MU | N e w s
Ceremony in NM marks 70th anniversary of United Nations
Students, faculty and staff gathered outside
the Jo Young Switzer Center on the North
Manchester campus Oct. 26 to observe the
70th anniversary of the United Nations. 1922
Manchester graduate Andrew Cordier, a
former professor at MU, helped draft the
U.N. Charter during World War II and later
served as assistant to the first two U.N. secretaries general.
Manchester flies the U.N. flag daily as a tribute to Cordier’s
contributions and as a reflection of Manchester’s commitment to
world peace. MU established the world’s first undergraduate peace
studies program in 1948.
MU adds Muir Professorship
in Peace Studies
President Dave McFadden announced
Jan. 15 that MU has reached the $1.5
million needed to fund the Gladdys
Muir Endowed Professorship in
Peace Studies.
Muir, then an MU professor,
launched the world’s first
undergraduate peace studies
program at Manchester in 1948.
Nearly 70 years later, her
groundbreaking program still examines issues of interpersonal
conflict and structural injustice.
The new position at Manchester will encourage scholarship and
effective teaching, and strengthen the University’s ability to
educate students across disciplinary boundaries. It also enhances
MU’s reputation as a global leader in peace studies education.
As an endowed fund, the principal will remain invested, with the
earnings from that investment intended to secure the professorship
in perpetuity.
A Peace Studies Advisory Council first recommended a professorship
in 1992. Since then, major support has come from Lilly Endowment
Inc., through its Plowshares program, and many individual gifts from
alumni and friends.
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The flag is a “statement of hope,” said Tim McElwee ’78, vice
president for academic resources and a peace studies graduate. “It is an
affirmation that diversity and differences in our world must be honored
and celebrated,” he told the group. “It is a declaration that this world of
ours is comprised of one human family and that our needs and interests
are inextricably bound with one another.”
Manchester is the only university in the United States to hold
permanent observer status with the U.N. as a non-governmental
organization (NGO). NGO status gives Manchester representatives
access to U.N. proceedings and, with permission, opportunity to
actively debate issues on the floor of the U.N. General Assembly.
In the closing days of December and with $46,000 to go toward the
$1.5 million goal, an anonymous donor offered to match, dollar for
dollar, year-end gifts up to $25,000. “Through the generosity of many
dedicated alumni and donors,” McFadden said, “our colleagues in the
Office of Advancement reached the goal around 4:20 p.m. Dec. 31 –
with 40 minutes to spare!”
McFadden extended a special thank you to his predecessor, Jo Young
Switzer, for shepherding this vision throughout her presidency.
By Emily Barrand ’16
Switzer book provides
window into 10 years at MU
For each month of her 10-year presidency
at Manchester, Jo Young ’69 Switzer
shared her essays, reflections and news
in an email communiqué, President’s
Notes. Collectively, these regular emails to
thousands of alumni and friends around
the world reflect the values of Manchester
University and celebrate the personal and
professional triumphs of Manchester’s
remarkable people.
Excerpts from those Notes have been collected in a new book, Notes from
the President, A Window into Manchester University 2004-2014. The book is
available in the Campus Store for $14.95 and can be ordered online. A
Kindle version is available through Amazon.