Monmouth University’s Institute for Global Understanding will host its two-day Global Understanding Convention on Nov. 12-13, after a four-year hiatus. Faculty and students will present research papers, panels, and film screenings to address global issues and suggest solutions for current global conflicts.
This year’s theme, “Global Matters: Paths to Trust and Peace,” draws inspiration from the United Nations General Assembly resolution (A/RES/78/266) that encourages nations to settle conflicts “through inclusive dialogue and negotiation” to restore trust and peace. The conference planning committee worked for several months, including this past summer, with the final planning and programming being finalized by the GUC Planning Committee co-chairs: Dr. Jiwon Kim, Dr. Jennifer Shamrock, Mr. Kurt Wagner, and students Jackie Tamburrino and Paris Galgano.
Students and faculty are welcome to showcase their research that reinforce these values. “Students can reflect on some of their classes and the ways in which their important work each semester can potentially be framed as a proposal,” said Dr. Jennifer Shamrock, a senior lecturer at the university and a co-chair of the Global Understanding Convention. Dr. Shamrock has participated in the conference nearly every year it has happened, and takes pleasure in involving her students as well. She added that the chosen theme for the conference allows various disciplines across campus to share their views and make a meaningful difference.
The conference has previously explored themes such as “Human Rights and the Environment” in 2021, which was held virtually, and “Practicing Nonviolence in a Violent World” in 2015. This year, the event aims to expand those conversations through a closer analysis of the impact of education, culture, conflict resolution, and human rights. “These conferences serve as a way to engage with national and international issues, looking at the ways different disciplines can contribute to peace, social justice, equity and inclusion,” said Dr. Shamrock.
This year’s keynote speaker is Monmouth alumna Dee Baker, founder and CEO of Beyond The Uniforms. Baker, a U.S. Air Force veteran, established the program in October 2023 to coach, empower, and equip women, particularly female veterans, with tools for personal and professional growth. Beyond The Uniforms is focused on helping women regain their sense of self and strengthen their leadership, personally and in the corporate world. Baker hopes that attendees leave the conference with “courage and clarity,” using their voices to make influential changes locally and beyond. “I hope students and faculty walk away with the courage to recognize the power of their own voice, and clarity to see that leadership and global understanding are not abstract,” said Baker. “Every student and every professor has a unique lens to share and enrich not only their communities, but the global stage.”
Monmouth’s Institute for Global Understanding can draw in a large crowd of active participants and listeners. Paris Galgano, a junior political science major concentrating in legal studies, is a student co-chair for the conference, helping to organize panels and coordinate speakers. By being on the committee, she explains how valuable her role in the conference is to her. “I don’t get that many chances to do something like this on campus, so this is definitely a great way to help me be around faculty members and be on their level,” she said. Paris adds that her background in political science has given her a broader understanding of the world and politics. When she first heard about the convention, she knew it was something she wanted to pursue. Reflecting on her role, Paris shared, “The fact that I’m on the committee and helping create such a big convention is a defining moment I won’t forget. It has shaped my skills in the professional world and I’m happy to be a part of it. [Global issues] are present right in our neighborhoods,” Baker emphasized. “Whether it’s climate change, migration, equity and peace, they are not abstract concepts: they’re lived realities shaping families every day.”
The Global Understanding Convention is more than just a two-day conference. “It’s a really crucial part of the university’s mission to address intercultural issues both on campus, the surrounding community, and the larger nation. We really feel like the Global Understanding Conference gives a lot of visibility to the institute and what our mission is.” Dr. Shamrock also added that she is constantly impressed and appreciative of the high levels of student and faculty involvement, both as presenters and audience members. “I think it’s a great way for students to work with their professors and fellow students to see how topics they are learning and skills they are developing can be applied to address concerns that we face in our everyday lives,” Shamrock said.
Next year marks the 25th anniversary of the conference, highlighting Monmouth’s commitment towards fostering collaboration and tolerance in an ever-evolving culture. Organizers hope that the 2026 conference will be extended into a week-long discussion. Dr. Shamrock said, “The campus community will see just how integral intercultural issues are to a college experience.”
