Peace Activities at Goshen

February 15, 2004

Former first lady accepts position promoting peace and justice studies

The Associated Press
February 13, 2004 1:26 AM

INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Indiana first lady Judy O'Bannon has accepted a
part-time position promoting peace and justice studies at three Indiana
colleges: Earlham, Manchester and Goshen.

O'Bannon's appointment as director of external affairs with the Plowshares
and Peace House initiative was announced Thursday. Her tenure as first lady
ended after Gov. Frank O'Bannon's death in September following a stroke.

"Just sitting at home, feeling sorry for myself wasn't going to make me a
whole person or productive, and I said, 'I'm going to gain strength by
being a part of a positive program,'" she said. "I've worked with
communities and community-building most of my life, and that's what peace
studies is all about," she said.

Plowshares was established in 2002 with a $13.8 million grant from Lilly
Endowment, allowing Earlham, Goshen and Manchester colleges to develop
peace, justice and conflict studies at each of the three campuses, and in
Indianapolis. Students will live in Indianapolis and gain practical
experience and knowledge by working in the community.

Erwin Boschmann, most recently vice chancellor and professor of chemistry
at Indiana University East campus in Richmond, has been named executive
director of Peace House.

O'Bannon will have an office in the Old Centrum at Central Avenue United
Methodist Church on Indianapolis' north side, where the former Indiana
first lady is a member. The location is just around the corner from where
she and the late governor lived when he was lieutenant governor.

O'Bannon's name will resonate with the general public and lift the
visibility of the initiative, said Shirley Showalter, president of Goshen
College.

"She will be a cheerleader for Peace House," Showalter said.

O'Bannon is also involved in the series "Communities Building Communities"
for public television station WFYI in Indianapolis, and is active in
Habitat for Humanity and other causes.