Blog – Page 10 – HJ International

HJI International Conference

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On January 24-26, 2025 HJI convened its 2nd International Conference on Peace and Public Leadership, with a focus on the theme of “New Directions in Unificationism: A Time for Consideration.” In addition to several HJI faculty members and students, the participants included Dr. Eileen Barker, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, London School of Economics; Dr. Peter Akerback, University of Stockholm; Dr. Holly Folk, Western Washington University; Mr. Daniel Fromson, an editor and writer for the New York Times; Rev. Dr. Willie Weston, an ACLC Pastor; and Dr. Minyoung Moon, a...

2024 Annual Report

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The HJI 2024 Annual Report highlights many of the exciting programs and key developments from the past year. Click on the link below to discover how HJI is making an impact. We appreciate your interest and support in our ongoing work. Read the 2024 Annual Report

HJI Staff and Faculty Holiday Luncheon

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Staff and faculty had a joyful and meaningful time connecting with one another on campus during a holiday luncheon, held on December 19. Steven Boyd, Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Life, gave warm welcoming remarks. An invocation was given by Dr. Thomas Ward, Professor of Peace and Development. After singing a holiday song, a reading on the birth of Jesus was followed by comments and sharing of various religious perspectives from faculty members, Dr. Andrew Wilson, Professor of Scriptural Studies, Dr. Michael Mickler, Distinguished Professor of Historical Studies, Dr. Jacob...

December Student Life Events Report

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Written by Associate Dean Mika Deshotel The Office of Student Life at HJI was excited to host two new events this December, concluding the Fall 2024 semester with a bang. Spotlight on Student Research, highlighting the dissertation project and findings of Ron Pappalardo, was held on December 7th at 11AM EST via Zoom. The Spotlight on Student Research series was created for the purpose of providing students with an opportunity for connection with other students at HJI, as well as for networking with students in a similar area of study. The series also seeks to highlight great work being...

Unification Theology and the Christian Tradition

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On November 21, a Faculty Roundtable featured Dr. Theodore Shimmyo, HJI President Emeritus and Adjunct Professor of Theology, entitled “Unification Theology and the Christian Tradition.” The event was hosted by Dr. Thomas Walsh, President. Steven Boyd, Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Life, gave welcoming and closing remarks. Dr. Shimmyo has done extensive research on theological teachings that are essential to not only Unificationism but to the wider Christian tradition as well; for example, the Doctrine of God, the Trinity, the Fall, Christology, Salvation, Providential...

The Religions of South Africa: Chosen People and Promised Lands

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On October 29, a Faculty Roundtable was held with Dr. Ronald Brown, Adjunct Professor in World Religions, entitled “The Religions of South Africa: Chosen People and Promised Lands.” The event was hosted by Dr. Thomas Walsh, President. Mika Deshotel, Associate Dean of Student Life, gave welcoming and closing remarks. Dr. Brown lived for extended periods of time in various countries around the world, and experienced most world religions firsthand. As recently as July and August of 2024, he spent time in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Dr. Brown shared his expertise on the...

Student Spotlight – Sancha Samara Ogden Christian

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What inspired you to apply to HJI and your program? What do you most appreciate about being a student at HJI? I was inspired to apply and attend HJI after seeing several people in my network graduate from HJI and the Peace Studies program. I was impressed with the level of professionalism and awareness of these graduates. They went on to take leadership roles in non-profit organizations. I wanted to elevate my own leadership in the world. I most appreciate the culture of learning and the desire to pursue personal development and growth at HJI. Share about the benefits of your online...

Fall Convocation Report

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Written by Associate Dean Mika Deshotel Fall Convocation is an annual tradition at HJI, meant to bring together faculty, students, and staff for the purposes of welcoming and celebrating the incoming class. This year, Convocation took place on November 1st at 9AM EDT via Zoom. It was a short and succinct program, with various school administrators, faculty, and staff featured, along with our student body president. The overall message conveyed to our new and current students was the desire to see students be successful in their coursework as well as to invite students to reach out,...

Imprisoned for Their Faith: Reflections on the 1974 Sentencing of Unification Missionaries in Czechoslovakia

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On October 24, HJI held a webinar in special remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the 1974 imprisonment of Unification missionaries in Czechoslovakia. Three representatives of this courageous group of Unificationists, who answered the call to serve God’s Providence in Eastern Europe, shared their reflections on their mission work and eventual imprisonment– Dr. Juraj Ladja, President of Universal Peace Federation Czech Republic and current student of the HJI MA in Peace Studies, Mrs. Erika Lajdova, Former President of Women’s Federation for World Peace Czech Republic, and Dr. Anton...