Doctoral Dissertation Project Summary by Mika Deshotel | M.Deshotel@hji.edu Abstract This study looked at the effects of monthly intergenerational worship services within a medium-sized Northeast Unificationist community in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The services sought to empower intergenerational collaboration and leadership within the community, while exploring congregants’ sense of belonging, appreciation of one another, and an overall sense of shared commitment to the community’s future. Surveys were conducted at various times over a 5-month period, uncovering the importance and...

Doctoral Dissertation Project Summary by Katarina Connery | KConnery@wfwp.us Abstract This dissertation project explores whether deepening a connection to God’s motherly love—expressed through the nurturing presence of “Heavenly Mother”—can help mothers of young children enhance their sense of self-worth. At the heart of the project, 30 mothers of children ages 9 and younger worked through a 40-day spiritual practice journal rooted in the metaphor of growing within God’s “womb” as a beloved child—the journal was created to guide participants in creating a sacred space to reflect on...

Doctoral Dissertation Project Summary by Kenneth Alexander | K.Alexander@hji.edu Abstract         It is the lack of agencies working together to provide citizens returning to society after incarceration with the support they need to become productive working-class citizens and avoid recidivism that has plagued our families and communities in America for decades.  Data from the Department of Labor and other organizations show that reentry initiatives require our attention to reduce recidivism and support those ex-offenders seeking to...

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public Leadership (HJI) held its 49th Commencement in New York City to celebrate the class of 2025. Rev. Demian Dunkley Special remarks were offered by Rev. Demian Dunkley, FFWPU Continental Director, North America, and Member of the HJI Board of Trustees. “I believe we came here, to this great school, to go deeper and dive deeper into our own sense of purpose and to show up boldly, courageously, and surrender to a higher will.” Dr. Franco Famulao, Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, Rev. Demian Dunkley Dr. Thomas...

by Associate Dean Mika Deshotel Prior to the 49th HJI Commencement activities, held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, 17 currently enrolled students, along with some spouses, gathered in the Oak Room at the 4W 43rd campus for an informal celebration luncheon. The purpose of the luncheon was to celebrate the completion of a fruitful Spring semester, as well as honor the students who were planning to graduate later that afternoon. Each student introduced themselves and Mika Deshotel, Associate Dean of Student Life, officially welcomed everyone. She shared about having had the honor of reading...

Respected HJI Faculty and Students, Please be advised that HJI Research Day, a highlight of our institutional profile, is scheduled this year for Wednesday October 22, 2025.  While ordinarily convened in the Spring, we have postponed Research Day to the fall, which gives everyone more time to prepare. Please keep that date in mind.  We strongly encourage our students, faculty and alumni to participate in Research Day 2025.  Share your research project with our wider community.  Additional announcements will follow as details for Research Day 2025 become clarified.