D.
Lauren Bowen, Ph.D.
Anne Baker, J.D.
Trustee Emerita, Juniata College
ADVISORY BOARD
2024–2025
Jim Borgardt, Ph.D.
William W. Woolford Professor of Physics, Department Chair, Physics, Chair, The Baker Institute Advisory Board
Randy Deike, Ph.D. ’88 Trustee, Juniata College
Executive Vice President of Student Success at Fire Engine RED
Lee Ann DeShong-Cook, M.S.S, LMSW
Assistant Professor of Social Work, BSW Program Director Social Work, Criminal Justice & Sociology Department Chair
Phil Dunwoody, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology
Social Science Division Head
Henry Escuadro, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics Department Chair, Mathematics Math and Computer Science Division
Alison Fletcher, Ph.D.
W. Newton & Hazel A. Long Professor of History
El Kruglak, M.A. ’11 Alum, Juniata College
Ex Offico Members
Anne C. Baker, J.D.
Trustee Emerita, Juniata College
Lauren Bowen, Ph.D.
Provost, Juniata College, Professor of Politics
Zia Haque, Ph.D.
Director, the Baker Institute
Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, Juniata College
Peace and Conflict Studies
Department Chair
Student Representatives
Jonah Matthews ’26
Ananay Rajput ’26
Ashley Meza ’27
What is peace and conflict studies?
Peace and conflict studies (PACS) is an interdisciplinary field that begins with the perspective that war and violence are not inevitable aspects of the human condition and that there are more productive and effective means for addressing human conflicts. PACS draws from political science, sociology, history, anthropology, psychology, and philosophy, among other disciplines.
The Elizabeth Evans Peace Chapel and the Baker-Henry Nature Preserve.
BAKER INSTITUTE FELLOWS
Fellows play a role in furthering the mission of the Baker Institute by leading workshops, delivering public lectures, and engaging with students at Juniata College. Fellows must have expertise in peace and conflict studies or related fields, contributing a unique thematic or geographic perspective to the Institute.
Amr Abdalla (Egypt/U.S.)
Professor Emeritus of Peace and Conflict Studies at the UPeace, former Baker Institute Scholar in Residence, and internationally recognized expert in conflict resolution training and facilitation.
Commissioner Yonas Adaye Adeto (Ethiopia)
Member of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission. Associate Professor of Peace Studies at Addis Ababa University.
Daniel Bryan (U.S./Ecuador)
Executive Director of The Pachaysana Institute, dedicated to decolonizing education and grassroots development in Ecuador.
Ambassador Leoni Cuelenaere (The Netherlands/U.S.)
Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador to post-conflict countries: Sri Lanka, Yemen, Rwanda, and Bangladesh.
Chris Dolan (U.S.)
Assistant Teaching Professor of Homeland Security and Public Policy School of Public Affairs at Penn State University. Two-time Fulbright recipient to Kosovo and North Macedonia.
Ibrahim Fraihat (Palestine/U.S./Qatar)
Associate Professor in International Conflict Resolution at Doha Institute and non-resident fellow at Deakin University in Australia. Significant contributor to the Al Jazeera Network.
Jerry McCann (U.S.)
Civil and structural engineer in California and Senior Advisor to Build Up, applying peacebuilding practices to civic actions.
Commander Caecilia van Peski (The Netherlands)
Commander in the Royal Netherlands Navy, registered psychologist, and an expert in the field of peace & security.
Want to learn more about peace and conflict studies (PACS)?
Scan the QR code to watch a two-minute informative video about PACS and our department at Juniata College!
JAPAN: HIROSHIMA & PEACE
July 29–August 12, 2024
Kansai and Western Honshu, Japan
This summer, the Baker Institute faculty and PACS department members guided firstyear students on an impactful study abroad experience in Hiroshima to understand the human tragedies of nuclear bombing in Japan. This experiential opportunity aligns directly with the Institute’s mission to examine conflict as a human problem. In the spring semester, Zia Haque introduced students to the HIROSHIMA and PEACE Summer Program hosted by Hiroshima City University. Two PACS students, Jack Polglaze and Ashley Meza, and one Politics Department student, Sage Winters, expressed interest and submitted an application letter that was reviewed by Zia Haque, and they were accepted into the program in early April.
The group departed from the United States in late July, and arrived in Osaka, Japan, where they spent their first two days immersing themselves in Japanese culture, enjoying traditional meals, visiting historical sites, and adjusting to the new environment. On August 1, the cohort traveled to Hiroshima and settled into their dorms, ready for the program to begin.
Classes commenced with lectures each morning, offering students in-depth explorations into topics like the meaning of peace in Hiroshima, the history and impact of the atomic bomb, and the science of nuclear technology. Lunchtime provided a space for cross-cultural exchanges with other participants, as students bonded over their shared experiences and languages. A significant moment in the program included hearing the powerful testimony of a hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor). On August 6, the group attended the annual memorial ceremony at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, witnessing a moving tribute to the lives lost in 1945. Later, they toured the Peace Memorial Museum, further enriching their understanding of Hiroshima’s past.
The program concluded with group presentations where students shared the knowledge and insights they had gained. Reflecting on their experiences, the students expressed:
“This is an experience we will carry forward in our lives and careers. We made countless memories with incredible peers, whom we now call lifelong friends. We only wish everyone could experience this program for themselves!”
Students from left to right: Ashley Meza ‘27, Jack Polglaze ‘27, and Sage Winters ‘27.
International student cohort of the Hiroshima & Peace Program at Hiroshima City University.
Presentation of Keiko Ogura, a hibakusha. She was 8 years old on August 6, 1945, when the US dropped the “Little Boy” atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Fall Semester
LECTURE – Echoes of Hiroshima: Consequences and Renewal
September 11, 2024
Huntingdon, Pa.
Faculty and students traveled to Japan to explore the enduring impacts of international conflict, especially the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and to seek pathways toward peace (p.12). Invited to share their experiences, the Baker Institute hosted a Bookend Lecture, a Juniata College series that highlights academic research and projects. During the event, student participants Jack Polglaze, Ashley Meza, and Sage Winters shared reflections on the trip, guided by Zia Haque and James Borgardt. Their presentations emphasized the historical and global significance of Hiroshima and the importance of educating ourselves on its lasting effects. The students’ insights were a highlight, demonstrating how the journey profoundly deepened their understanding of war, peace, and contemporary global issues by exposing them to the realities of wartime experiences. Ultimately, they emphasized Hiroshima’s message of renewal, resilience, and community in the face of conflict as a testament to hope and recovery amidst historical traumas.
WORKSHOP – How to be a Good Neighbor with Your Polar Opposite
September 12, 2024
Huntingdon, Pa.
The Baker Institute at Juniata College partnered with the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center and Stone Church to host a workshop addressing toxic partisanship and polarization in the U.S. This event welcomed Juniata College students, faculty, pastors, and community members for practical, skill-building sessions on conflict navigation and de-escalation. Amr Abdalla and Joseph Bock led participants through conflict resolution exercises and shared insights inspired by “The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization” by Peter T. Coleman. Attendees engaged in roleplay scenarios that highlighted real-world political divides and examined historical examples of unlikely friendships, such as women on opposite sides of the abortion debate. Through guided conversations, attendees explored strategies to reduce partisanship in their own lives and communities, ultimately fostering understanding and resilience across divides. This event attracted approximately 40 attendees, including several community members participating virtually.
SIMULATION – Walk a Mile in My Shoes: A Refugee Awareness Exercise
October 31, 2024
Huntingdon, Pa.
This spring, 45 participants including students from Joseph Bock and Emil Nagengast’s courses, and community members from Stone Church, the Huntingdon Rotary, and other local organizations took part in Walk A Mile in My Shoes. This interactive event guided participants through eight stations, each representing a stage in the refugee experience. Designed to foster empathy and awareness, the program highlighted the procedures, challenges, and hopes that displaced individuals face while seeking safety and belonging. Today, more than 120 million people are displaced globally, twice the number recorded during World War II. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 43 million people have been forced to flee their home countries due to violence, conflict, and emergencies. Walk A Mile in My Shoes offered participants a meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect on these complex global realities and consider the human experiences behind the statistics
Cindy Lattimer and community members from the congregation of Huntingdon’s Stone Church of the Brethren, joined in the Refugee Simulation hosted by Joe Bock and his class.
The Refugee Simulation featured eight interactive stations—entry, housing, food, water, medical, education, and resettlement—designed to help participants better understand the challenges of rebuilding life in a new country.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Spring Semester
WORKSHOP – Pardon Me Film Screening & Pardon Coach Training
November 13, 2024, and February 11, 2025
Huntingdon, Pa.
The Social Work and Criminal Justice Club, in partnership with the Baker Institute at Juniata College, hosted a multi-semester training session to prepare students to serve as potential coaches for the Pardon Project of Huntingdon County. Led by Lee Ann DeShong-Cook, Assistant Professor of Social Work and chair of the Social Work, Criminal Justice & Sociology Department, the event included a screening of “Pardon Me”, a documentary about the Pennsylvania pardon process, state-produced Zoom training materials, and peer-led simulations using real pardon, application forms. The workshop explored the lengthy and complex journey of securing a pardon often taking 3 to 5 years, and the barriers people with criminal records face, even after rehabilitation. Attendees gained practical insights into guiding applicants through the process and discussed the economic and social consequences of a criminal record. The event emphasized that pardons are not abstract legal tools but vital to restoring dignity and opportunity in our own communities.
LECTURE – Black History and Culture Dinner
Huntingdon, Pa.
The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, in collaboration with the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, welcomed storyteller and artist St. Clair Detrick-Jules as the keynote speaker for the annual Black History and Culture Dinner. Detrick-Jules shared her personal experiences growing up under societal beauty standards that excluded natural Black hair, a struggle that became even more urgent as she considered its impact on her younger sister. In response, she interviewed and photographed more than 100 Black women, collecting powerful stories that celebrate beauty, resilience, and generational pride. During the dinner, she shared these narratives, and a curated selection of her photographs was exhibited in Ellis Hall. Attendees were invited to vote on the piece that most resonated with the community; the chosen photograph, with Detrick-Jules’ permission, now hangs in the newly opened Juniata Hair Studio. Open to the entire campus and local community, the event welcomed over 225 participants.
GATHERING – The Bailey Oratorical and Iftar Meal
March 4, 2025
Huntingdon, Pa.
The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies hosted an Iftar Potluck Dinner at the Oller Center. Zia Haque and Amr Abdalla hosted the event, welcoming the Juniata College community to share in the evening meal marking the daily break of the fast during the month of Ramadan. The potluck featured a diverse spread of dishes and brought together students, faculty, and staff in a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Following the meal, attendees walked together to the 115th Bailey Oratorical, where seven finalists reflected on the prompt, “What does it mean to make peace everybody’s business?” a tribute to the Baker Institute’s 40th anniversary and the vision of its namesake, Elizabeth Evans Baker. The evening culminated with first-year student Amya Martinez ’28 winning both the Bailey Oratorical and the People’s Choice Award for her powerful interpretation of peace as a shared, everyday responsibility. The event was a meaningful blend of tradition, community, and thought-provoking dialogue.
St. Clair Detrick-Jules spoke to the Juniata community on the power in embracing yourself and your individuality.
The Bailey Oratorical, Juniata’s oldest tradition of academic excellence since 1910, highlighted The Baker Institute’s reunion this year and featured PACS student Isatou Sonko ’25 as a finalist.
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
Toward Environmental Justice: Transitions to a Sustainable Future
October 9 and 10, 2024 Huntingdon, Pa.
The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College hosted the third International Symposium titled “Toward Environmental Justice: Transition to a Sustainable Future.” As Zia Haque said, “The world stands today at a critical juncture where the urgency to address environmental degradation, climate change, national and human security, and just transition to a resilient and sustainable future has never been greater.”
This annual event brought together a diverse group of scholars, practitioners, and community members to tackle pressing global issues of climate change and environmental justice. Held in the Brumbaugh Academic Center’s Alumni Hall, the symposium also reached a wider audience through a live stream. Its central theme focused on transitioning toward a sustainable future while considering the economic, social, and health dimensions of environmental justice.
The symposium featured six distinguished speakers who shared their insights on environmental justice and sustainability. Julia Marton-Lefèvre opened with a talk on systems thinking as a tool for effective global leadership in addressing environmental challenges. Saleem Ali followed with a presentation on the intersection of environmental diplomacy and social justice. David Begay, a cultural expert from the Navajo Nation, provided an Indigenous perspective on ecological justice, highlighting the connection between Indigenous knowledge and sustainable environmental practices.
On the second day, the discussion shifted toward actionable solutions for specific regions and communities. Youba Sokona delivered an in-depth analysis of Africa’s energy transition, emphasizing the need to integrate foundational and sustainable development. Gabriela Cuadrado-Quesada shared stories from Bolivia and Costa Rica, where water justice plays a crucial role in the fight for environmental equity. Fernando Treviño concluded with a presentation on the importance of proactive local community engagement in the struggle for environmental justice.
Moderators Joseph Bock, Baker Institute Scholar in Residence, and Celina Seftas, Juniata College Director of Sustainability, facilitated engaging Q&A sessions, allowing participants to interact directly with the speakers. The event attracted over 270 participants, including Juniata College students, faculty, staff, community members, and virtual attendees. Additionally, the panelists were led by the institute to explore the campus and town, attend Baker Institute classroom sessions, and connect socially with the Huntingdon community, connecting an additional 130 individuals.
“The presentation reminded me of several conversations within the community I come from in India, where environmental initiatives and significant policies are often criticized and bashed for neglecting local incomes and livelihoods. Dr. Ali’s discussion and talk on tying environmental initiatives with societal development, to me, personally felt like a very direct reflection of the actual realities of developing societies. It underscored the need for policy development that not only benefits people but also the planet and vice versa.”
Ananay Rajput ‘26
The Baker Institute International Symposium has become a capstone event. In 2025, Juniata’s Center for International Education was a finalist for the NAFSA Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award, which highlighted the symposium; it will be resubmitted next year.
From left to right: President James Troha, Youba Sokona, Julia Marton-Lefevre, Zia Haque, Gabriela Cuadrado-Quesdada, Fernando Trevino, Celina Seftas, Director of Sustainability, and Provost Lauren Bowen.
HIGH SCHOOL CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROGRAM
May 30–June 1, 2025 Huntingdon, Pa.
The Baker Institute High School Conflict Resolution Program is a three-day summer event designed to help young students navigate the complexities of interpersonal conflict analysis and resolution. Through workshops and interactive sessions, participants develop essential skills in conflict resolution, positive communication, and collaborative problem-solving. The program was offered in partnership with Carlisle Area High School. Fourteen high school underclassmen stayed in Juniata College residence halls, engaged in hands-on educational activities led by Amr Abdalla, Joe Bock, and Zia Haque, and toured Juniata College as well as the surrounding Huntingdon and Lake Raystown areas. The Baker Institute hopes to expand this program to other local and regional high schools in May 2026.
“I thought every topic covered in the program offered a unique and educational way of conveying different ways to communicate and resolve a conflict. By including anecdotes from books, self, or others, a level of personalization developed and engaged many, such as myself, with the content of the lecture, adding an element of care and memory not existing prior”
Nicholas Ulkoski High School Sophomore
The Baker Institute is continually impressed by the outstanding students from Carlisle Area High School, many of whom join us through their Model UN program.
The high school program combined rigorous lectures with plenty of fun in the sun.
REUNION
40th Anniversary of the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies
March 28–30, 2025 Huntingdon, Pa.
In March 2025, the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College celebrated its 40th anniversary with a threeday reunion that brought together alumni, current students, faculty, and staff. Since its founding in the 1984–1985 academic year by the Rev. Dr. Andy Murray and the Baker family, the institute has cultivated a vibrant learning community rooted in dialogue, education, and action around peace, justice, and conflict.
The weekend’s events included a welcome reception, student presentations, an alumni networking salon, a celebratory dinner, and an honorary swim at Raystown Lake.
Student presentations highlighted experiences in study abroad, internships, and research, offering a compelling reflection of the institute’s evolving opportunities and lasting impact. Alumni engaged with students and shared stories from their own time at Juniata, sparking intergenerational dialogue about peace and the future of the field. The alumni networking salon offered space for meaningful reconnection and reflection following the student presentations.
Saturday evening’s dinner served as a poignant celebration of the institute’s legacy. The institute thanked and recognized the contributions of former directors and faculty members. Throughout the weekend, alumni also participated in an oral history project, recording their personal reflections on peace and the Baker Institute’s influence in their lives.
A highlight of the celebration was the honorary “polar plunge” at Raystown Lake, paying tribute to a storied moment in institute history. In 1985, Rev. Dr. Andy Murray famously became the first person to swim a span of the lake, an ambitious 20-mile swim, sparked by a friendly wager with colleague Clayton Pheasant. The effort raised over $70,000 for the Baker Institute and helped secure its early future.
The 40th anniversary served as a moving tribute to four decades of peace education at Juniata, a celebration of shared history, renewed commitment, and the hope that future generations will continue this vital work.
Terry and Andy Murray performed music during the reunion celebration, honoring the many times they shared their talents at Juniata throughout the years.
Alumni and former employees shared warm embraces as they reconnected after years apart.
“I wanted to say a heartfelt “thank you” to the faculty, staff, and students at the Baker Institute for the wonderful celebration of the institute’s 40th Anniversary. The event was entertaining and edifying and left me with a deep sense of both the quality and the importance of the Baker Institute today. The program’s recognition of the past accomplishments and the future challenges of the institute were deeply appreciated.
The polar plunge at the Raystown Field Station, brought back so many wonderful memories – and were I not suffering the indignities of 80+ years, I would have joined the brave young people that took to the water. It was a nice way to crown the weekend and honor its history.
A major land-war in Europe and the resurfacing of violence and suffering in the Middle East are sad reminders of the urgency of peace work. Using the resources of the academic community to make us more sophisticated about why humans organize to destroy each other’s communities is hard, slow, uneven and often unappreciated work, but it may be the most consequential thing that the academy can do.”
Blessings for the next 40 years.
Reverend
Dr. Andy Murray, Ph.D. Inaugural Director, the Baker Institute
At the reunion, alumni and former employees heard from current staff and students about the many ways the Baker Institute continues to engage and enrich the college community.
Throughout the reunion, former directors and visionary leaders were honored for their lasting dedication to the Baker Institute. From left to right: Zia Haque, faculty emerita Polly Walker, former director of the Institute, and Lauren Bowen, Provost of Juniata College.
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
Class of 2025 Graduates
Walker Bredickas Psychology Secondary in Peace and Conflict Studies
West Grove, Pa.
Ella Durbin Peace Studies and Politics
Lititz, Pa.
Emma Greggo Criminal Justice
Secondary in Peace and Conflict Studies
Pen Argyl, Pa.
Ryan Madison Communication and Conflict Resolution
Wilmington, De.
Joleyna Martino Psychology Secondary in Women & Gender Studies and Race, Ethnicity, and Identity
Altoona, Pa.
Shannon Para * Communication Advocacy Secondary in Peace and Conflict Studies
Alexandria, Va.
Kairema Villaman Health Economics Secondary in Women and Gender Studies
Hagerstown, Md.
Elijah Weaver * International Studies; Chinese Studies
Murfreesboro, Tn.
*Distinction in Program of Emphasis
Student Employees
Juniata Associate:
Fall – Sean Chia ’25
Spring – Isatou Sonko ’25
Student Assistants:
Fall – Karissa Hirt ’24, Amelia Kiepke ’25, Jack Polglaze ’27
Spring – Manali Misra ’27, Kosuke Toyoda ’27
Sean Chia ’25 served as the Juniata Associate for the Fall semester of the 2024–2025 Academic Year.
Students from left to right: Manali Misra ’27, Kosuke Toyoda ’27, and Isatou Sonko ’25.
STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
May – August 2025
Student summer internship positions connected to the Baker Institute’s mission provides students with practical work experience and opportunities to apply academic theories. The Baker Institute Summer Internship Stipend supports internship placements for students currently studying peace and conflict studies, as well as for those exploring themes and issues relevant to the institute’s mission. This year, the institute supported three students participating in Juniata’s Super Internship Program, each of whom received funding through Baker Institute resources.
In 2025, the Baker Institute has financially support Juniata College’s membership in the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty (SHECP), advancing the college’s commitment to community engagement and experiential learning. In addition to its annual contribution, this partnership will help expand student access to summer internships related to poverty studies and social justice, including scholarship support for participation in SHECP placements.
Ibrahim Ahmed ’28, a neuroscience student, represents the diverse academic backgrounds of those supported through our scholarships. We believe peace is for everyone and is everybody’s business.
Super Internship Awards Recipients:
Addison Ganey ’26
Public Health
Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty Burlington, VT
Estefany Granados Saravia ’27
Strategic Communications
Secondary in Management and Spanish
Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty Greensboro, NC
Ibrahim Ahmed ’28
Neuroscience
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine summer research Baltimore, MD
Want to watch Bailey Saunders’ ’25 video from last year? Scan the QR.
Bailey Saunders ’25 spent her summer internship in Mexico.
LIBERAL ARTS SYMPOSIUM
April 24, 2025
The Juniata College Liberal Arts Symposium is a full-day event celebrating student research and scholarship. It showcases the academic and creative projects students undertake in classrooms, labs, fields, communities, stages, and studios. Four students from the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies presented at the symposium: Kosuke Toyoda ’27, Ella Durbin ’25, Shannon Para ’25, and Elijah Weaver ’25. Additionally, three students with Peace and Conflict Studies as their secondary focus, Walker Bredickas ’25, Emma Greggo ’25, and Joleyna Martino ’25, showcased their work through poster presentations.
Elijah Weaver presented his senior thesis at LAS, titled “Reunification Without War: The Dissemination and Political Efficacy of Chinese Propaganda Across Taiwanese TikTok Channels.” Joe Bock supervised his thesis and Zia Haque served as a member of his dissertation committee. Elijah Weaver combines his studies in International Studies and Chinese with experiences studying abroad in Taiwan. This fall, he will pursue a master’s at Johns Hopkins SAIS, focusing on Technology/Innovation and China, as a recipient of the Technology and International Affairs Scholarship.
STUDENT PEACE FUND
The Baker Institute Student Peace Fund continues to play a vital role in advancing student engagement with issues of peace, justice, and global conflict. The fund supported transformative international experiences that allowed students to explore the complexities of migration, policy, and human rights in realworld contexts. Through this support, students participated in Eyewitness to Migration in Mexico, a short-term study abroad program held May 19–31, 2025. Students engaged with the realities of migration in southern Mexico through academic seminars, field visits, and direct interaction with local organizations and policymakers.
Ashley Meza ’27
International Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies; Pre-law Track
Kosuke Toyoda ’27 Peace and Conflict Studies
“I was one of 19 Juniata College students who participated in the Mexico trip, a journey for those pursuing a deeper understanding of migration and more humane policies. This experience made me realize that migration issues are not just about statistics or policy frameworks—they are about people, about the dignity of each individual migrant. While we, as U.S. college students, may differ from migrants economically and politically, this trip reminded us of our shared humanity. As a Peace and Conflict Studies major, this experience reminds me Elizabeth Baker’s quote: “Peace is everybody’s business” They are not just immigrants, they are human beings who have feelings.”
Kosuke Toyoda ’27
From left to right: Zia Haque, Elijah Weaver, Joseph Bock, Jianyuan Ni at the Liberal Arts Symposium.
PAX-O
Student Club at Juniata College
PAX-Organization (PAX-O) is a peace and advocacy club on campus created to support student social justice efforts. In the academic year, PAX-O fulfilled its mission with the events listed below:
Lobsterfest
September 3, 2024
International Day of Peace
September 21, 2024
Reentry Simulation Event
(Led by the Criminal Justice Club)
February 19, 2025
Night of a Thousand Dinners
March 30 – April 4, 2025
Students got to interact and learn from local corrections employees during the Reentry Simulation.
REENTRY SIMULATION EVENT
February 19, 2025 Huntingdon, Pa.
The Criminal Justice Club at Juniata College hosted a reentry simulation in partnership with the Department of Corrections. It was held at Stone Church and supported by the Departments of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology, with additional support from the PAX-O Club. The event welcomed 50 students from a variety of academic backgrounds. This hands-on simulation replicated the first four weeks of life after incarceration, giving participants insight into the unpredictable challenges individuals face when re-entering society. Understanding these challenges is especially relevant in the Huntingdon community, home to both SCI Huntingdon, SCI Smithfield, and Pennsylvania’s oldest continuously operating state correctional institution and the Huntingdon County Jail. Events like this deepen awareness of the systemic barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals and encourage more informed compassionate engagement in justice issues.
NIGHT OF A THOUSAND DINNERS
March 30 – April 4, 2025 Huntingdon, Pa.
Juniata College faculty and staff opened their homes to host students for shared meals as part of the Night of a Thousand Dinners program run by the PAX-O student advocacy organization. At the institute, Zia Haque and Amr Abdalla hosted students at the Oller Center for a meal. This program provides students with a meaningful opportunity to strengthen their ties and connections to the college and local community. Across campus, in total, 33 students were hosted by 15 dedicated faculty and staff volunteers. In addition to fostering relationships, the event successfully raised $200 to benefit Huntingdon House, a local organization supporting survivors and victims of domestic violence.
Belle and Jim Tuten hosted students at their home for Night of a Thousand Dinners.
CURRICULUM
In 2024–2025, the Peace and Conflict Studies
program offered twelve courses designed to engage students in the theory and practice of building a more peaceful and just world.
Taught by three dedicated faculty members in the Peace and Conflict Studies Department, the curriculum emphasized experiential learning through role play, simulations, and realworld case studies. Several courses integrated guest lectures from global peace practitioners and scholars, as well as international collaborative learning opportunities through COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) initiatives. These experiences allowed students to connect classroom theory with lived experiences across borders.
International Security was offered for the first time this year as a special topics course. Zia Haque developed and co-taught the course in collaboration with Emil Nagengast from the Politics Department. Bridging the disciplines, the course examined global conflicts and security dilemmas through the lenses of two closely related, but often diverging fields, exploring how different theoretical frameworks shape responses to war and diplomacy efforts. The course devoted a large part to negotiation simulation of an international conflict.
Fall 2024
PACS-110 - Intro Peace & Conflict Studies (Haque)
PACS-199 - Refugees & Humanitarianism (Bock)
PACS 299 - Culture, Diversity, and Conflict (Abdalla)
PACS-391 - Negotiation & Peacebuilding (Abdalla)
PACS-455 - PACS Honors Thesis I (Bock)
Spring 2025
PACS-105 - Intro to Conflict Resolution (Haque)
PACS-108 - Mediation (Abdalla)
PACS-210 - Tech, Social Media & Conflict (Bock)
PACS-299 - ST: International Security (Nagengast and Haque)
PACS-305 - Gender and Conflict (Haque)
PACS-308 - Nonviolence and Social Justice (Abdalla)
PACS-455B - PACS Honors Thesis II (Bock)
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Zia Haque, Ph.D.
Director, the Baker Institute
Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, Juniata College Peace and Conflict Studies Department Chair
As director of The Baker Institute, Professor Haque taught four courses. He hosted the third Baker Institute International Symposium, which explored environmental justice, and the second High School Summer Resolution Program. He led the institute’s inaugural trip to Japan for the HIROSHIMA & PEACE program.
Conferences
Haque, Z. (2025, April 8–10). Council of Independent Colleges 2025 Workshop for Department and Division Chairs. Wyndham Atlanta Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center, Atlanta, GA.
Haque, Z. [Virtual], & Takahashi, K. [In person]. (2025, June 4-6). Who Gets Cited? Gendered Citation Patterns in Environmental Justice Research. International Studies Association (ISA) Conference in Huatulco, Mexico.
Haque, Z. [Virtual], Bock, J. [In person]. (2025, June 11-13). ICTs for Refugees and Migrants: Why Do Some Thrive, but So Many End up in the App Graveyard? The Migration Conference, University Greenwich, London, U.K. Virtual Participation.
Haque, Z. & Toyoda, K. (2025, October 9-12). Bridging Theory to Practice: Survey Evidence on The Impact of Roleplay and Simulation in Conflict Resolution Education. Peace and Justice Studies Association Conference, Swarthmore College, Philadelphia, United States.
Publications
Haque, Z, Bock, J., & McMahon, K. (2025). The Dark Side of Information and Communication Technologies: Analyzing Encumbrances as well as Affordances. Development in Practice
Haque, Z. (2025). [Review of the book The Cultural Dimensions of Peacebuilding, by Z. Haque]. Peace and Change.
Workshops and Training
Haque, Z., & Abdalla, A. (2025, April 15). Conflict Resolution Training with the Juniata College Advancement Team. Juniata College.
Haque, Z. (2025, June 20-22). Talk It Out: Practicing Nonviolence and Conflict Resolution. Workshop for Junior High Youth at the National Junior High Conference at Juniata College. Young Adult Ministries for the Church of the Brethren.
Amr Abdalla, Ph.D.
Fellow, the Baker Institute Peace and Conflict Studies Professor Emeritus, University for Peace (UPeace)
As a Baker Institute Fellow, Professor Abdalla taught four courses and facilitated The Baker Institute International Symposium.
Presentations
Abdalla, A. (2025, January 15). Keynote address presented at the Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference, NOVA Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
External Sources
Abdalla, A., & Molina, N. (2025, April–May). Diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace: A global perspective [professional development course]. Center for Executive Education, University for Peace.
Worshops and Training
Abdalla, A. (2025, March 19). Building a supportive workplace culture. Elmwood Residentials, Saskatoon, Canada.
Haque, Z., & Abdalla, A. (2025, April 15). Conflict resolution training with the Juniata CollegeAdvancement Team. Juniata College.
Series of zoom-based workshops on conflict resolution to Ethiopian senior government officials. June 2025.
“Dr. Abdalla’s presence in the classroom is incredibly calming, thoughtful, and full of warmth. He doesn’t just teach the principles of nonviolence and social justice; he lives them in everything he does. Every word he speaks feels intentional and rooted in compassion, and being in his class was not only intellectually rewarding but emotionally grounding.”
Student reflection from course evaluation, Spring 2025
Kaitlyn Granger Program Coordinator, the Baker Institute
As Program Coordinator of The Baker Institute, Kaitlyn Granger successfully organized ten events during the academic year, including the inaugural trip to Hiroshima, Japan, and the third Baker Institute International Symposium—two of the institute’s largest programs under her leadership. In summer 2025, she was selected as the artist-in-residence at the Raystown Field Station, where her work focuses on the theme of invasive species at Raystown Lake.
Projects
Artist-in-Residence, Juniata College Field Station, Summer 2025. Created painted canoe installation, Vessels in Balance: Tracing the Currents of Invasive Species.
Kei Takahashi
Peace and International Programs Research Assistant, the Baker Institute
As the Peace and International Programs Research Assistant, Kei Takahashi assisted Professor Bock and Director Haque with their various research projects. He served as a teaching assistant for the Peace and Conflict Studies Department for the 2024-2025 special topic courses (Fall: Refugees & Humanitarianism, Spring: International Security). He successfully coordinated The Baker Institute 40th Anniversary Reunion in partnership with the Program Coordinator.
Conferences
Haque, Z. [Virtual], & Takahashi, K. [In person]. (2025, June 4-6). Who Gets Cited? Gendered Citation Patterns in Environmental Justice Research. International Studies Association (ISA) Conference in Huatulco, Mexico.
Joseph G. Bock, Ph.D. Scholar in Residence, the Baker Institute
In his inaugural year as Scholar in Residence at the Baker Institute, Dr. Joseph G. Bock—former Professor of International Conflict Management and founding Director of the School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding and Development at Kennesaw State University— brought decades of expertise in humanitarian response, conflict resolution, and violence prevention to the Juniata College community.
Bock taught two courses--Refugees and Humanitarianism in the fall and Technology, Social Media, and Conflict in the spring, and contributed to several impactful academic and community efforts, including:
• Mentored a senior thesis examining TikTok’s influence on public discourse in Taiwan regarding reunification with or separation from mainland China.
• Co-authored a research article on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in humanitarian operations, currently forthcoming in the journal Development in Practice.
• Led a collaborative research project with Juniata faculty, staff, and students exploring ICT tools for supporting refugees and migrants, with findings presented at The Migration Conference in London this summer.
• Delivered a community workshop on toxic polarization with Amr Abdalla in partnership with the Stone Church of the Brethren, fostering dialogue and promoting civil discourse.
• Supported a summer high school conflict resolution workshop along with Abdalla and Haque.
• Facilitated a series of impactful guest lectures, including a presentation by a senior attorney from Global Refuge, a refugee resettlement organization based in Baltimore.
• Received a Fulbright Specialist award from the U.S. Department of State through World Learning. As part of this award, Dr. Bock will travel to the University of Ngozi in Burundi this summer to support its peace education initiatives.
• Taught a cross-continental course connecting students at Juniata College and the University of Ngozi via Google Meet. The course focused on developing a conflict early warning and early response system for Burundi’s upcoming elections, using tools such as Ushahidi for digital mapping, KoboToolbox for data collection, and FrontlineSMS for communication via text messages.
Bock brings a distinguished record of global engagement to his role, having held leadership positions at the Eck Institute for Global Health at the University of Notre Dame and directed, supervised, or supported humanitarian operations in more than a dozen conflict-affected countries. His field experience includes service with Catholic Relief Services and the American Refugee Committee, as well as a Fulbright Specialist assignment with the Municipality of Athens, Greece, during the refugee crisis of 2015–2016. An accomplished scholar, he is the author of three books— including The Technology of Nonviolence: Social Media and Violence Prevention (MIT Press, 2012)—and has published widely in journals such as Political Geography, Information Technology & Politics, and Information Technology for Development.
Bock reflected on his time at The Baker Institute: “I really enjoyed my time with the Baker Institute this year. I am impressed with the students, staff, and faculty of Juniata College. It is a privilege to work with so many dedicated and innovative people.” Bock will remain at Juniata for the 2025-2026 academic year.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
The Peace and Conflict Studies Department is supported by additional faculty from across the college, including James Borgardt (Physics), Alison Fletcher (History), Henry Thurston-Griswold (Spanish), and Uma Ramakrishnan (Environmental Science and Studies).
Henry Thurston-Griswold, Ph.D. Professor of Spanish
Henry Thurston-Griswold continues to bridge literature and global conflict in his latest publication, “Chronicle of Terrorism Foretold: Miguel Ángel Asturias’s “¡Americanos todos!” and 9/11,” published in A Contracorriente (2024). This article examines Asturias’s work and its relevance to contemporary understandings of U.S.-Latin American relations, blending literary analysis with critical reflection on global security.
Staff and Faculty from left to right: Kaitlyn Granger, Joseph Bock, Amr Abdalla, Zia Haque, Jim Borgardt, and Uma Ramakrishnan.
www.juniata.edu/pacs