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By Sarah Matarella

Standing beside the towering peace walls in Belfast, Ireland, Christopher Grilli was not simply studying history. He was walking through it.

Grilli stood at the wall dividing the city as guides from both sides of Northern Ireland’s decadeslong political and religious conflicts shared their personal stories. The political science major witnessed the lasting impact of division, reconciliation and the ongoing work of peacemaking firsthand.

“The physical barrier between communities helped visualize the tension and discourse that still exist within them,” Grilli shared. “This allowed us to observe the tension, division, and see the true effects of the tragedy on the modern community, and to speak with those who were present during the conflict, giving them space to share how Belfast, Ireland, and their own communities have changed as a result.”

The experience was crucial in providing a deepened understanding of global conflicts and the ways in which legislation and culture have worked to mediate and resolve the Troubles, according to Grilli. This study-abroad experience reflects a partnership that has connected Alvernia to Northern Ireland — one rooted in Franciscan values of peace, humility and respect for every person.

Today, that commitment continues through Alvernia’s partnership with St. Mary’s University College in Belfast, where students from any academic major can participate in the International Summer School. The immersive program combines academic seminars with firsthand exploration of Northern Ireland’s history, politics and culture.

A Legacy of Peacemaking

Alvernia’s relationship with Belfast began over 30 years ago as university leaders sought to better understand Northern Ireland’s peace process and the role higher education could play in reconciliation. That commitment was celebrated last summer when President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., represented the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) during the 30th anniversary celebration of the Study USA program at the U.S. Consulate in Belfast. That program has provided more than 2,500 Northern Ireland students with the opportunity to spend a year studying at colleges and universities throughout the United States, fostering cultural understanding and lasting relationships across communities.

Selected by the ACCU to represent Catholic higher education, Fitzgerald joined fellow university presidents and international leaders in recognizing three decades of educational exchange and peacemaking.

“It was an honor to represent Alvernia and Catholic higher education during such a meaningful celebration,” Fitzgerald said. “It reflects the strength of relationships that have been built over decades and our shared commitment to educating students who lead with compassion, humility and a desire to build stronger communities.”

From Belonging to Mattering

One of the aspects of Alvernia’s Franciscan tradition is reverence for the dignity of each individual. Director of Justice, Equity and Inclusion Arielle Phillips-Law, Ph.D., shared that experiences like the international summer school in Belfast supplement the university’s dedication to making students feel like they not only belong here — they matter here.

“We talk about belonging, and that’s the work of the student. We create an environment that fosters belonging, but then the student has to take an active role. Whereas mattering puts a little bit more of the focus on us as staff. They’re contributing to us, and we contribute tenfold into them,” said Phillips-Law, who traveled to Belfast alongside Grilli. “We aren’t sending students on these trips simply for the trip’s sake. We’re investing in their growth, their perspectives and their ability to approach the world differently. It’s one thing to vacation in Ireland. It’s another to learn from its people, its history and the ways communities have worked toward healing.”

Studying abroad examines topics ranging from the legacy of the Troubles and post-Brexit society to conflict resolution, identity and community building.
Students also participate in Irish language lessons, Gaelic games, Irish dance, visits to cultural landmarks like the Titanic Belfast museum and conversations with civic leaders, including Belfast’s Lord Mayor.

“Students theorize about these issues in the classroom,” Phillips-Law said. “In Belfast, they see what those conversations look like lived out in real communities. They begin asking important questions about their own assumptions, their own biases and how they’ll serve others in their professions.”

While the itinerary offers a long list of unforgettable experiences, the true value lies in the lessons students bring home. Discussions about conflict, reconciliation and social division move beyond textbooks into communities where history is still visible in neighborhoods, murals and everyday life. The experience encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and recognize that meaningful learning often happens through unfamiliar perspectives.

“Learning about how their community has grown from the initial event has allowed me as a political science student to better understand how to grow from and prevent future tragedies, the importance of peacemaking, and the role that geography and religion can play in peacemaking and politics abroad,” said Grilli, who hopes to work in government and politics upon graduation. “This is particularly important in my major and future professional work, as peacemaking and global perspectives are essential for understanding when engaging in conversations about domestic and global politics.”

As Alvernia continues deepening its partnerships in Northern Ireland, those lessons remain at the heart of the university’s values-based education that prepares empathetic graduates who seek understanding before judgment and recognize that education has the power to build peace across communities, cultures and borders.

“This trip is just one of the many ways Alvernia promotes belonging, peacemaking, curiosity and exploration through knowledge,” Fitzgerald said. “Whether within the Reading and Alvernia communities or abroad, Alvernia has made a concerted effort to ensure students understand their roles not only as Franciscan servants but also as empathetic and well-rounded human beings.”