The Colorado Peace Studies Endowment

In 1974, renowned CU peace researchers Elise and Kenneth Boulding began a pioneering program to prepare students for careers in peacemaking. Since then, Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) at CU has produced hundreds of young peace professionals. With its offshoot programs like the Graduate Concentration in Social Conflict, INVST, the Conflict Research Consortium and the Ombuds Office, PACS has helped build the University of Colorado's reputation as a center of applied peace and conflict learning. Recent books by PACS faculty and graduates suggest it's intellectual contribution to peace and conflict scholarship.

Jones and Compton, Kids Working It Out, 2003; Bartos and Wehr, Using Conflict Theory, 2002; Beer, Meanings of War and Peace, 2001; Jones et al, The Better World Handbook, 2001; Boulding, Cultures of Peace, 2000; Weigert and Crews, Teaching for Justice, 1999; Burgess and Burgess, Encyclopedia of Conflict Resolution, 1997; Downton and Wehr, The Persistent Activist, 1997; Lederach, Building Peace, 1997; Scarritt et al, Political Reform and Developing Nations, 1996; Mayer, Analytical Marxism, 1995; Wehr and Burgess, Justice Without Violence, 1994; Chernus, Nuclear Madness, 1991.

As the only opportunity in the University for students to study conflict patterns and resolution across levels — from interpersonal to global — PACS is a unique academic enterprise. A student earns the PACS Certificate through two core and six other peace-relevant courses. PACS maintains a website with links leading students to graduate study, internships and employment opportunities in peacemaking and social change organizations.

The world after September 11 presents students with a new challenge. More of them than ever seek ways to reduce destructive conflict and injustice at home and abroad. While PACS is alive and well at CU, it could easily train twice the number of certificate students it now does. With a funding base of it's own, it could offer more courses, develop internships, award an annual student paper prize and expand it's career placement.

With initial donations of $25,000, we have established the Colorado Peace Studies Endowment (Pure) to honor the contributions of the Bouldings and other CU faculty to peace scholarship. As it grows toward a goal of $250,000 the Endowment, with its earnings, will increasingly provide PACS with the support it needs. Tax-deductible donations may be made to:

University of Colorado Foundation (Memo Line: Colorado Peace Studies Endowment)

Mail to:

Beverly Stokes
University of Colorado Foundation
1305 University Ave. Boulder CO 80302

To speak with someone about PACS or the Endowment, be in touch with Beverly Stokes, 303-541-1460, or Paul Wehr, 303-492-6733.