Dr. Gerry Vanderhaar was a professor of Religion and Peace Studies at Christian Brothers University for twenty-eight years. During his tenure he was instrumental in starting the Peace Studies Minor program; was involved in bringing the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence to CBU; and brought peace and justice events and speakers to the campus.

A prolific writer, Vanderhaar authored six books including the latest one, “Personal Nonviolence: A Practical Spirituality for Peacemakers.”

He and his wife were co-recipients of the Bishop Dozier Award for Peace and Justice at CBU in 2003. He was a founder of and served on the Board of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center and played a key role in the founding of Pax Christi USA, the International Catholic Peace Movement. He twice chaired the national Council of Pax Christi USA, served as editor of its first newsletter and was an Ambassador of Peace.

The Symposium seeks to continue Vanderhaar’s legacy by annually bringing to the CBU campus a noted scholar and/or activist to the campus to address social and moral issues related to peace and justice and/or Catholic social teaching. Additionally, as part of the Symposium, a Mid-South area college/university student will be honored with the Gerard A. Vanderhaar Student Peace Award. This award will be presented to a student who best exemplifies the spirit and practice of Vanderhaar’s life and work.

2006 Vanderhaar Symposium
March 30, 2006 • 7:00pm
Christian Brothers University Theatre
Featured Speaker • Bishop Thomas Gumbleton
Student Peace Awardee • Laura Dallas, Rhodes College

2007 Vanderhaar Symposium
March 29, 2007 • 7:00pm
Christian Brothers University Theatre
Featured Speaker • Dr.Jeanette Rodriguez
Student Peace Awardee • Rev. Andre Johnson

Coming Soon
2008 Vanderhaar Symposium
Thursday • April 10, 2008 • 7:00pm
Christian Brothers University Theatre
Featured Speaker • Rev. Bryan Massingale
...details and more information on nominating a Student Peace Awardee available here.