Galloway, N.J. — Stockton Honors College students will get invaluable research and unique experiential learning opportunities after the university was one of just 16 worldwide to be named a Partners in Peace institution.

The designation is part of a new initiative between the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway, and the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). The Partners in Peace initiative recognizes council institutions for the achievements of their honors students and faculty in creating, implementing and assessing curricular and co-curricular offerings that highlight the work of Alfred Nobel and recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.

“We are very excited and thankful to partner with the NCHC, which allows us to connect with a wide range of students and educators who are passionate about making a difference,” said Kjersti Fløgstad, executive director of the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway. “Together, we can inspire meaningful conversations about peace and foster a spirit of dialogue, collaboration and learning.”

Stockton joins schools in the inaugural cohort from all over the United States, including California State University, Los Angeles, and the world, such as the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands.

Joshua Duntley, the director of Stockton’s Honors College, said the university was recognized after submitting a new Honors class titled “Partners in Peace” that will explore the history of the Nobel Peace Prize and the work and impact of Nobel Peace Laureates. In the class, Stockton students will use Nobel Peace Prize winners as inspiration for the development of programs and solutions to challenges faced by our university and the local community, he said.

“Our affiliation with the Nobel Peace Center is transformative for our Honors College,” said Duntley, who’s also an associate professor of Criminal Justice. “It vaults our ability to offer meaningful, impactful programming to our students that will make them informed, engaged citizens in the global community. We are humbled and deeply honored by our designation as a Partners in Peace Honors College.” 

Duntley said the designation will allow Stockton Honors College students to participate in virtual Nobel Knowledge Cafés multiple times each semester. In the cafés, which are hosted by members of the Nobel Peace Center, students interact with other Partners in Peace designated institutions to discuss issues related to the pursuit of peace. Duntley said in the most recent café, Stockton students spoke with the former head of the Nobel selection committee.

Other benefits from Stockton Honors College’s Partners in Peace initiative include:

• Innovative research opportunities involving the study and application of Nobel Peace Laureates.
• An international platform, through association with the Nobel Peace Center, for study and research on Nobel Peace Laureates.
• An invitation to travel to Norway to be part of Nobel Peace Ceremonies and visit the Nobel Peace Center. 
• The opportunity to spend spring break volunteering at Give Kids the World Village, a free Florida resort for Make-A-Wish families from around the world.

“The NCHC is so honored to be able to work with the Nobel Peace Center and these institutions. This is a monumental program that allows these colleges and universities to offer transformative courses and activities, which should not only change student lives, but also improve the surrounding community,” said Eddie Weller, president of the NCHC. “Using the Nobel Peace Prize winners as a catalyst, these courses and activities will appeal to our better natures as our students put on the mantel of peace for their generation.”

Stockton’s Honors College provides a supportive, enriching and challenging environment to 250 students who are among the most motivated at talented at the university. Honors College courses fulfill general studies requirements in all degrees and are small, discussion-based seminars that emphasize interdisciplinarity and experiential learning.

Students have access to a first-year Honors Living/Learning Community in the dorms, early housing sign-up and move-in, Honors student mentors, Honors education and social events and access to the Honors Center and Study Rooms.

“The primary benefit of being part of the Honors College is its community of students, faculty and staff,” Duntley said. “Our students report that they find the majority of their friends and strongest support network in the Honors College, and our Honors instructors indicate that it is truly their honor to teach such motivated, engaged students.”

— Story by Mark Melhorn, photos by Lizzie Nealis