The end of the semester is upon us at Plymouth State!  In between the activity and excitement associated with closing final exams, and beginning new professional lives with Commencement, we have also had some occasions to reflect on where we've arrived in our Culture of Peace and Social Justice Community, and celebrate some milestones.  Here are a few highlights:

Arbor Day!  Our Plymouth State University campus always celebrates with a tree planting, and usually with plenty of children on hand.  This year was particularly pleasant for our Community because the tree that was planted is a gingko tree, renowned not just for its multi-million-year history as a species, but because it is the tree that survived Hiroshima.  Even better yet, the tree was planted as a statement, in a space designated for a Peace Garden to be developed further in the coming years.  Here is the news coverage of this event. 

Next, we are celebrating transitions.  Professor Leo Sandy who has led our group fearlessly over the years is developing into new roles in his life, and ours!  We will miss his daily presence at our meetings, but we also know that his schedule will be more forgiving, and thus we will not be surprised to see him more active in the endeavors he most enjoys.  Thank you, Leo, for tirelessly reminding the world of the compelling case for peace and social justice.

We are also celebrating the ascension to our leadership position of Professor Kristine Levan who has been a part of our group for several years, and has agreed to lead us through our next phase!  Congratulations, Krissi, and we welcome your good stewardship.

We as a group are growing and changing, having invited new members Professor Delilah Smith and student Alex Palermo among our members as well -- welcome to you also!

With all of these changes, however, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the cause of peace and social justice in all its forms, as they help us build a better world.  Share our words with your communities, and join us in our next adventures.