Campus events and efforts that included CMU President John Marshall resulted in recognition by the White Rose Society at JEWISHcolorado’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Luncheon.
The White Rose Society honors individuals who demonstrate moral courage and a commitment to supporting the Jewish community. The society’s name comes from the White Rose, a student-led resistance group at the University of Munich that, in 1942, urged fellow Germans to speak out against the Nazis.
The recognition reflected ongoing dedication to respectful discourse and Holocaust education at CMU. One example includeds the university remaining committed to the annual Holocaust Awareness Series, now in its 22nd year. The series includes a Field of Flags display representing groups targeted during the Holocaust, along with lectures on genocide, persecution and the lessons that shared history can teach us about moving forward. Last year, New York Times columnist Bret Stephens was the keynote speaker during the series, emphasizing the importance of free speech and the fight against antisemitism.
Beyond the series, Marshall has helped shape CMU’s Civic Forum, which encourages meaningful conversations on a variety of pressing topics. In 2023, Marshall moderated a panel titled Terrorism, Israel and Palestine: Why is Peace so Elusive?, which brought different perspectives together in one room to explore the complexities of politics and opinions around events in the Middle East.
Recognition of his efforts by the White Rose Society highlights CMU’s commitment to fostering a campus culture where history is remembered, conversations are thoughtful, and understanding leads the way forward. Through initiatives like the Holocaust Awareness Series and the Civic Forum, CMU continues to be a place where difficult but important discussions happen, shaping a future built on knowledge, respect and belonging.