Bergen Community College

Our MISSION

Founded in 2009, the Center for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation (PJR) fosters awareness of mechanisms of social conflict, political and ethnic violence, and genocide through educational initiatives, exhibitions, and dialogues. Working with local and global communities, the center develops skills in conflict resolution and ethical decision making to promote social justice and global citizenship.

Central to our mission is a focus on the Armenian genocide – the first genocide of the 20^th century – in which the systematic denial of human rights, separation of families, and mass deportation became a template for later genocides. By framing programming around the Armenian genocide, PJR has achieved a unique identity that distinguishes it from other college-based centers intent on promoting peace.

PJR has earned the 2016 John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award for outstanding contributions to student success, an award created by the League for Innovations in the Community Colleges.

The Center is located at BCC’s Paramus Campus, 2nd floor Pitken Building, room A-215.

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PJR in the news:

• Fall 2020 Torch Article – Holocaust survivor, Sami Speaks – bergentorchorg.wpcomstaging.com
• Fall 2019 Torch Article – Speaker Shares Stories of Survival with Bergen’s Institute for Learning in Retirement
• Spring 2019 new programs for veterans: news.bergen.edu/100k-grant-spurs-programs-for-military-veterans 
• Heroin Addiction event November 19, 2015