The Norman Miller Center at SNC – Identity Statement

Identity Statement

2023 heralds the 125th anniversary of St. Norbert College, the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the 25th anniversary of the Norman Miller Center for Peace, Justice & Public Understanding (formerly the Peace and Justice Center).

This anniversary year arrives at a time when the relevance of both higher education and the human rights tradition is widely questioned.

Increasing nationalism, xenophobia, and political polarization have prioritized fears of cultural survival over the Common Good. Disinformation and social media silos have eroded trust in education, science, and the possibility of shared understanding, resulting in widespread withdrawal from public discourse.

Against such trends, we maintain hope.

The theologian Jürgen Moltmann argued that hope begins with protest — the recognition that today is not the tomorrow we looked forward to yesterday.

To protest is to observe and object to the way things are, perhaps railing inside at injustice, environmental degradation, or violations of human dignity.

One form of hopelessness is despair — to protest the present while believing nothing will ever change.

A worse form of hopelessness is apathy — that state of mind that no longer protests, because it no longer cares.

At the Norman Miller Center, we care a great deal.

Grounded in Norbertine values, Catholic Social Teaching, and the human rights tradition, we strive for a world that has not yet come to pass, and we begin with our own community.

Politically, Wisconsin has become a battleground. St. Norbert College is in one of the most critical swing districts in one of the most critical swing states in a divided union.

Millions of dollars in political advertising and disinformation fuel an atmosphere of distrust and polarization, leaving many of our students intimidated and disengaged.

How can we build mutual respect, shared commitments to the Common Good, and critical conversations about intentionally divisive issues?

How can we help students and community members participate in elections with confidence and enthusiasm?

Culturally, Wisconsin is becoming increasingly diverse.

The Hispanic population of Green Bay is approaching twenty percent, and thousands of refugees, particularly Hmong and Somali, have become vital members of our community. The last two years have seen about 2,000 new arrivals from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the DRC, with double that number expected in 2024.

We want to teach our students, by word and example, the importance of community and mutual respect.

Reflecting our commitments to human rights, interfaith understanding, and radical hospitality, how can we combat racism, religious intolerance, and xenophobia while learning from and embracing our newest neighbors?

St. Norbert College adjoins the Fox River, a rejuvenated waterway that flows into Green Bay, the world’s largest freshwater estuary, and ultimately to Lake Michigan, part of the largest freshwater system on Earth. Roughly 20 percent of the world’s fresh water is found in the Great Lakes. For us, environmental sustainability literally begins in our backyard.

Understandably, today’s students care more about climate change and protecting the environment than any previous generation. How can we work alongside them, offering conduits of engagement for their ideals?

At the Norman Miller Center, our educational programs increase awareness about critical issues and help students, faculty, and community members understand how they can make a difference in the world, beginning at home.

We also build collaborative networks, organize communities, and conduct research to promote change through responsible action.

Perhaps most importantly, we combat apathy by demonstrating that change is both desirable and possible.

Addressing the specific student, faculty, and community needs previously described: We cultivate public understanding across lines of political, religious, and cultural difference through high-profile lectures, student-led deliberative dialogue, and educational trips.

We promote civic engagement through non-partisan voter education, training, and community service.

We support human rights for disadvantaged populations, with an emphasis on refugees both at home and abroad, through educational programs, community partnerships, and local and international service-learning opportunities.

We promote environmental sustainability by forging institutional and community partnerships that act strategically and collaboratively.

Twenty-five years after its founding, the Norman Miller Center for Peace, Justice & Public Understanding continues to contribute to the mission of St. Norbert College through education and advocacy, fostering the intellectual, spiritual, and personal development of students.

In keeping with the college’s three core traditions, we train students to: uphold the sacred dignity of all persons; seek truth through an ongoing dialogue among faith, reason and culture; utilize knowledge to promote a Gospel vision of justice;

seek peace and reconciliation in the spirit of St. Norbert; respond to the needs of our global and local communities; dialogue with diverse cultures, perspectives and beliefs; and think critically as responsible members of society.

August 2023

This document uses photos by the Norman Miller Center, Robert Pyne, and the Emmaus Center.

This layout was designed by Catherine Nelson and typset in Noto Sans.