In May, the Kroc Institute bid farewell to the Class of 2006, the first to complete the M.A. in Peace Studies program after it was expanded from one to two years. Those students were also the first to complete field experiences, which sent them to internships around the world.
     In keeping with tradition, the Class of 2006 was honored at a special ceremony in the auditorium of the Hesburgh Center for International Studies, where the 13 graduates received diplomas and congratulations from the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C., founder of the institute.
     Several students presented reflections on their Kroc experiences. Tom Arendshorst, an American ophthalmologist who entered the class when he was newly retired, summed up the feelings of many as he paid tribute to his fellow students and faculty:
     “Two years ago I hoped to acquire understandings that might help me be an effective advocate for social and economic justice in our American society, which guards privilege for some people while abusing many others. I hoped that being part of this Kroc program might energize my life’s new direction.
     “I had high hopes, but I was not prepared for the richness of the Kroc peace studies experience. I did not expect the abundant bounty of this diverse, tight community of fellow students. I could not have anticipated that my professors would not only be experts, but that they would all be dedicated, creative teachers. I was not prepared for the inspiring sense of vision and mission that the Kroc Institute faculty bring to their work.”