Visiting scholars will discuss the recovery of Rwanda and the issue of the death penalty in talks March 2 and 3 at Missouri Western State University. Both talks are free and open to the public.

“Rwanda: Post-Conflict and Recovery”

  • Time: noon
  • Date: Monday, March 2
  • Place: Kemper Recital Hall, Spratt Hall room 101

Dr. Gerise Herndon, Nebraska Wesleyan University, will speak on Rwanda’s post-genocide transformation. She will discuss the economic, social and political changes following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Forgiveness and co-existence as an experiment in restorative justice will be highlighted, as well as changing attitudes about gender.

Dr. Herndon directs the Gender Studies program and teaches Global Studies at Nebraska Wesleyan. She first traveled to Rwanda in 2009 to research perceptions of Rwandan women’s political and grassroots power. During her 2010 sabbatical, Herndon worked as consultant with National University of Rwanda’s Centre for Gender Studies, writing Master’s level curriculum for the country’s inaugural Gender Studies program. She co-authored “Surviving Genocide, Thriving in Politics: Rwandan Women’s Power,” published in Cosmopolitan Civil Societies Journal.

“The Death Penalty: On Trial”

  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Date: Tuesday, March 3
  • Place: Kemper Recital Hall, Spratt Hall room 101

Danixia Cuevas, a professor at Miami Dade College and a former “mitigation specialist” for the defense, will speak about the two trials required by the death penalty. If the first trial returns a guilty verdict, a second trial must determine whether the ultimate penalty is imposed. Cuevas’ expertise included conducting a detailed psycho-social mitigation history for the defendant in order to identify and present mitigating factors for pre-trial or trial purposes. Cuevas was also a family law attorney who litigated all types of family law matters. She served as a trainer for domestic violence and represented victims of domestic violence.

David Tushaus, professor and chair of criminal justice, legal studies and social work at Missouri Western, will also present information about who gets executed in this country and across the globe.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.