$2 million donation from Simons Foundation promotes 'more humane world'
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Jennifer Allen Simons, The Simons Foundation, 604.822.3437, jsimons@exchange.ubc.ca
Erica Branda, University Advancement, 604.291.3353/778.231.1274, ebranda@sfu.ca
Marianne Meadahl, media/pr, 604-291-4323
Jennifer Allen Simons, a well-known and highly-regarded advocate for peace and disarmament, announced at a signing ceremony today that The Simons Foundation is donating $2 million to endow a visiting chair in dialogue on international law and human security. Her gift will be matched with $2 million from SFU's Burnaby Mountain endowment fund to create a second position - a resident chair in international law and human security.
Says Simons, "These chairs will add another dimension to the educational experience beyond book learning. Students and the community will be able to engage in dialogue with exemplars and practitioners and activists - those who have dedicated their lives to the cause of furthering international law and human rights. This dialogue and interaction will create opportunities for young people to embrace and entertain their own vision for a more humane world and to participate in the creation of new knowledge - new ways of furthering a humane life for all."
The importance of the chairs has been highlighted recently by violent protests over the Prophet Muhammad cartoon controversy, raising questions on the role of international law and its interpretation in promoting or impeding peace, human rights and human security.
SFU president Michael Stevenson says this partnership is an excellent example of how universities can expand their academic capacity while affecting the broader community. "Jennifer has a keen understanding of the international community and a passion for promoting peace. Her leadership has allowed us to create a world-class program that will integrate research and teaching with public outreach."
SFU dean of arts and social sciences John Pierce says the two chairs are very timely. "In October 2005, SFU opened a new school for international studies, and one of its thematic modules deals specifically with international security issues. Students will now have access to the expertise and experience of two leaders in the area."
Visiting chair holders will spend up to one year at SFU, teaching and raising public profile and debate on key international issues. The resident chair will concentrate on teaching and research in the area as well as curriculum development. Together, they will lead an annual international conference on international law and human security at SFU's Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue in downtown Vancouver.
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Backgrounders on The Simons Foundation and Jennifer Allen Simons are available.