NCHC and Nobel Peace Center Unveil Global ‘Partners in Peace’ Initiative for Honors Programs

Lincoln, Neb. – In partnership with the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway, the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) proudly announces the formal launch of their collaborative initiative, Partners in Peace (PiP). The Partners in Peace initiative recognizes NCHC member institutions for the achievements of their honors students and faculty in creating, implementing, and assessing curricular and co-curricular offerings that illuminate the work of Alfred Nobel and recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Since 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to individuals and organizations making significant contributions to peace, as outlined in Alfred Nobel’s will. These efforts include fostering fraternity between nations, reducing standing armies, and advancing peace congresses. The Partners in Peace initiative encourages college students to explore the lives and actions of past and present peace laureates to better understand the leadership strategies required to build peaceful communities. Beyond studying these figures, the initiative challenges students to think globally and act locally. Through hands-on, co-curricular activities, students apply insights gained from laureates to make a positive impact on their campuses and surrounding communities.

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

The International Education Committee of NCHC, originator of the initiative, proudly recognizes the following institutions as the inaugural cohort of 2024-2025 Partners in Peace institutions:

• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Ball State University
• California State University - LA
• Columbia College
• Elmhurst University
• Georgia State University - Perimeter College
• Hutchinson Community College
• Oregon Institute of Technology
• San Jacinto College
• Shippensburg University
• Stockton University
• The Citadel
• Thomas Jefferson University
• University of Central Arkansas
• Western Carolina University
• Wichita State University

Honors-affiliated representatives from each institution will receive symbolic recognition of their commitment to establish and complete a curricular or co-curricular project at the Awards Ceremony of the 59th Annual NCHC Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday, November 1. Jørgen Frydnes, current chair and youngest member ever of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, will participate in the awards ceremony. Institutions that complete their proposed project and submit a final report will be fully recognized at the 2025 NCHC Conference in San Diego.

Dr. Eddie Weller, President of the NCHC, remarks:

“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. 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.

Can there be a higher calling than peace? I think not.”

For more information about Partners in Peace and this unique collaborative effort, visit the National Collegiate Honors Council’s website or contact Dr. Kevin W. Dean, Coordinator – Partners in Peace, at kdean@nchchonors.org.