School with a Vision
The OSU School of Global Studies
Their experiences at Oklahoma State University significantly influenced the paths that the founding members of the Council, as well as Chic, would take in their lives. Consequently, there was a preference to provide the Dambach Peacebuilder Endowed Fellowships to graduate students at OSU if there were an appropriate graduate program meeting the requirements of “a school with a vision.”
Early in its initial inquiries, the Council was reminded of the strong heritage in international affairs at OSU dating back to at least the end of World War II. In November of 1950, President Truman appointed Henry G. Bennett, the President of Oklahoma A&M (later renamed OSU), to head the international aid program, Point Four (which later became the US Agency for International Development).
More recent examples of OSU’s significant involvement in global affairs included the opening of the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade and Development in 1988; the formation of the School of International Studies in 1999; and the 2017 reorganization and rebranding of the School of International Studies as the School of Global Studies and Partnerships.
A Framework for Global Engagement
Further, in 2021, OSU adopted the UN Sustainable Development Goals as the framework for all global engagement. Such goals include Goal number 16, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, also a strong focus for the Dambach Peacebuilder Endowed Fellowships. Of note, OSU was ranked #4 among all US colleges and universities according to Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
Strengthening the Global Focus
The Council enthusiastically endorses the School of Global Studies at OSU as the “school with a vision” for the Dambach Peacebuilder Endowed Fellowships. While other schools in the US have special programs, the deciding factor in the selection of OSU’s School of Global Studies is the humanitarian values and objectives present in the School’s Master’s program and shared by the Council. Consistent with the challenge of “How will YOU change the world?” the School’s aspirational mission, in part, emphasizes strengthening the global focus of the educational, research, and outreach functions of the university, and the preparation of students, staff, and faculty for careers with a worldwide impact.
