KINGSTON, R.I. — Feb. 26, 2024 — The University of Rhode Island honored a graduate student and a faculty member recently for their work promoting peace and nonviolence at the University and in the community.

Master’s degree student Mei Mei Long was awarded the URI Chaplains Peacemaker Award, and Associate Teaching Professor Dr. Clarisa E. Carubin was awarded the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies Human Rights Award during ceremonies at the Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Luncheon earlier this month.

“The URI Chaplains Association is a body of religious professionals at the University of Rhode Island, who, in addition to serving their own faith communities, work together to foster dialogue, understanding and respect among peoples of different faiths and traditions.” said Amy Olson, executive director of Hillel and Chair of the URI Chaplains Association. “Each of these groups welcomes visitors and encourages URI students to explore and learn about religious diversity.” 

It is a tradition that every year the URI Chaplains Association gives out the Martin Luther King Jr. Peacemaker Award to an individual student, staff member, faculty member, or a student group at URI who best show the values, work, dreams, and aspirations of Dr. Martin Luther King. They look for an individual who best shares and puts into practice King’s vision and practices.

Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies Human Rights Awards 

Dr. Clarisa E. Carubin is the recipient of the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies Human Rights Award. She is an associate teaching professor at URI, where she specializes in courses such as: Graphic Design, Motion Graphic Design, and Data Visualization Design. Carubin has a passion for educating people on graphic design as she is committed to bringing her expertise into the classroom. 

Originally from Argentina, she completed her doctoral studies at the University of Barcelona in Spain. Before coming to URI and the United States, she spent many years teaching in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

“This exposure to multiple cultures has played a fundamental role in my commitment to helping students cultivate a broader perspective and foster empathy with an appreciation of social responsibility.” Carubin said. “In today’s diverse world, these are essential skills required to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also ethical, inclusive, and impactful.” 

The nonviolence center recognized Dr. Carubin for her significant contribution toward understanding, promoting, and upholding human rights through creative arts and design.

Chaplains Peacemaker Award 

The recipient of the chaplains award is Mei Mei Long, who is pursuing her master’s degree in international relations with a concentration in international development in the Department of Political Science. Long completed her bachelor’s degree at URI where she studied Human Development and Family Studies. 

Long came to the United States when she was 6 years old. “It wasn’t easy to adjust” living in the U.S. because she didn’t speak English, Long said. She and her family moved from Cambodia, which was ravaged by the Khmer Rouge in the mid- to late-1970s. The genocide resulted in the deaths of more than 1.5 million people.

“Growing up, I heard about the unthinkable violence my relatives and many people experienced,” said Long.

Those stories led her to believe the world needed to change for the better. She felt that often, political debates focus on the bigger picture and overlook the power of community work that contributes to the growth of humanitarian efforts, peace, and harmony.

That’s why Long volunteered at a non-profit organization in Providence to give back to the community.

As a first-generation college student, Long said she wants to bring awareness to other people about how important it is to help the community, and to inspire others on how they can be leaders. Long wants to continue spreading positivity and showing how much she cares for the world around her. Long hopes that one day she can bring her contribution to the global level.

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Benjamin Smith, a senior sports media and public relations major at the University of Rhode Island and an intern in the Department of Communications and Marketing, wrote this press release.