News

Baker College of Auburn Hills and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) will host a free, two-day conference on international peace and conflict management, Monday, June 29, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:15 p.m., and Tuesday, June 30, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., 1500 University Drive, Auburn Hills. A reception will also be held for participants and special guests on Monday, June 29, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Social studies and history teachers from Oakland County high schools are invited, as well as students from all Baker College campuses that offer teacher preparation programs. The conference will enhance teaching skills and knowledge base in the areas of current international conflicts/issues and efforts for peace as well as general conflict resolution. Highlights include investigation of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the piracy issues off the coast of Somali.

Guest presenters at the peace conference include:

• David J. Smith, JD, MS – senior program officer, education & training center/domestic, United States Institute of Peace
• Alison Milofsky, Ph.D. – special advisor, education & training center/domestic, United States Institute of Peace
• Abdi Kusow, Ph.D. – associate professor of sociology, Oakland University
• James J. Conlen, Ed.D. – dean, education and human service, Baker College of Auburn Hills
• Carey Ford, Ph.D. – social science department chair, Baker College of Auburn Hills
• Thomas S. Smith, Sr., Ph.D. – fellow, USIP 2003 Summer Institute; faculty, education and history, Baker College of Auburn Hills
• Peter Dougherty – Catholic priest, co-founder of Michigan Peace Team
• Emily Siegel – consultant, Interfaith Peace-Builders
• Irene Naser – outreach coordinator for Just Vision, a nonprofit organization that informs local and international audiences about under-documented Palestinian and Israeli joint civilian efforts to resolve the conflict nonviolently.

The deadline for reservations is June 26 and seating is limited to 60 participants. Lunch will be provided both days to all participants.

Light refreshments will be served at the Monday evening reception. For more information about the upcoming peace seminar or for a reservation form, contact either Dr. Jim Conlen or Dr. Thomas Smith at 248.276.8296.

The USIP is an independent, nonpartisan institution established and funded by Congress. Its goals are to help prevent and resolve violent international conflicts, promote post-conflict stability and development, and increase conflict management capacity, tools, and intellectual capital worldwide. The Institute does this by empowering others with knowledge, skills and resources, as well as by directly engaging in peace-building efforts around the globe.