Camarillo, Calif., Sept. 13, 2012 – CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the public to the unveiling of a 7-foot limestone peace pole during a dedication ceremony, Friday, Sept. 21, at 12 noon at the Central Mall on the CI campus. The event, held to coincide with the International Day of Peace, will also feature remarks from leaders renowned for their roles in the nation’s civil rights, peace, and environmental advocacy movements.
The peace pole, inscribed with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in seven languages, symbolizes the University’s collective support for and celebration of peace, social justice and diversity. It also will serve as a gathering place for events and rallies such as Take Back the Night, Day of Silence, 9-11 remembrances, and other student and community functions.
The peace pole is an initiative of CI’s Centers for Community and Multicultural Engagement, Integrative Studies, and International Affairs, and was funded in part through the generosity of longtime community partner FOOD Share and its CEO Bonnie Weigel.
The event’s featured speaker will be Lupe Anguiano. Anguiano, an Oxnard resident, rose from humble beginnings, picking fruit with her family, to become an influential figure in American civil rights, women’s rights, welfare and the environment, working alongside such notables as Cesar Chavez, Gloria Steinem and Coretta Scott King. She has been designated a Women's History Month Honoree by the National Women's History Project and her personal archives are housed at UCLA’s Chicano Studies Research Center.
The program also includes remarks from President Richard Rush, CI faculty, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Chumash blessing, and a song performed by children from the University Preparatory School located in Camarillo.
“The peace pole marks CI’s commitment to social justice and peaceful approaches to social changes,” said Dr. Andrea Grove, Professor of Political Science and Director of the California Institute for Social Business. “We hope it gives the campus and broader community a place to gather, celebrate events related to peace and social justice, and reflect on the fact that peace and social justice are issues that effect all of us – not just the oppressed.”
Complimentary event parking is limited and only available in a designated parking lot. Once on campus, follow directional signage to event parking and then follow the walking signage to the event location. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot with bus service to and from the campus. Cash-only bus fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at: www.goventura.org
For more information, contact Professor of Political Science Andrea Grove at 805-437-3124 or andrea.grove@csuci.edu, or Pilar Pacheco, Associate Director of the Center for Community Engagement, at 805-437-8851 or pilar.pacheco@csuci.edu.
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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.