President's Peace Commission

Ms. Jerilynn Walker, member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Ms. Linda Mockeridge, a meditation instructor at the San Antonio Shambhala Center. Ms. Mockeridge discusses the philosophy behind the Shambhala Center and the benefits of meditation. She leads the assembly in meditation exercises, stresses the importance of visualization, and states that meditation and psychotherapy complement each other. (68 minutes)

Ms. Dyaneh Arredondo presents guest speaker Dr. Alice Kersnowski, member of the President's Peace Commission and professor of English at St. Mary's University, and respondent Sr. Ann Semel, SSND, chair of the English and Communications Studies undergraduate program at St. Mary's University and a founding member of the President's Peace Commission. The speakers explore language as a means of visualizing and even mediating peace. It is stated that the languages of war and peace are embedded in all cultures. A film entitled, "If the World Goes Away, Where Will the Children Play?," about nuclear disarmament, is shown. Some discussion ensues. (64 minutes)

Ms. Victoria Hurtado, member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Mr. Kurt Weber, Ph.D., post doctoral fellow at St. Mary's University Counseling and Testing Center. Dr. Weber discusses common sources of anger, and anger's function. He outlines common accompanying cognitive distortions and suggests coping skills to address these and to manage one's anger; these include changing one's environment, timing, avoidance, and finding alternatives. Dr. Weber suggests sources of further information and support. Some discussion ensues. (70 minutes)

In the first program, host Dr. Charles Cotrell, acting president of St. Mary's University, introduces presenter Bryce Milligan, director of the literature program at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. Mr. Milligan outlines the life and accomplishments and presents the recipient of the Art of Peace Award, Mr. John Phillip Santos, noted author and documentary film producer. Mr. Santos reads selections from his National Book Award-nominated autobiographical work, Places Left Unfinished at the Time of Creation [3d Floor, Call Number F394.S2119 M5175 1999] shows excerpts of his films, "Hunger for God, Hunger for Bread," and "Late City," and discusses how these works, as well as other life experiences, shaped and were shaped by a greater life work of pursuing meaning in personal, familial, spiritual, and humanitarian spheres.

In the second program, St. Mary’s University Concert Band performs under the direction of student conductor Jenni Willis-Opalenik, and then with conductor Gary Rosenblatt, and with piano accompaniment by Professor John P. Moore. The pieces performed are: Terig Tucci's "Lola Flores" (arranged by John Krance); Percy Grainger's "Colonial Song"; Mark Camphouse's "A Movement for Rosa"; and Vittorio Giannini's Symphony No. 3, Movement 1." (95 minutes)

Dr. Dan Ratliff, director of the the Family Life Center of St. Mary's University, presents three St. Mary's counseling doctoral students: Ms. Wen-Mei Chou, Mr. Steve Farmer, and Ms. Judy Ramos. After a short dramatic enactment, each student delivers a presentation on interpersonal relationships -- specifically, strategies for relationship growth, characteristics of behavior and language use in healthy and unhealthy relationships, and how to express commitment to your mate (both verbally and nonverbally). (43 minutes)

Ms. Márida Carmona, member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Ms. Jane Nethercutt and Ms. Nancy Lehman-Carsow, faculty members at Sidney Lanier High School in Austin, Texas, and Lanier students Lubna Bora, Stephanie Hernandez, and Jamie Bottomley. Ms. Nethercutt describes how, in response to student requests following the "yogurt shop murders" in 1991, in which four Lanier students were killed, the school began to participate in Peer Assistance Leadership, in which younger at-risk students are mentored, and participate in other peace-related activities. The faculty and students describe projects in which they have been active, as well as the impact these non-violence-related activities have had on the school as a whole. Questions ensue. (41 minutes)

Dr. Inmaculada de Melo-Martín, member of the President's Peace Commission, presents St. Mary's University students Rebeca Reyna, Adan Balboa, Stephanie E. Bocanegra, and recent graduate Marcus S. Fonseca. It is stated that the connection between environmentalism and peace is based on acknowledgment that ultimately we all share the same home. Each student discusses his or her work with E.R. ("Environmental Rescue"), a campus organization. Topics covered are: recycling, energy conservation, transportation and the environment, and environmental responsibility (in consumerism). (52 minutes)

Mr. Andy Hill, Associate Dean of Students at St. Mary's Univesity and member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Prof. Emily Hartigan, professor at St. Mary's University School of Law. Key elements of restorative justice -- the victim being provided opportunity to work through feelings, acknowledgment of injury to both individuals and the community, refocusing on victim-offender mediation, and 'sentencing circles', in which community provides input on financial restitution and how community service hours will be used -- are discussed. Two brief videos are shown which demonstrate the process in action. After the assembly breaks out into three groups to discuss ways to address an incident which occurred on campus, reports are delivered on issues raised during discussion. (53 minutes)

The Young Adult LULAC Agape Council of St. Mary's University presents a dramatic enactment of segregation. Subsequently, Phillip Vargas, member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Dr. Henry Flores, professor of political science at St. Mary's University, and Ms. Graciela Sanchez, director of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center. Dr. Flores relates personal experiences of segregation while growing up in San Antonio, serving in the Army, and amidst the politics of academia. He discusses the racial, cultural, and economic segregation that both shapes and is shaped by current political institutions. Ms. Sanchez intersperses songs with a story, in Spanish and English, illustrating the clash of indigenous and European civilizations. She discusses the cultural component of racism. (70 minutes)

Ms. Minita Santizo, member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Dr. Larry Hufford, director of the graduate program in international relations at St. Mary's University, and Ms. Laura Sanchez, San Antonio community activist and refugee worker. Both speakers describe their work for peace and justice in Central America and in aiding Central Americans in the United States and the powerful effect this work has had on their lives. They stress that: Christians are obligated to be people of hope and to work for justice; that poverty is the worst violence; that it is more important to become than to have; and that one can do much if one so chooses. (70 minutes)

Ms. Sophia Henrichs, member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Ms. Nubia Perez, St. Mary's University student and volunteer with several international humanitarian organizations, and Ms. Louise Gregg, St. Mary's University graduate student and former Peace Corps volunteer. Each speaker describes her experiences as a volunteer abroad, why she chose this work, the challenges posed by living conditions in developing countries, and the still greater challenge of reconciling their experiences with daily life in the United States. (70 minutes)