New York Times advertisment promoting the War and Peace center located at Utah State University (1968). The New York Times , “New York Times: USU War and Peace Center ,” Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives

National Outreach

Throughout the War and Peace Center's tenure, there was much interest garnered nationally and abroad. A New York Times advertisement in March 1968[1] attracted much national attention to the Center and its goals. Letters from all over the country poured into the War and Peace Center requesting more information on what people could do to get involved and promote peace.

Professors and teachers from universities and high schools, such as The University of Oregon, Marylhurst College, Homer High School in Alaska, and Mahwah High School in New Jersey wrote letters asking for further information and reiterated how important the Center's work was to furthering the cause for peace.[2] Individuals and organizations all found interest in the Center and the values it was promoting. 

International Students Participating in the War and Peace Center's international student program. "International Students Participating in the War and Peace Center", Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives

A letter to the War and Peace Center located at Utah State University from the World Peace through Law Center located in Geneva, Switzerland. World Peace through Law Center , “World Peace through Law Center ,” Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives

 

International Outreach

The World Peace Through Law Center located in Geneva, Switzerland reached out to the War and Peace Center.[3] The World Peace Through Law Center requested a copy of the objectives and activities of the War and Peace Center. They also sent an overview of thier own work and objectives, and asked that the Center at Utah State University undertake research concerning the Rule of Law. The outreach from the Center in Geneva shows the international renown of USU's Center, indicating the great influence the Center was beginning to have.

By 1966, the start of the War and Peace Center, over 500 international students from 50 foreign lands were enrolled at Utah State University.[4]  This is one example of the successful outreach at Utah State as they strove to create peace with other nations.

Interesting Facts about International Students

1. The first international student at Utah State University in records came from Iran in 1917. Iran was the first nation to add the international dimension to the environment at Utah State University.[5]
   

2. In 1968, 93% of all international students at Utah State University were self-financed.[6] 

3.  In 1968, 80% of all international students at Utah State University were from Asian nations.[7] 

Ambassador Ardeshir Zahedi welcomed to Utah at the SLC International Airport by Dr. Chase. "Ambassador Zahedi welcomed" Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives.

 

Audio of the Awards Ceremony Darryl Chase attended in Iran on behalf of the University (1968). Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives

Iranian Visit

In 1968, Daryl Chase hosted the Iranian Ambassador and USU Alumnus, Ardeshir Zahedi, at Utah State University. He came to award the University a  Distinguished Friend of Iran award.[8] There was a significant Iranian student population at Utah State University and the country of Iran declared Utah State University to be one of their strongest allies.

Throughout Daryl Chase's tenure at Utah State University, the University's international student population increased by 800%.[9] The focus Utah State University had on understanding the causes of war and the conditions for peace led to a lasting friendship between Iran and Utah State University long after Daryl Chase retired in 1968, up until the regime change in Iran in 1979.[10] This is yet another example of the successful efforts of the Center in creating peace and understanding.