Brevard College is excited to announce a new partnership with the non-governmental organization (NGO) Release Peace.
Headquartered in The Hague, Release Peace was founded in 2019 and conducts high-level advocacy in pursuit of peace and human security. This advocacy involves dialogue with United Nations agencies, senior foreign ministry officials, and ambassadorial staff.
Additionally, Release Peace is involved in educational advocacy via their annual global conference and digital magazine.
As part of the partnership, Brevard College will participate in Release Peace’s annual global conference, scheduled for April 11, 12, and 15. The event is virtual, and all students, faculty, and staff can register.
The campus community also gets full access to the digital magazine, to which faculty and students will have the opportunity to contribute.
Release Peace approached Dr. Jordan Kuck, Associate Professor of History, Chair of the Humanities Division, and Director of the Honors Program at Brevard College, earlier this year about a partnership. According to Kuck, they were impressed with the College’s mission and focus on experiential education.
“I was a little surprised when they reached out,” said Kuck. “But the group of scholars who study the Baltic states is small, so it makes sense that they might have come across my recent work.” Kuck has written and presented publicly his scholarship on the Baltic states several times this year.
Kuck also explained that the organization has, until now, mostly partnered with institutions in Europe and the director is now trying to expand into the U.S. The goal is to work with more students, thus providing more experiential learning opportunities.
“I think one of the most fun aspects about the partnership is the opportunity for our students to participate in a networking panel during the conference,” said Kuck. “It will be a great chance for them to meet and learn from global thought leaders, making space for cross-cultural exchange and even the potential for future professional opportunities.”
Release Peace told Kuck that other U.S. higher ed institutions, including Columbia University, John Hopkins University and Middlebury College, are also partners. “This is such an exciting opportunity for Brevard faculty and students,” remarked Dr. Jennifer Frick-Ruppert, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty. “Brevard College has a lot to offer to these conversations, and I am confident that our community members will represent us well.”