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
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
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
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.
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Fall Convocation Report
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
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...
Dr. Thomas G. Walsh Speaks at 7th International Conference on World Religions
On October 27, the 7th International Conference on World Religions (ICWR 2024) convened at Minhaj University Lahore, Pakistan, focused on “Politics and Violence in the Name of Religion.” Leading scholars, researchers, and practitioners discussed the misuse of religion for political and social purposes, often resulting in violence. As part of the conference, the inauguration of Faith-Based Organizations, Pakistan chapter, was held. The event resulted in over eighty-thousand views over the two day conference.
On Day 2, Session 5 “Historical, Philosophical and Psychological...
William Selig Published in Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling
“Personal Testimony About Dealing with Loss and Self-Care,” by HJI Adjunct Assistant Professor Dr. William P. Selig, recently published in the Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling, explores Dr. Selig’s journey as a chaplain facing personal grief.
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The 1st Amendment to the US Constitution
On September 26, HJI honored US Constitution Day with a Faculty Roundtable entitled “The 1st Amendment to the US Constitution: Its Importance for Religious Freedom”. This program was presented by HJI Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice and Human Security, William Lay, JD. The event was hosted by HJI President, Dr. Thomas Walsh. Steven Boyd, Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Life, gave welcoming remarks.
Dr. Walsh explained that “Constitution Day was enacted by a law of Congress in 1952 initially, and amended in 2004-5 to stipulate that institutions of higher education...