USD Magazine Spring 2008

USD MAGAZINE 4 AROUND THE PARK P eace is a precious com- modity. Especially in a time of war and conflict, an act of peace — even on the smallest scale — brings a sense of hope. “The mandate is to change the world, and that begins with our- selves. If we can change one indi- vidual, to make peace with them, it’s very contagious. Once you become comfortable as a peace- maker, it becomes something instinctual because we know very clearly what the alternative is. We see it every day in our

PEACE TRAIN SOUNDING LOUDER Martin Sheen helps new school spread message to the masses by Ryan T. Blystone [ w o r l d c h a n g e r s ]

streets. What would it be like if gang members could learn to apply conflict resolution without using guns and knives and drive- by killings?” Martin Sheen, a veteran film and television actor and activist, spoke these words shortly after his appearance at the Oct. 17 inauguration of the University of San Diego’s newest school, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. Sheen, through an invi- tation from USD President Mary E. Lyons, brought Hollywood star

power to a ceremony featuring the school’s dean, Father William Headley, and Catholic Relief Ser- vices President Ken Hackett. Sheen passionately recited St. Francis of Assisi’s Prayer for Peace, then made note of those who influenced his own activism. The distinguished list included Dorothy Day, the founder of the Catholic Worker organization; President John F. Kennedy; poet- philosopher Rabindranath Tagore; and spiritual and political leader Mahatma Gandhi. He also

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