Writer and Columnist to Speak on Issues of Peace at SUNY New Paltz

NEW PALTZ — Nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and author Colman McCarthy, who is also well known as an educator and pacifist, will speak on the topic, “How to be an Effective Peacemaker,” at SUNY New Paltz on December 1 at 7 p.m. in LC 102.

McCarthy is a Washington journalist who wrote opinion and commentary for the Washington Post for 28 years. He lectures frequently at college campuses and is the founder and director of the Center for Teaching Peace, a nonprofit group that helps schools begin or broaden peace studies. McCarthy is the author of five books, including All of One Peace: Essays in Nonviolence.

“What makes McCarthy so attractive,” commented journalism professor Robert Miraldi, “is that he challenges the conventional wisdom. At a time of great cynicism, McCarthy offers idealism and conviction.”

His talks present ideas that range from the basics of nonviolent conflict resolution to the theories of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. McCarthy is a pacifist and vegetarian and he has been commuting by bicycle to his job – as a newspaper columnist and educator – for more than 20 years.

Student Christa Setteducati, who has been responsible for bringing McCarthy to New Paltz, said she was excited about hearing from someone who is so passionate about his beliefs. “When he talks about creating citizens who are other-centered and not self-centered, it is inspiring,” she said. “I think we will learn from him and come away with noble new goals.”

McCarthy is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and at the University of Maryland. He also teaches a class at a Maryland high school. Over the years he has taught peace studies to more than 6,000 students, which led him to conclude: “I have ample proof that peace education opens minds, conquers despair, stirs ideals and decreases violence.” The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by various campus groups, including the Honors Society, the Writing Board, the College Foundation, the Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Residence Life and the Resident Hall Student Association, the Communication and Media Department, and the Journalism Program.

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