It is not often that one gets the opportunity to have dinner with such a person as Dr. Gregory Stanton. For this reason, CGO was more than grateful to have dinner with him on April 12^th. As pizza was the main course, the conversation was destined to be informal. The result was a conversation percolating with strands of politics, experiences, explanations, and candid inquiries. Listening to Dr. Gregory Stanton was akin to listening to an old friend—his responses were thorough and never failed to interest me. Even when discussing painful experiences such as his first realization of the magnitude of genocide when walking through mass graves, Dr. Stanton was able to maintain an unfailing sense of hope. His sense of spirit seems undefeatable and he is incredibly dignified.

Dr. Stanton’s discussion with the CGO (Picture by Whitney Logue)

This showed through particularly in the more candid questions Dr. Stanton faced. “Have you ever met President Obama? Is he nice?” Dr. Stanton’s response was simply to smile and say, “Of course. Not only is the man nice, but he is magnetic.” While questions of problems occurring in the world around us are important to intellectual discussion, simple questions such as the aforementioned are almost equally as pertinent. For it is these questions of opinion and character that help you to understand the foundation of an individuals’ motivations and actions. Dr. Stanton’s answer made it apparent to me that he has a true passion for understanding people and interacting with them on a personal level. His openness and desire for human interaction translate into his passion for genocide prevention and warm demeanor.

Dr. Stanton addressing the CGO (Picture by Whitney Logue)

 It seemed to me that Dr. Stanton could find worth in every individual, regardless of his or her flaws. This is a personality trait that is not necessarily common in our present world and is one to be admired. Dr. Stanton’s mere presence is one of calming strength and incredible reverence. He makes anything seem a possibility if devotion and understanding coexist. Dr. Stanton has and will do the world many justices. Hopefully we can learn from people like Dr. Stanton that in the face of injustice and evil, a spark must continue to fire. Dr. Stanton is making sure that spark does not fail. It was a true honor to be in his company and an opportunity I will not easily forget.

Dr. Stanton discussing ways to involve CGO students in campaigns against genocide (Picture by Leslie McLees)