Center for Nonproliferation Studies Celebrates 20 Years
The James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), the world’s largest nongovernmental organization focused on combating the spread of weapons of mass destruction, celebrated its 20th anniversary December 3-5 with a series of events including a conference and gala dinner for alumni and special guests. Launched in 1989 by Monterey Institute of International Studies Professor William Potter, the Center’s unique approach combines original research and global information-sharing with unparalleled educational opportunities for its students.
The two-day conference on “The Power of Nonproliferation Education and Training” featured former Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration Linton Brooks as keynote speaker, and included seven panels of international nonproliferation experts addressing topics ranging from regional nonproliferation efforts to ways forward in education and training.
On Saturday, December 5, CNS sponsored a staged reading of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes’ new play Reykjavik, a dramatization of the 1986 summit meeting at which American and Soviet leaders Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev came within hours of concluding an agreement aimed at eliminating the threat of nuclear weapons for all time.
Later that evening, CNS and MIIS alumni and special guests gathered for a gala dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The dinner featured CNN’s Frank Sesno (Middlebury ‘77) as master of ceremonies and included presentation of a congratulatory resolution from the California State Legislature by Assemblyman (and former MIIS professor) Bill Monning, and a keynote speech by Special Representative of the President for Nuclear Nonproliferation Susan Burk. The dinner program reprinted congratulatory letters sent to CNS by President Barack Obama and outgoing International Atomic Energy Agency Director Mohamed El-Baradei.
Guests gather at the aquarium (Photo: David Royal)
Frank Sesno greets attendees (Photo: David Royal)
CNS Director Bill Potter accepts award from MIIS President Sunder Ramaswamy (Photo: David Royal)
For More Information
Jason Warburg
jwarburg@middlebury.edu
831.647.3156
Eva Gudbergsdottir
eva@middlebury.edu
831.647.6606