USD Scholar at Harvard

Dee Aker, Ph.D., deputy director of the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, got a chance to be on the other side of fence during a recent fellowship program. Instead of organizing visits from distinguished guests to speak on peacemaking efforts worldwide, she was the special guest sharing stories of peace.

Aker was among a number of professionals from diverse fields to take part in the Phillip Brooks House Fellows program at Harvard College in September. During her visit, Aker met with Harvard students, staff, faculty, deans and directors, as well as a Boston peace commissioner. She spoke before several groups, including the Harvard College Women’s Center, the Kennedy School of Government’s Women and Public Policy Program, and several Harvard student houses.

“I was truly impressed by the commitment and creativity I encountered with the students working in very diverse service communities,” Aker said. “From tutors to human rights, from inner city programs in Boston’s Chinatown to sustainable development in Nicaragua, these are wonderful, sincere and committed young people.”

The Phillip Brooks House Association (PBHA) is a student-run, staff-supported public service, social action organization at Harvard College. It is the center of social service and social action for Harvard students. More than 1,800 volunteers participate in PBHA programs each year, in Boston and around the world.

The fellow program invites “distinguished public interest practitioners,” to spend three days each semester on the campus to take part in panels, luncheons and to network with students and organizations. The goal of the program is to “provide students with the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by individuals who have devoted their professional and/or personal lives to public service and civic engagement.”

Aker was nominated for the program by a participant of the first WorldLink Youth Town Meeting, a program Aker started 10 years ago. It is a unique program that provides opportunities for high school youth from the greater San Diego region to meet world leaders and experts. 

- Denise T. Ward