St.Mary�s University
President's Peace Commission
Fall Program
October 22 - 25, 2007
University Center, Conference Room A

Genocide in Darfur:
Responding to Their Cries

In Darfur, Sudan, a terrible tragedy has been unfolding largely unnoticed by the general public.While acts of genocide are condemned by the international community, few steps have been taken to stop the violence, which has resulted in the death of 400,000 and the displacement of over two million people.

All sessions are free and open to the public

Monday, Oct. 22, 2007

6:30 p.m. Candelight Vigil for Darfur
Location: Assumption Chapel, Reinbolt Hall
7�9 p.m. The Devil Came on Horseback
Location: University Center, Conference Room A
Moderator: Victoria Smith, educational outreach coordinator,
The Devil Came on Horseback documentary

Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007

9:45�11 a.m. Brutal History: Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing
Invocation: Rev. Bernard Lee, S.M., Th.D.,
vice president for Mission and Identity, St.Mary�s
Speaker: Jason Small, deputy director of African Affairs,
Sudan Policy Group, U.S.Department of State
Moderator: President Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D., St.Mary�s
11:10�12:25 p.m. Stories of Survival: Living Testimonies
Speakers: Jewish Federation - San Antonio, Holocaust survivor
Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program, survival story
San Antonio Interfaith Darfur Coalition, story of survival from Darfur
Papy Mucho, Rwanda genocide survivor and refugee under attack in Congo
Moderator: Wayne Romo*, director, University Ministry, St.Mary�s
12:35�1:50 p.m. Disaster in Darfur: The Basics
Speakers: Victoria Smith, educational outreach coordinator,
The Devil Came on Horseback documentary
Jonathan Gurwitz, columnist, San Antonio Express-News
Moderator: Floyd Contreras*, student, St.Mary�s

Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007

9:20�10:10 a.m. The Danger of Indifference
Speakers: Cary Clack, columnist, San Antonio Express-News
Rev. Ann Helmke, animating director, San Antonio peaceCENTER
Natalie Montelongo, student, St.Mary�s
Moderator: Rev. Lib McGregor Simmons, pastor, University
Presbyterian Church
10:20�11:10 a.m. High Technology and Society: Science, Engineering, and Genocide
Speakers: Fall 2007 High Technology and Society students
Moderators: Rafael Moras, Ph.D., director, graduate engineering program, St.Mary�s Gianantonio �Jonathan� Michelon, professor and administrative assistant, St.Mary�s
11:20�12:10 p.m. Working for Peace and Justice: Grassroots Response
Speakers: Charles Parker, student, St.Mary�s
Susan Smylie, San Antonio Interfaith Darfur Coalition,webmaster, San Antonio
Dream for Darfur Torch Run Jordan E.Travis, director of social responsibilities,Volunteer Action Community,
Trinity University
Moderator: Misha McDonald*, student, St.Mary�s 12:20�1:10 p.m. Failed Response: International Organizations and International Law
12:20�1:10 p.m. Failed Response: International Organizations and International Law
Speakers: Boyka Stefanova, Ph.D., political science, UTSA Robert L. Summers, Jr., J.D., School of Law, director, LLM Programs, St.Mary�s
Moderator: Vanessa Col�n*, student, St.Mary�s

Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007

9:45�11:00 a.m. Refugee Camps: The Risk of Disease
Speakers: Caesar Ricci, humanitarian medical student, UTHSCSA
Paula Walker, director, Refugee Resettlement Program, Catholic Charities of San Antonio
Moderator: Elijah Akhahenda, Ph.D.*, English & Communication studies, St.Mary�s
11:10�12:25 p.m. The Three Faces of Genocide: Uganda, Kosovo and Darfur
Speakers: Sally M. Baynton, Ph.D.,D.M., director, Composition
Bridge Program, English Department, UIW
C�line A. Jacquemin, Ph.D.*, political science, director, Undergraduate
International Relations Program, St.Mary�s
Moderator: Leona Pallansch, Ph.D.*, political science, director,
Graduate International Relations Program, St.Mary�s
12:35�1:50 p.m. Recovering from Genocide: Truth and Reconciliation
H. E. Eng. James Kimonyo, ambassador, Republic of Rwanda,
Rev. RudyVela, S.M.,D.Min.*, theology, St.Mary�s
Moderator: Alfonso de la Torre*, student, St.Mary�s

*PPC Member

 

President's Peace Commission Mission Statement

The President's Peace Commission fosters an ethical commitment to participate in the establishment of world peace and social justice.The Commission encourages respect for human rights and dignity of all people.The Commission annually hosts symposia that offer opportunities for students, faculty and staff to grow in their active pursuit of peace and justice.Through the symposia and other activities, the Commission seeks to build within the St.Mary�s community a greater awareness of the Roman Catholic and Marianist perspectives on peace and justice.The President's Peace Commission reflects the University community through student, staff and faculty representatives appointed by the University President.

For more information, visit us online at
http://www.stmarytx.edu/ppc/

Students: Vanessa Col�n
Floyd Contreras
Alfonso de la Torre
Misha McDonald
Magdalena Ortega
Lauren Sanchez
David Zapata
Staff: Paul Felarca
KellyAnn Grace
Wayne Romo, MTS
Faculty: Elijah Akhahenda, Ph.D.
C�line A. Jacquemin, Ph.D.
Camille Langston, Ph.D.
Richard S. Pressman, Ph.D.
Leona Pallansch, Ph.D.
Rev. Rudy Vela, S.M.,D.Min.
Cover Photo: "Darfur Girl"
by Caesar Ricci 2007


A Catholic and Marianist Liberal Arts Institution