Rio Salado College held a solemn and beautiful ceremony to unveil its Peace Pole on Nov. 5, 2026.
President Dr. Kate Smith welcomed Rio Salado Rotaractors, employees, and Rotarians to the ceremony and shared the history of Peace Poles. The gathering was illuminated by candles and heartfelt words along with learning about the history and symbolism of Peace Poles.
"We practice peace when we listen before we judge, when we meet new perspectives with curiosity, when we disagree with kindness, and honor each other's dignity," Smith said. "That is the heart of education, and the heart of Rio Salado. We don't have to share every experience or opinion to share a commitment to one another.”
Originating in Japan during the 1950s, the movement was initiated by Masahisa Goi, a spiritual teacher deeply affected by the devastation of World War II. Goi dedicated his life to promoting the message, "May Peace Prevail on Earth." Today, this message appears on Peace Poles around the world in multiple languages. Rio Salado's Peace Pole carries the message in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and American Sign Language (ASL), reflecting our commitment to bringing people together across cultures and backgrounds.
Following Smith's welcome, remarks were shared by Rotary International Governor Elect Colleen Coons, East Valley Rotaract Club Student President Monserrat Rodriguez, Student Vice President Daniella Hernandez, and our newly appointed Student Peace Fellow Anna Kilbride. Coons also officially acknowledged Rotaract's designation as a Rotary Peacebuilder Club. In recognition of this achievement, Coons and Rio Salado President Smith presented Kilbride, on behalf of the club, with the framed Peacebuilder Club recognition certificate.
Rotaract Club Advisor and ceremony emcee Cori Christenson shared: “Here at Rio Salado College, where education creates opportunity and brings people from diverse backgrounds together, this Peace Pole will stand as a lasting reminder that peace begins with each of us. We believe that peace is built through the choices we make, the relationships we create, and the ways we serve others. Every act of service is an act of peace.”
A special thank you goes to Rio Salado's Maintenance and Operations team for planting the Peace Pole and adding a thoughtful finishing touch with a solar light atop the pole, allowing its message to remain visible after sunset. The planting of the Peace Pole marked a milestone for East Valley Rotaract at Rio Salado College, affirming the club's commitment to advancing peace. This designation makes Rotaract Club at Rio Salado part of a worldwide network of Rotary Peacebuilder Clubs and adds the college to the growing network of Peace Pole locations around the world.
Everyone is invited to visit the Peace Pole beside the amphitheater, between the Hohokam and Rio Tower buildings, and share its message with others.
The East Valley Rotaract Club at Rio Salado was chartered in July 2025. Member information can be found online.