TCC recognizes International Day of Peace at Southeast Campus
On Sept. 21, Tulsa Community College (TCC) students gathered in the Southeast Campus Peace Garden to celebrate the International Day of Peace. With a theme of “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals” as provided by the United Nations, a variety of college clubs and organizations sponsored live music, speakers, and activities for the student body to enjoy during the annual commemoration.
The festivities kicked off with music performed by school musicians, consisting of students and faculty alike. An annual tradition of performing “This Land is Your Land” by Okemah-native, Woody Guthrie, continued this year with audience participation through claps and singing along to the peace-song anthem.
A prominent speaker for the event was John Mikolajcik, an assistant professor in the TCC Liberal Arts and Communication department. Mikolajcik welcomed students and encouraged attendees to participate in the observance by contributing to signs asking, “What does peace mean to you?” Students were also able to dedicate sticky notes, sending notes of peace, for support, and for love to the people of Ukraine. Paper doves, the bird – a common symbol of peace – also filled the space, covered in notes of love and peace to decorate the space.
Other speakers included Thomas Wallis, International Student counselor, who works closely with international students from over 50 countries in their journey for success at TCC. Representatives from Global Learning, International Student Association, the World Language Lab, and Student Life also contributed to the day’s activities.
Students contributed to the festivities as well. Rachel Graves, a psychology major, performed an original Haiku, as well as Eli Missing, a communications major, who presented an abbreviated version of Stevie Wonder’s “Conversation Peace.”
All Photos by Sam Levrault
Paper doves decorated the Southeast Campus (SEC) Peace Garden, covered in messages of peace and love for students to admire. Students, faculty, and their friends and family were welcome to observe the various images, posters, and quotes on display on the windows beside the festivities. Descriptions and examples of peace were noted on posters commemorating the annual event. Attendees shared what peace means to them through messages that were shared with others along the walls. Students and faculty gathered in the Peace Garden as orchestra players and a choir performed musical compositions focused on the theme of peace. John Mikolajcik, an assistant professor in the TCC Liberal Arts and Communication department, shared quotes from many philosophers and activists to inspire the audience to celebrate peace. Thomas Wallis, International Student counselor, names a few of the over 50 countries where TCC international students call home. These countries include Jamaica, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. Students and faculty alike enjoyed the festivities during the 2023 International Day of Peace tribute. Lunch, donated by Student Life, was available for students and staff to enjoy in addition to the music and speakers in the Peace Garden. Signs of peace, support for Ukraine, and quotes from philosophers, activists, and historical figures decorated the windows alongside the Peace Garden. Signs in support of Ukraine were included on the windows alongside the Peace Garden, in addition to sticky notes contributed by students, containing messages of support, and love for the people of Ukraine. Performers from the TCC community shared their musical talents with attendees, including a performance of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land.” Students sat on the grass of the SEC Peace Garden as music filled the air with messages of peace. Attendees applaud during the programming in support of messages for peace from various speakers and performers. Students enjoyed the International Day of Peace in the SEC Peace Garden, alongside TCC’s Peace Pole. The pole is a year-round symbol of peace and love on the campus grounds.
