Editorial content for the 2023–2024 annual report was written and produced by Kaitlyn Granger, Program Coordinator 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
PHOTO: JONATHAN HSIEH
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As I mark three years as Director of the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, I am grateful for your trust in me to carry on the mission of one of the oldest peace studies programs in the country. I came during a transition, promising to continue building on our rich tradition and to reimagine peace education at Juniata. You can assess whether we have delivered on these promises or not. We became a department (finally!), revised our curriculum and incorporated international studies, launched the new peace and criminal justice studies program of emphasis (POE), and created exchange or study abroad opportunities in Sweden, Costa Rica, and Japan. Our annual scholarly initiative, The Baker Institute International Symposium, is entering its third year. Our student enrollments are growing and diversifying – students from Korea, Japan, and The Gambia are pursuing POEs in our department. Looking back, I am proud of all we have accomplished together.
Each year, we publish an annual report to showcase our activities and the difference we can make through collaborative work and community partnership. Our efforts
in documenting the stories, research, and initiatives around peace education highlight the values that define our community at Juniata. As our studentcentered programming grows, this year is particularly meaningful as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of our peace institute. Since the program’s founders planted the seeds of peace, our institution has been faithfully working to foster our understanding of conflicts and wars as human problems and peace as human potential. Our continued existence thus far affirms the significance of our work, and it is a privilege to be part of this journey. For me, particularly, these past three years have been a journey of growth, learning, and challenges. I am deeply grateful for the support and dedication of our department colleagues, board members, students, staff, and senior leadership at Juniata College. As we reflect on our achievements, we are reminded of the turbulent world we live in today and the vital importance of our mission. Together, we need to learn from the past and set the stage for a future where the principles of peace, harmony, and nonviolence are the pillars of our world.
To all who have worked with us during the last 40 years, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your support and contributions have been invaluable, and we sincerely appreciate your role in our achievements. I look forward to what we will accomplish in the coming years as we continue to uphold and promote the ideals of peace and the mission of the Baker Institute.
Sincerely,
Zia Haque
COVER PHOTO: NICOLE BECK
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.
“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
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 practical-skill training, and hosting public lectures.
These events are open to all and aim to offer continuous 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.
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.
The Baker Institute is housed at the Oller Center for Peace and International Programs on the Juniata College campus. PHOTO: KAITLYN GRANGER
of The Baker Institute
HONORING 50 YEARS OF PEACE EDUCATION
In 1973, Juniata College initiated its first peace and conflict studies courses, five years following a letter from Elizabeth Evans Baker 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 celebrates 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 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 College 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
Lauren Bowen, Ph.D. Provost, Juniata College Professor of Politics
PHOTO: MEGAN BRENNEMAN
The mantra “peace is not the absence of war but the presence of justice” has defined the Baker Institute’s ethos since its inception. Baker programming challenges how we understand the complexities underlying longstanding conflicts perhaps best demonstrated by annual symposia on matters of contemporary urgency. Students and faculty are afforded experiences that advance scholarly understanding while challenging us to put theory into practice such as participation in the annual Hiroshima and Peace Institute and attendance at the International Studies Association conference.
The collaborative and imaginative leadership of our director, Zia Haque, sets the tone for this work. He is supported by Kaitlyn Granger, our program coordinator, and an advisory board of faculty, students, trustees, community members, and alumni. Their shared commitment to peace and to justice, a value I share, is a powerful antidote to a national and international discourse that is increasingly polarized. That we have had the Baker Institute for the past forty years to shape our campus discourse and values helps explain why our community can talk across difference and debate contested issues with dignity, respect, and a shared commitment to the greater good. I am proud that the Baker Institute is housed at Juniata College and look forward to its continued success.
Jim
Borgardt, Ph.D.
William W. Woolford Professor of Physics and Engineering Physics Physics Department Chair Chair, The Baker Institute Advisory Board
PHOTO: PROVIDED BY JIM BORGARDT
As we reflect on the past three years at the Baker Institute, it’s remarkable to see the strides we’ve made despite unprecedented academic and global challenges. Our commitment to fostering interdisciplinary scholarship and supporting the College’s mission has led to new academic programs, research initiatives, and significantly increased student numbers in the Peace and Conflict Studies Program. Our international symposia have also expanded in scope, bringing together experts to address pressing global issues in productive ways. These events have solidified the Institute’s role as a hub for intellectual exchange, attracting scholars, practitioners, and students from around the world.
This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Baker Institute. Over the past four decades, the Institute has advanced our mission of addressing war as a human problem and peace as a human potential. The resilience and adaptability of our community has been inspiring. We continue to cultivate critical thinking, leadership skills, and contribute to societal solutions through research and programming, preparing individuals to make thoughtful contributions to the world.
Sincerely,
Jim Borgardt
Sincerely, Lauren
Bowen
ADVISORY BOARD
2023–2024
Anne C. Baker, J.D. Trustee Emerita, Juniata College
Randy Deike, Ph.D. ’88 Trustee, Juniata College
Henry Escuadro, Ph.D. Professor of Mathematics Department Chair, Mathematics
Alison Fletcher, Ph.D.
W. Newton & Hazel A. Long Professor of History
Sinead Gallagher, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Accounting
El Kruglak, M.A. ’11 Alum, Juniata College
Henry Thurston-Griswold, Ph.D. Professor of Spanish
Donna Weimer, Ph.D. Professor Emerita
Ex Office Members
Jim Borgardt, Ph.D.
William W. Woolford Professor of Physics Department Chair, Physics Chair, The Baker Institute Advisory Board
Lauren Bowen, Ph.D.
Provost, Juniata College, Professor of Politics
Kaitlyn Granger ’21 Program Coordinator, The Baker Institute Board Secretary, The Baker Institute Advisory Board
Zia Haque, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies
Department Chair, Peace and Conflict Studies Director, The Baker Institute
Student Representatives
Sarene Goetz ’24
Sophia Parlati ’24
Shannon Para ’25
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 lasting 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 their work with the institute.
Daniel Bryan (U.S./Ecuador)
Executive director of The Pachaysana Institute, dedicated to decolonized education in Ecuador
Jerry McCann (U.S.)
Civil and structural engineer in California, peace engineer, and senior advisor to Build Up Commander Caecilia van Peski (The Netherlands)
Commander in the Royal Netherlands Navy, registered psychologist, and authority in Peace & Security
New Fellows—Inducted in 2024
Commissioner Yonas Adaye Adeto, Ph.D. (Ethiopia)
Member of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission and associate professor of peace studies
Ambassador Leoni Cuelenaere (The Netherlands/U.S.)
Independent Consultant, and former Netherlands Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Yemen, Rwanda, and Bangladesh
Chris Dolan, Ph.D. (U.S.)
Professor of intelligence and security studies and Fulbright Scholar to Kosovo & North Macedonia
Ibrahim Fraihat, Ph.D. (Palestine/U.S./Qatar)
Associate professor of international conflict resolution and conflict expert contributor to the Al Jazeera Network
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!
SPONSORSHIPS
The Baker Institute partnered with the following institutions through memberships and sponsorships:
ALLIANCE FOR PEACEBUILDING
The Alliance for Peacebuilding acts as a central hub for the PACS community, connecting over 100 organizations actively involved in conflict resolution and establishing lasting peace in 153 countries. By leveraging the collective expertise of its members, the alliance amplifies the voices of peacebuilders on a global scale, addressing challenges that are too vast for any organization to tackle alone.
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION
The International Studies Association is a long-standing interdisciplinary association committed to the study of international, transnational, and global affairs. It boasts a diverse membership of over 7,000 individuals worldwide. The association organizes an annual convention and publishes respected academic journals. These platforms facilitate rigorous discussions within the broad field of international studies.
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF MEDIATORS
The Pennsylvania Council of Mediators is dedicated to advancing the practice of mediation through various means. Its primary focus is educating the public about the benefits of mediation, fostering an increased demand for qualified practitioners, and offering a platform for professional development within the field. It seeks to enhance the mediation landscape in Pennsylvania, making it more conducive to resolving disputes amicably through mediation.
PEACE AND JUSTICE STUDIES ASSOCIATION
The Peace and Justice Studies Association is a professional association that caters to scholars specializing in peace and conflict studies. Its primary mission is to facilitate the collaboration of academics, educators, and activists to explore nonviolent alternatives and exchange ideas and approaches for promoting peacebuilding, social justice, and social change.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
The Rotary Foundation has initiated impactful service projects that make a difference in the lives of individuals, locally and globally. The Rotary Foundation promotes world understanding, goodwill, and peace. Rotary strives to improve healthcare, enhance education, protect the environment, and alleviate poverty—aiming to create a better world for all.
PEACE HISTORY SOCIETY
The Peace History Society was founded in 1964 to encourage and coordinate national and international academia to explore and articulate the conditions and causes of peace and war, and to communicate the findings to the public.
PARTNER ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS
PACHYSANA INSTITUTE
Ecuador
The Pachysana Institute is dedicated to decolonizing education, grassroots community development, and fair-trade study abroad in Quito, Ecuador.
UNIVERSITY FOR PEACE
Costa Rica
The University for Peace is a graduate-only university and intergovernmental organization in San José, Costa Rica. Established by the UN General Assembly.
LINNAEUS UNIVERSITY
Sweden
Linnaeus University is an international university located in Kalmar and Växjö. Committed to societal development through research, education and collaboration
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
PHOTO: NATE THOMPSON ’05
As director of The Baker Institute, Professor Haque offers the Juniata community expert insights in conflict analysis. As assistant professor and chair of the Peace and Conflict Studies Department, Haque taught three courses during the 2023–2024 academic year, hosted the second Baker Institute International Symposium and led the inaugural High School Summer Resolution Program.
Conferences
The 65th International Studies Association Convention titled ‘Putting Relationality at the Centre of International Studies.’
April 2024
San Fransico, Ca.
Proposal and Manuscripts Review
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) review of an Insight Grant Proposal on ‘Collaborative Decision-Making in Refugee Camps: Community Engagement in Education and Technology.’
February 2024
Refuge: Canada’s Journal on Refugees, focused on assessing resilience-enabling factors and challenges in creating data systems for child refugees.
May 2024
Social Identities: Journal for the Study of Race, Nation and Culture, focused on complex interplay of identity formation and societal integration of refugees.
June 2024
Amr Abdalla, Ph.D.
Scholar in Residence, The Baker Institute (complete in May 2024) Peace and Conflict Studies
Professor Emeritus, UPeace
PHOTO: JONATHAN HSIEH
As The Baker Institute’s scholar in residence, Professor Abdalla taught five courses during the academic year and helped to facilitate The Baker Institute International Symposium and the High School Summer Conflict Resolution Program. With his term as scholar in residence concluded, Abdalla will begin working as a teaching fellow with The Baker Institute.
Training
Juniata College Community Advisor Training titled ‘Mediation and Interpersonal Conflict.’
August 2023
Huntingdon, Pa.
Workshops
Workshop on conflict resolution for high-level officials of the Ethiopian Government.
August, November, and December 2023
Dubai, UAE
Workshop on conflict resolution for members of the civil society in Egypt as part of Project SANAD, funded by the British Embassy in Egypt.
December 2023
Aswan, Egypt
Workshop on conflict resolution for the staff of Elmwood Residences–an organization supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
May 2024
Saskatoon, Canada
Workshop on leadership titled ‘Who is a Peacemaker at Juniata College?’ run in partnership with the Dean of Students and Campus Ministry Office.
October 2023
Huntingdon, Pa.
Kaitlyn Granger
Program Coordinator, The Baker Institute
PHOTO: JONATHAN HSIEH
As Program Coordinator, Granger arranged more than 15 events during the 2023–2024 academic year. Granger made progress on documenting the history of The Baker Institute for the 50th anniversary and led work on The Elizabeth Evans Baker Peace Chapel, resulting in the development and adoption of an updated memorandum of understanding and chain of authority.
Conferences
Peace History Society Conference, focusing on the American antiwar protests at colleges and cultural institutions.
October 2023
Gwynedd Valley, Pa.
Presentations
Presidents Forum, focusing on the college’s response to the conflict in Israel and Palestine and other programming efforts of The Baker Institute.
December and February 2024
Huntingdon, Pa.
DEPARTMENT MEMBERS
Jim Borgardt, Ph.D.
William W. Woolford Professor of Physics and Engineering Physics Physics Department Chair
The Baker Institute Advisory Board Chair
PHOTO: PROVIDED BY JIM BORGARDT
Professor Borgardt secured a $300,000 grant for a five-year project in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory. Their goal is to advance the concept of National Nuclear Forensic Libraries (NNFL), which aid in identifying radioactive materials and their origins. In this work, he will administer international virtual exercises involving dozens of countries and international organizations, and international scientists. In the 2023–2024 academic year, Borgardt spoke at several conferences, including the September International Atomic Energy Agency conference in Austria.
Alison Fletcher, Ph.D.
W. Newton & Hazel A. Long Professor of History
PHOTO: JOYCE YONG
Professor Fletcher was named the 57th recipient of the Beachley Award for Distinguished Teaching at Juniata College. Fletcher has been a great supporter of peace and conflict studies and The Baker Institute. Fletcher had the opportunity to travel to London to present her paper “’My good lady go home and sit still!’ British Women Doctors in Salonica in WWI” at the International Conference on Medical Humanities in March 2024.
Uma Ramakrishnan, Ph.D.
Professor of Environmental Science and Studies
Environmental Science and Studies Department Chair
Natural Science Division Head
PHOTO: MEGAN BRENNEMAN
Professor Ramakrishnan, along with Professors Borgardt, Johnson, and Mathur received a $496,500 grant from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation to fund a multidisciplinary water lab and other instrumentation designed to strengthen science education for Juniata students. With support from this grant, she led the creation of a new master’s program in applied ecology and natural resource management, which started summer 2024, to shape future leaders in environmental stewardship. Ramakrishnan attended the Organization in September 2023, she attended the Organization for Biological Field Stations conference in Costa Rica.
Henry Thurston-Griswold, Ph.D.
Professor of Spanish
PHOTO: CALLAN BEIDEMAN ’25
Professor Thurston-Griswold integrated a COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) component into one of his Spanish courses, partnering with Mexico’s Instituto de Estudios Avanzados (IDEA) de Oriente to analyze the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. In the summer, Thurston-Griswold expanded his Spanish and Community Engaged Learning in Guatemala course, which enabled students to design and implement projects with partners like The Asturias Academy. He brought three additional cohorts to volunteer at the Asturias Academy in the summer of 2024. He also has organized and led additional groups totaling 49 participants who conducted health clinics and offered learning enrichment activities for the academy.
2023 International Symposium Team with Juniata College students
NATE THOMPSON ‘05
GUEST SPEAKERS
Fall Semester
Saul Flores
September 25, 2023
Activist, Storyteller, Entrepreneur
Saul Flores is the founder and director of LoveWalk, which raises awareness for the journey that immigrants experience when leaving their homes. Saul recounted just how treacherous the journey is for those traveling to the United States while providing those in attendance the opportunity to immerse themselves in a dialogue of sacrifice, resilience, and culture. His presence at Juniata College created an opportunity for students to learn more about the complex issues surrounding immigration. His presentation was sponsored by The Baker Institute and The Office of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion.
Kenyatta Muzzanni ’13
October 23, 2023
Activist, Writer, Community Organizer
Kenyatta Muzzanni visited campus to facilitate an inspiring workshop defining what makes a social movement effective and the importance of developing collective power. After graduating from Juniata College with a degree in psychology, Kenyatta earned her master’s in social work. Recently, she worked in the Katal Center for Equity, Health, and Justice as the director of organizing. Her work has addressed suicide prevention and criminal justice reform. Phil Dunwoody, professor of psychology and social science division head, organized this opportunity for Juniata.
Geovanni Siquihua and Belén Noroña, Ph.D.
November 16, 2023
Community Organizer, Entrepreneur, Educator
Geovanni Siquihua is an Indigenous leader from Sani, a Kichwa community located in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. Siquihua visited Juniata College to share his firsthand experience advocating for and negotiating for the Sani and his vision for the future goals of the Kichwa. Siquihua has partnered closely with Dr. Belén Noroña, who has been conducting research in Oil Block 15 for the past six years. She facilitated and interpreted for Siquihua’s presentation in Spanish. This opportunity was organized by Henry Thurston-Griswold and Amy Frazier-Yoder, professor of Spanish and world languages and cultures chair.
Spring Semester
David LaMotte
March 25–26, 2024
Singer, Songwriter, Storyteller
David LaMotte is a singer and songwriter who has performed in all 5o states and on five continents. A bestselling author and the founder of nonprofits like PEG Partners. He gave a lecture titled “Storytelling and Social Justice,” that was attended by students from the Nonviolence and Teaching for Social Justice courses at Juniata College. Drawing from his travels and work in Guatemala, LaMotte met with the Spanish Club and the Guatemala community engaged learning course. He reached out to the community and spoke to the Huntingdon Rotary Club about his experiences as a Rotary Peace Fellow. He concluded his visit with a musical performance for the Juniata community in the Suzanne von Liebig Black Box Theater, focusing on how the arts can connect people and inspire peace.
Allison Goulden ’19
April 24, 2024
Community Organizer, Educator
Allison Goulden serves as a communication and evaluation manager at Running Start. This program, orchestrated by Lynn Cockett, professor of communication, in collaboration with the Politics and Peace and Conflict Studies Department, brought together a diverse group of students from various academic backgrounds who delved into the significance of women stepping into political roles. Students crafted impactful elevator speeches on their chosen issues, strategized networking to build supportive teams, and had the opportunity to connect with elected leaders from their community. Among the distinguished speakers was Jennifer Powell, director at Tyrone-Snyder Township Public Library and Huntingdon Borough Councilwoman.
David LaMotte performed for an audience of sixty-five community members, students, staff, and faculty.
PHOTO: CALLAN BEIDEMAN ’25
Allison Goulden spoke with Jennifer Powell, a Huntingdon Councilwoman, during the workshop.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Ecuadorian food and dialogue with Daniel Bryan, LASO (Latin American Student Organization), and EDI (09/17/23).
PHOTO: KAITLYN GRANGER
S’more About Us information session with The Office of EDI, The SPOT, and The Glaeser Counseling Services (08/31/24).
PHOTO: CALLAN BEIDEMAN ’25
SASA (South Asian Student Association) and PACS information dinner (09/10/23).
PHOTO: ZIA HAQUE
Anne Baker, J.D., at the trustee meeting and dinner.
PHOTO: MAGGIE ECKROAT ’26
Who is a Peacemaker workshop with the Dean of Students and Campus Ministry Office (10/25/23).
PHOTO: KAITLYN GRANGER
Community Advisory training with the Office of Residential Life (08/11/24).
PHOTO: KAITLYN GRANGER
Henry Thurston-Griswold at Campusfest.
PHOTO: JOYCE YONG
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21, 2023 Huntingdon, Pa.
The United Nations General Assembly designated September 21 as International Day of Peace. This annual observance provides an opportunity for nations worldwide to reflect on and engage in initiatives that promote nonviolence and peace. In 2023, the theme was designated as “Actions for Peace.”
Activities commenced at noon with the Peace Wave, where participants joined in a moment of silence to commemorate those lost to conflict. Following this solemn moment, students, staff, and community members embarked on a contemplative hike to the Elizabeth Evans Baker Peace Chapel. There, they participated in prayer, poetry, and song led by Pastor Ben Lattimer and current PACS students, with musical accompaniment by Marty Keeney, minister of music at Stone Church of the Brethren.
A workshop led by Daniel Bryan, Baker Institute fellow and executive director of the Pachaysana Institute, delved into the practical aspects of peace work, examining its essence and implementation in everyday action. The day ended in a Baker Institute Advisory Board gathering for a welcome dinner to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year.
Baker Institute Fellow Daniel Bryan’s workshop titled ‘Actions for Peace.’
PHOTO: MAGGIE ECKROAT ’26
Huntingdon community members, students, staff, and faculty at the Peace Chapel.
PHOTO: CALLAN BEIDEMAN ’25
Marty Keeney sang and played his bugle for the International Day of Peace event.
PHOTO: CALLAN BEIDEMAN ’25
ISRAEL AND PALESTINE CONFLICT
October 2023–May 2024 Huntingdon, Pa.
The Baker Institute designed programs about the Israel-Palestine conflict, which erupted just three days after the conclusion of The Baker Institute International Symposium on October 7, 2023. Recognizing the urgent need for action, the institute organized programming tailored for the Juniata College campus community. This multi-faceted approach encompassed several key components:
1.GriefSupport: Providing a platform for individuals to process emotions surrounding conflict.
A community peace vigil for Israel and Palestine was held on October 18 on the Juniata College quad. Community members were welcome to engage in fellowship and reflection. Director Zia Haque shared a message of hope, followed by a collective moment of silence and meditation.
2.InquisitiveDialogue: Facilitating question and answer session to exchange with respect.
A collective office hour with Juniata professors was held on October 24 to gain better insights into the origin and status of the conflict in Gaza. Representatives from the Peace and Conflict Studies, Politics, History, and Religion Departments were available for one-on-one and collective inquiry. This event was held at The Oller Center for Peace and International Programs.
3.ExpertAnalysis: Engaging specialists in conflict resolution to offer insights and analysis.
The Baker Institute hosted an expert discussion titled “Israel/ Palestine: Roads to System Transformation” on November 14. This event was led by two peace and conflict studies authorities, Lisa Schirch, chair of peace studies at the University of Notre Dame, and Richard Rubenstein, professor emeritus of conflict resolution and public affairs at George Mason University. The program served as a platform for gaining insights into the evolving complexities of conflict and brainstorming potential pathways for conflict resolution.
4.InformationDissemination: Sharing reliable information to foster understanding.
Juniata College requested The Baker Insitute’s expertise in creating a reading list and a small resource library to serve the faculty, staff, and students in finding scholarly perspectives on this conflict.
5.ActivismandAdvocacy: Empowering individuals to take meaningful action.
The Baker Institute created the Student Advocacy Stipend to assist student advocacy efforts. Through dialogue with The Baker Institute, students created a fundraiser which raised $1,000 for a vetted humanitarian aid organization.
Lisa Shirch, Ph.D. and Rich Rubenstein, Ph.D. presented at Juniata College to provide analysis on this conflict.
PHOTO: PROVIDED BY SPEAKERS, EDITED BY KAITLYN GRANGER AND APPROVED BY SPEAKERS.
“Following an attack launched by Hamas on October 7—the largest in Israel’s history—Israel’s military began an offensive on the Palestinian Gaza enclave. In the weeks that have followed, thousands have been killed, and a devastating humanitarian crisis continues to unfold...At a time of intense disagreements and extreme polarization around the Israel/ Palestinian conflict issues and profound grief and struggle to process this pain, the Baker Institute at Juniata College delighted to offer this educational space to understand the evolving issues of the conflict and find ways for peace and conflict resolution.”
—Zia Haque, Director, The Baker Institute
The ‘Israel/Palestine: Roads to Systems Transformation’ event drew a crowd of more than 70 Huntingdon community members, students, staff, and faculty.
PHOTO: KAITLYN GRANGER
The Baker Institute maintained a collection of 30 books as part of our information dissemination efforts.
PHOTO: KAITLYN GRANGER
Student-led fundraising for humanitarian aid relief effort overseas.
PHOTO: PROVIDED BY SARENE GOETZ ‘24
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
The New Cold War?
Strategic Competition and the Future World Order October 4–5, 2023 Huntingdon, Pa.
The Baker Institute International Symposiums aim to engage scholars and practitioners of peace and conflict resolution through dialogue on pressing social issues facing the world in the 21st century. Expert panelists share their diverse global perspectives with students, employees, and interested community members. This year, the international symposium explored how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has impacted international relations and the post-World War II security structure in Europe. The sessions focused on multipolarity and new strategic competitions between global nations.
The symposium drew a standing-room-only crowd of 300 participants, who heard from panelists Adeye Adeto, current commissioner for the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission; Leoni Cuelenaere, a former ambassador with over 20 years of service in the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Chris Dolan, expert member of the White House Transition Project; Ibrahim Fraihat, associate professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies and international consultant on conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction in the Arab world; Kenji Isezaki, emeritus professor at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and former director of the United Nations-supported disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration effort in Afghanistan; and Emily Welty, director of Peace and Justice Studies at Pace University and part of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons.
“The symposium focused on the barriers to peace in modern international relations and how large foreign powers maintain substantial influence over smaller nations. The emphasis on nonWestern perspectives on international relations was a powerful aspect of this event. The panelists examined on-going international conflicts and pathways for peace. As a senior politics and criminal justice student, I have found The International Symposiums to be beneficial in hosting civil discourse and critical thinking.”
Symposium panelists with college provost, symposium moderators, and planning team.
PHOTO: NATE THOMPSON ’05
—Samuel Reid ’24
Baker Institute Fellow presenting on the background and history of the Cold War.
PHOTO: NATE THOMPSON ’05
HIGH SCHOOL CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROGRAM
May 17–19, 2024 Huntingdon, Pa.
The Baker Institute Summer Conflict Resolution Program is a three-day program for high school students to explore the complexities of interpersonal conflict analysis and resolution. Through workshops and interactive sessions, student participants cultivated essential skills in conflict resolution, positive communication, and collaborative problem-solving. Director Zia Haque and Amr Abdalla led students in these academic sessions. This program was run in partnership with Carlisle Area High School and their Model UN program led by social studies program chair Kevin Wagner. Sixteen high school students stayed in Juniata college residence halls, participating in role-play educational activities, while exploring the college and its Raystown Field Station.
This collaboration with Carlisle Area High School will continue in fall 2024, as a selection of high school students and staff will be sponsored to attend The Baker Institute 2024 International Symposium. A second Summer Conflict Resolution Program will be planned for May 2025, with hopes to expand the program to include another high school in the region.
“The strong collaborative and interactive nature of the program helped to get our students out of their comfort zones and learn diverse ways people can intervene in conflict. Through role playing and practice, our students were able to fine tune their active listening and mediation skills.”
—Kevin Wagner, Program Chair, Carlisle Area High School
Professor Abdalla with two student participants. ALL PHOTOS: JONATHAN HSIEH
High school program 2024 summer cohort.
Director Haque on Raystown Lake.
Students boating on Raystown Lake. Students received certificates upon program completion.
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
Class of 2024
Kyle Boyer
Communication and Conflict Resolution
Lewistown, Pa.
Jesse Knox
Media and Conflict
Chico, Ca.
Feleen Nancarvis
Peace and Conflict Studies
Secondary in Psychology and Religious Studies
Lancaster, Pa.
Deon Mendez
Peace and Conflict Studies
Secondary in HR Management and Criminal Justice
Colonial Beach, Va.
Samuel Reid
Politics & Criminal Justice
Secondary in Peace and Conflict Studies and Psychology
Round Hill, Va.
Sophia Parlati
Environmental Science
Secondary in Peace and Conflict Studies
New Bloomfield, Pa.
Baker Institute Student Employees
Juniata Associate: Samuel Reid ’24
Student Assistants: Karissa Hirt ’24, Amelia Kiepke ’25, Karma Floyd ’26, Jack Polglaze ’27
Teaching Assistant: Bailey Saunders ‘ 25
First-year students attending an inbound event at The Elizabeth Evans Peace Chapel.
PHOTO: MAGGIE ECKROAT ’26
Samuel Reid ‘24 served as the Juniata Associate over the 2023-2024 academic year.
PHOTO: MAGGIE ECKROAT ’26
Senior Communication and Conflict Resolution student, Kyle Boyer ‘24.
PHOTO: MAGGIE ECKROAT ’26
STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
May–August 2024
Student summer internship positions connected to The Baker Institute’s mission provide 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 or whose work in other fields includes exploring issues relevant to The Baker Institute mission. In 2023-2024, the institute supported two students fully through our traditional stipend. In addition, seven students participating in Juniata’s Super Internship Program received partial funding through The Baker Institute.
Amelia Kiepke ’25
Peace and Criminal Justice
Secondary in Communication
Susquehanna Valley Mediation; Selinsgrove, Pa.
“Throughout my internship I learned how to implement and follow the organization’s transformative model of mediation, and work with members of the larger community. I am excited by the possibility of working with this organization again.”
Amelia Kiepke ’25
Super Internship Awards
Tamanna Chhabra ’26
Psychology
Secondary in Criminal Justice
Spectrum Foundation Group; Auckland, New Zealand
Giselle Godinez ’25
Marketing and Politics
Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty Studies; The Gateway Center; Atlanta, GA
Estefany Granados Saravia ’27
Strategic Communications
Secondary in Management and Spanish
Miguel Angel Asturias Academy; Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Ana Herrera-Moreno ’24
Business
Miguel Angel Asturias Academy; Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Guenmin (Tim) Kim ’25
Psychology
Bailey Saunders ’25
Politics
Secondary in Economics
Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas; Tuxtla Gutiérrez, México
“Having the opportunity to complete an internship in another country has been an amazing chance for me to grow independently and professionally. I am grateful to learn about newfound customs and culture while completing research assignments.”
Bailey Saunders ’25
Secondary in Education & Religious Studies
Disciple Makers; State College, Pa
Talia Smith ’25
Biology and Spanish
Secondary in Psychology
Miguel Angel Asturias Academy; Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Abby Sunchen ’25
Psychology
Secondary in Data Science
Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty Studies; The Bradley Free Clinic; Roanoke, VA
Bailey Saunders ‘25 spent her summer internship in Mexico.
PHOTO: MAGGIE ECKROAT ‘26
LIBERAL ARTS SYMPOSIUM
April 18, 2024
The Juniata College Liberal Arts Symposium is a day-long celebration of student research and scholarship. Professor Haque’s course Gender and Conflict held a special poster session titled “Global Research on Gender Conflicts,” highlighting class research on a specific geographic region and community relating to gender violence. Groups of 2-3 students selected a specific country or region and researched gender-based violence in that area. Ten posters were created to cover a myriad of topics from countries including Rwanda, Japan, France, South Korea, among others.
STUDENT PEACE FUND: MIGRATION IN MEXICO
May 13–27, 2024
Through The Baker Institute Student Peace Fund, The Baker Institute was able to support three student study abroad experiences in Mexico in May 2024. These students were enrolled in a Juniata College course titled North America Migration Policies, which included an educational short-term study abroad program to southern Mexico taught by Emil Nagengast, professor of politics and international studies, in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Chiapas. Students engaged directly with the realities of migration policies through lectures and visits to migration detention centers.
Jack Polglaze ’27
Peace and Conflict Studies
Secondary in Spanish Sage Winters ’27
Legal Studies
Secondary in Spanish Royal Yu ’24
Psychology and Data Science
“The US-Mexico border is also relevant to global peace and human rights. Today’s migrant shelters not only house immigrants from Central and South American countries but also various individuals from Eurasia facing human rights/world conflict challenges - those fleeing their country due to local violence or war or escaping government oppression. Due to its geographical position connecting America with Central and South America, Mexico has been placed under immense pressure regarding immigration issues.”
Royal Yu ‘24
Amelia Kiepke ‘25 presenting on gender in post-conflict Rwanda.
PHOTO: JOYCE YONG
Twenty students participated in this group session at LAS.
PHOTO: JOYCE YONG
Eyewitness of Migration in Mexico 2024 Cohort PHOTO: PROVIDED BY JACK POLGLAZE ‘27
PAX-O
PAX-Organization (PAX-O) is a peace and advocacy club on campus created to support student social justice efforts. In the 2023-2024 academic year, PAX-O fulfilled its mission with the events listed below:
International Day of Peace (September 21, 2023)
Souls Shot Portraits Exhibition tour at The Juniata College Museum of Art (October 9, 2023)
Indigenous People’s Day signage on the quad (October 10, 2023)
Upcycling The Baker Institute historic photo slides holiday event (December 7, 2023)
Night of a Thousand Dinners (March 6, 2024)
Peaceful screen-printing craft event (April 7, 2024)
NIGHT OF A THOUSAND DINNERS
March 6, 2024 Huntingdon, Pa.
Night of a Thousand Dinners provides students with an opportunity to connect with each other and the college, while raising money to support a local charity. Juniata faculty and staff are tasked with preparing meals and hosting students for a meal in their homes. The event’s proceeds were donated to Huntingdon House, an agency supporting domestic violence survivors. Seventy Juniata students, staff, faculty, and alums participated in this event to raise $400 and supplies for the community shelter. This partnership was facilitated by Molly Harris ‘21, director of coordinated community response at Huntingdon House.
GETTYSBURG FIELD TRIP
April 13, 2024 Gettysburg, Pa.
The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies sponsored a field trip to Gettysburg Battlefield in Gettysburg, Pa. This trip sought to explore one of the most crucial battles in American history. Students had the chance to walk in the footsteps of soldiers and understand historic warfare. This program was joined by Jim Tuten, Ph.D., Charles R. and Shirley A. Knox Professor of History; Margaret Skrivseth, executive director of the Huntingdon County Historical Society; and Fred Lang, vice president of the Huntingdon County Historical Society Board of Trustees
Professor Jim Tuten and Professor Belle Tuten’s Night of a Thousand Dinners Meal.
PHOTO: JIM TUTEN
PAX-O 2023-2024 President, Amelia Kiepke ‘25, and Treasurer, Bailey Saunders ‘25 at Lobsterfest.
PHOTO: KARMA FLOYD ‘26
The Pennsylvania State Memorial monument in Gettysburg National Military Park.
PHOTO: KAITLYN GRANGER
www.juniata.edu/pacs