Wednesday, Feb 8, 2023
Students in global studies class receive once-in-a-lifetime opportunity after submitting an official nomination for the 2022 awards
by Tatiana Sciancalepore
Four Rider University students recently traveled to Oslo, Norway, to attend the Nobel Peace Prize awards ceremony held on Dec. 10. The students in attendance were previous participants in “GLS 295 Student Nobel Peace Prize Project,” a newly devised course led by Dr. Roberta Fiske-Rusciano in partnership with Dr. Eugene Sensenig of Notre Dame University in Louaize, Lebanon.
The course, which debuted in spring 2021, allowed students to work via video conference with Notre Dame University students. Together, they delved into the history and process behind the prestigious award, culminating in submitting an official nomination for the following year.
The Rider students, Sydney Tierney, Anjali Chennapragada, Ranai Morgan and Paola Carlesso, were accompanied by Fiske-Rusciano and Dr. Frank Rusciano, director of the global studies program. The group met up with three of their Notre Dame University peers upon their arrival.
“It was a very emotional ceremony,” says Fiske-Rusciano. “I experienced it as if I was part of a painting I long admired. And to be able to do it with my students by my side was just amazing.”
In addition to attending the awards ceremony, the trip’s itinerary included an opportunity to attend the Nobel Peace Forum, an annual symposium where prize winners, civic leaders, scholars and students gather to discuss pressing global issues. The 2022 forum guest speakers were United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and former United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Rider students also attended a private meeting with Dr. Asle Toje, deputy leader of the Nobel Committee. Fiske-Rusciano notes that “as one of the five members responsible for choosing the final recipient of the prize, his input — answering students' questions and discussing matters of international policy — was invaluable to the students.”
“It was truly awe-inspiring to stand among activists and change-makers from around the world, all of whom have dedicated their lives to defending peace,” says Chennapragada, a senior health care policy major. “It was an experience that I will carry with me always, no matter what path I take going forward.”
In 2018, Rusciano was awarded a Fulbright Grant to conduct research at the Norwegian Nobel Institute. It was during this time that he and Fiske-Rusciano first met Toje. Upon their return, Fiske-Rusciano endeavored to share their experience and newly formed connections with the Rider community. As a result, Rider’s global studies program has hosted Toje as a guest speaker several times and later created the special topics class that paved the way for this year’s remarkable trip.
Tierney, a senior double majoring in French and global studies, describes the experience as transformative. “I walked away from this trip having learned so much. But I think the most vital lesson was the importance of dialogue – that every effective conversation can make a difference. Every effective conversation has the potential to bring people to the table, giving them the opportunity to speak and be heard.”
“GLS 295” simulates the Norwegian Nobel Committee selection process by combining in-depth research on topics of social justice with the cooperative exchange of ideas. “It’s a challenging way to learn,” says Fiske-Rusciano. “But it’s very reflective of real life. We hope to be able to offer it every year.”
The participating Rider students will host a free presentation about their experience followed by a Q&A, on March 23 at 11:30 a.m. in Sweigart Hall Room 118. The event is open to all University students, faculty and staff.