PACS oral history

Title: Peace and Conflict Studies directors and undergraduate advisors oral history conversation, 5 Aug 2014

Physical description: 3 optical discs

Administrative history: The Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) program at Conrad Grebel University College began in 1977. On 5 Aug 2014, the current PACS Director, Lowell Ewert, invited former directors, faculty members and undergraduate advisors to participate in a day-long oral history recording.

Custodial history: Transferred to the Archives in 2014

Scope and content: The day of reflection consisted of three sessions, moderated by Lowell Ewert. The program was recorded in .mp4 format (audio and visual), .mp3 format (audio only) and .wav (audio only). The program was as follows:

9:00 – Welcome by moderator Lowell Ewert, explanation of the format of the event and introductions

9:15 – 10:45 – Round 1 – The historical context for the formation of PACS:

• Conrad Brunk, the first Director of PACS, to discuss why the PACS program was envisioned, the environment at UW at the time of the formation of PACS, and how this impacted program design.
• Ernie Regehr, a principle founder of Project Ploughshares, the first PACS affiliate, to focus on the political context during which PACS and Ploughshares were formed, and how these environmental factors impacted the approach to peace research and peace studies.
• Respondent - Dean Peachey, a principle founder of the second PACS Affiliate, Conflict Resolution Network Canada, former PACS instructor.

11:00 – 12:30 – Round 2 – Reflections on the growth of an idea:

• Ron Mathies, Director of PACS from 1986 – 1996, will discuss and evaluate his experience of implementing the internship program, strengthening partnerships, and leading the program through the first period of growth.
• Lowell Ewert, Director of PACS since 1997, will focus on the more recent environment for PACS at UW and the motivation and impact of the launch of the Certificate Program, PACS BA and Masters.
• Respondent - Hildi Froese Tiessen, former Dean of Grebel, and interim PACS Director.

1:15 – 2:45 - Round 3 – Reflections on the current or potential ripple effect:

• Tom Yoder Neufeld, former Undergraduate Advisor of PACS for almost 10 years, will reflect about the mission and purpose of PACS and the how it relates to the mission of Grebel.
• Mary Lou Klassen, former Undergraduate Advisor of PACS, assistant in developing the BA and Masters, will comment on the placement of PACS in the context of international poverty, war and conflict. 
• Respondent – Arnold Snyder, former Director of PACS.

2:45 – 3:00 –  Summary - concluding comments or observations:

• Reina Neufeldt, PACS Faculty member.
• Susan Schultz Huxman, Conrad Grebel University College President.