Carl Wilkens, Survivor of Rwandan Genocide, Shares His Story with Students
On Wednesday, February 4th, Carl Wilkens, former head of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Rwanda, spoke to Global Scholars, Theology and Facing History students about his experience choosing to stay in Rwanda throughout the 1994 Genocide.
Over the course of the genocide, Wilkens used his connections and influence as a U.S. national to foster peace and save lives. His description of calm conversations with militants as he convinced them to avoid attacking an orphanage reminded the audience that rational, pacific conversations have the power to de-escalate a situation, while anger and aggression are guaranteed to inflame it.
The session with Wilkens was led by Seniors Maya Ciurcel, Kennedy Green and Audrey Ronayne. Participants were moved by his challenge to renounce ideas like "My world is better without you in it" (which led to atrocities like genocide) and advance toward the idea that "My world is better with you in it", which emphasizes repair and plants roots of trust.
Article written by Maria Zajac '26, External Communications Coordinator for the Global Scholars Leadership team; edited by Mrs. Kathy Flinn
