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UMass Lowell officially launched its new Center for Middle East Peace, Development and Culture this month with a visit by University of Haifa President Aaron Ben-Ze’ev. Ben-Ze’ev and Chancellor Marty Meehan signed a memorandum of understanding that included establishing a new degree in peace studies and conflict management to be offered by both universities.
In welcoming Ben-Ze’ev, Meehan said, “The partnership we are formalizing today is a momentous occasion for both of our outstanding public sector universities. Both universities stand behind incorporating social responsibility into the heart of our educational philosophy and both maintain a diverse culture of students.
“That is why I am so proud that we are launching a collaborative degree in peace and conflict resolution, which will lead to student and faculty exchanges, innovative research projects and hands-on education for our students.”
Ben-Ze’ev is an expert in the study of emotions and is a graduate of the university he now leads. While at Haifa, he has also served as rector, dean of research, chair of the Philosophy Department and head of the University Press.
In his remarks, Ben-Ze’ev noted that the University of Haifa reflects all of Israeli society, including Arabs and Ethiopians. “Through our studies and leadership, we feel responsible for the future social structure of Israeli society,” he said.
Ben-Ze’ev also described some of his research findings, including an evocative study on the emotion of regret. In the short term, he reported, people regret some of their actions. But, in the long term, they regret inaction – “not learning more, not developing our talents to live a more meaningful life.” Higher education, through developing talents and potential, leads to greater happiness, he said.
The Center for Middle East Peace, Development and Culture is headed by Prof. Paula Rayman, who had been a Senior Fulbright Scholar at the University of Haifa and led the UMass Lowell delegation that visited Israel in June. The center will work with the University of Haifa and other institutions to further research and educational opportunities in science, humanities, engineering, social sciences, health and education. It will explore collaborative ventures in Middle East nations including Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Turkey.
Also speaking at the event were UMass Lowell Provost Ahmed Abdelal and Marcellette Williams, Ph.D., senior vice president of academic affairs, student affairs and international relations for the University of Massachusetts system.
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