In Memoriam

IDCE is honoring John Granville’s memory by establishing a scholarship in his name. The scholarship will support students that pursue development work in conflict/post-conflict-affected areas. To contribute to the scholarship fund for John Granville at IDCE, individuals should write their checks to Clark University and indicate that the funds are to be earmarked for IDCE in John Granville's memory.

Checks can be mailed to:
University Advancement
Clark University
950 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610

John Granville (IDSC/MA '04)

The IDCE community is very saddened to report that an IDCE alumnus, John Granville (IDSC/MA ‘04), was shot and killed early on News Year’s Day in Khartoum, Sudan. John had been working as an official in the area for the U.S. Agency for International Development. He had been helping to implement a 2005 peace agreement between Sudan’s north and south that ended more than two decades of civil war.

IDCE Director William Fisher had been in touch with John as recently as six weeks ago. The two were hoping to create an opportunity for current IDCE students to travel to Sudan and use GIS mapping techniques to aid in the implementation strategies. Though that collaboration has been put on hold, Dr. Fisher stresses that “John was an excellent example of what many of our alums do in putting themselves in harm’s way in order to make a positive difference in the world in a constructively engaged way. In remembering John we are thus recognizing and honoring the risks that many of our faculty and students take in making a better world.”

IDCE held a small memorial service for John at Clark University on March 14, 2008. The day began with an afternoon symposium addressing the impact and implications of working in conflict-affected areas.

Panel 1: Challenges and Opportunities for Peace in Africa

Chair: Dave Bell
Panelists: Laura (Burnham) Sampath, Robyn (Fink) Bertholon, Stephen Browne
 
Panel 2: Emerging/Cutting-Edge Themes in Conflict Research and Peace-Building

Chair: Ellen Foley
Panelists: Ruth Allen, Jude Fernando, Ken MacLean
 
Panel 3: Working in Conflict-Affected Areas

Chair: William Fisher
Panelists: Laura Hammond, Robyn Long, Carrie Conway, Kathleen (McHugh) Schneider

This symposium was followed by a memorial service in Tilton Hall. An alumni reception followed the service, where IDCE renamed its main conference room in honor of John.

View PROGRAM from this event.

John Granville
September 25, 1974–January 1, 2008
In Memoriam

Andre Guy Soh (IDSC/MA '05) gave a touching interview in The Independent Weekly.

"U.S. Diplomat and Driver Are Shot Dead in Sudan" New York Times, January 2, 2008.