Is Your University President An “Intentional Peacemaker?” This One Is!

Posted on | October 12, 2023 | 6 Comments

Mike Magee

Two days before Hamas launched its barbaric attack on Israel, a U.S. based university president delivered a Keynote Address at an International Peace Conference in South Korea. Here were his opening words:

“In the contemporary world that is somehow both entirely interconnected and increasingly divided, the need to develop peacemakers has never been more pronounced. As a university president, I feel especially responsible to fulfill this need – to develop peacemakers is as noble an endeavorer for our institution of higher learning as I can imagine. Colleges and universities are where young minds evolve, perspectives are broadened, ambitions are shaped. If these institutions are intentional about their work, they can create in the hearts and the minds of young people the building blocks for peace around the world, strong ethical foundations, intercultural understanding, radical empathy, and the skills to solve complex problems and make change. They have the power to shape the values, ambition, and intentions in the next generation of global leaders and citizens.”

“This university was designed with a mission in mind – to develop problem solvers, entrepreneurs, and wise leaders from around the globe and to weave them together as a community committed to a more peaceful, sustainable, and equitable future for all. We’ve created an institution where training global citizens isn’t an afterthought, but the foundation of our work. It’s at the heart of everything we do. Our students come to us from over 100 nations, are accepted based on talent and character, rather than economic background and status. So what does this look like for us? Developing global responsibility is a combination of global exposure, intercultural understanding, lessons in civil discourse, and proximity to a global community.”

Take a moment to view his whole address here: https://www.youtube.com/live/sIsDrWJLlcw?feature=shared&t=13374

And read an interview that followed in the Korean press here: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2023-10-05/national/kcampus/Universities-must-do-more-to-cultivate-futures-problem-solvers/1883894

How does your president, faculty and student body stack up to his when it comes to the intentional creation of “peacemakers?”

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Full Disclosure: The university president noted above is related to Mike Magee.

Comments

6 Responses to “Is Your University President An “Intentional Peacemaker?” This One Is!”

Bob Kamm
October 12th, 2023 @ 1:28 pm

Thanks Mike, excellent and inspiring keynote address. Yes, we and our leaders need to be more intentional about peacemaking. I was not aware of Minerva University or your son’s role so thank you so much for this…it gives me hope for our future and the young leaders who will lead us toward peace.
Mike Magee
October 12th, 2023 @ 3:35 pm

Thanks, Bob! Michael is the right leader at the right time. His quote fro MLK Jr. was on the mark, especially in light of the recent tragedies and our own governance challenges: ““Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” Best, Mike
gagan
October 13th, 2023 @ 5:23 am

Great Post
Mike Magee
October 13th, 2023 @ 8:59 am

Thanks, gagan.
Lawrence Williams
October 15th, 2023 @ 2:12 am

Well Michael. It is obvious that you and Patricia have raised a group of amazing kids who have become incredible young adults. All those years ago at Le Moyne College I just did not realize that for 4 years I shared a room in the presence 1/2 of an entity of future parental preeminence.
Your son eloquently speaks about the methodology of educating badly needed peacemakers. In today’s world that is indeed a daunting task. But I can honestly say that if anyone can accomplish such a task it will be a Magee.
As always I send you and Patricia my love, respect and gratitude for our times together.
Mike Magee
October 19th, 2023 @ 10:46 am

Thanks, Larry, for your kind words and friendship. In this day and age, conflict abounds, and peace is hard fought. Hopefully we’ll continue to spawn children and grandchildren committed to peace and goodness. Best, Mike