The President’s Peace Commission of St. Mary's University was established in December 1984 with a mission to raise awareness among the St. Mary’s University and San Antonio communities about issues of peace and justice. The Commission realizes this goal by developing and hosting multi-day programs every fall and spring semester that are attended by students, faculty, staff and members of the San Antonio community. To date, more than 35 programs have been held with a combined attendance of over 75,000 people.

In addition, during its spring program, the Commission gives the Art of Peace Award to an artist whose work embodies the quest for justice and peace and is recognized by the artistic community. Typically, the artist has a relationship with the St. Mary's University community and generally her or his work is related to the overall spring program theme. The Commission also sponsors a Peace Concert, usually in the spring, performed by the University's Music Department. In reaching out to other University departments, offices, schools, and organizations, the Commission co-sponsors a variety of events and activities.

The Commission itself is composed of faculty, students, and staff who meet weekly during the academic year in a uniquely collaborative fashion to develop themes for each program as well as to select speakers for each panel. This is an educative process for all involved as we discuss pressing issues and make decisions about the content of each panel. In addition, Commissioners frequently act as hosts for these panels providing an additional opportunity for our students to develop important skills in public speaking. Since our first program in 1986, more than 150 students, staff and faculty have served as Commissioners.