The Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway
Honors students Anja Westenberg (Class of 2028) and Patrick Keegan (Class of 2027) have been accepted to Partners in Peace for Fall 2026. This program is a collaboration between the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) and the Nobel Peace Center, located in Oslo, Norway. The semester-long study includes weekly virtual sessions as well as two field experiences: a trip to the NCHC Conference in New Orleans, and travel to Oslo, Norway for the awarding of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
Anja Westenberg is studying elementary education, and she plans to complete a master’s degree then become a teacher in Danbury, where she grew up. She believes in the importance of peace and hopes “to learn strategies for facilitating peaceful communication.” Westenberg is grateful for her Honors Program experiences so far, including field trips such as Storm King Art Center, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, and travel to Costa Rica with a Biology course. She writes, “I am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities that the Honors program has offered me and the ways it has shaped my experience at WCSU.”
Patrick Keegan is studying Justice and Law Administration with a concentration in legal studies. He hopes to attend law school and eventually work in international law. He believes the program will be an incredible experience, and writes “I hope to gain a lot of perspective and increase my own worldview. I also want to learn more about how to organize events focusing on global problems.” Keegan has appreciated his time within the Honors Program, including the variety of course offerings outside of his major, and the emphasis on community service.
As part of Partners in Peace, students earn the title of “National Peace Ambassador” for their local community, which involves completing a project in Spring 2027. We look forward to seeing how this experience will further enrich our students’ involvement on campus and in the Honors Program!
Honors student Anja Westenberg Honors student Patrick Keegan
