Bjarnadottir, Thorunn

President Hasselmo receivesgroup's plan for world peaceThorunn BjarnadottirStaff ReporterUniversity President Nils Hasselmo joined the ranks of Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev Monday when he received a peace plan from the Baha'i Faith.

A bound edition of the peace plan was delivered to Hasselmo by seven members of the group's University chapter. The plan written by the Universal House of Justice of the Baha'i Faith in 1985 outlines a path toward world unity through greater international cooperation.

"I commemorate you for your idealism and for presenting this to me," Hasselmo said as he sat down and chatted with the group for about 20 minutes.

Hasselmo said he is always encouraged when he sees young people reminding leaders of the need for principles and ideals.

The objectives of the Baha'i Faith are to transform society, establish world peace, and establish a new civilization through the unity of humankind.

"The promise of peace will only come about with the change of heart and with the transforming of the soul," said Emily Youngdahl, an English senior.

Jon Berry, a math major and the Baha'i Faith's campus chairman, said the University as a whole will be a better place if these ideas are implemented.

"I hope (Hasselmo) reads the statement and uses it for the every day operation of the University," he said.

Hasselmo said that he believes global unity will overcome the unfortunate barriers that exist in this world. He also said there is a need for practical principles of how to deal with any issue.

Today marks the 145th anniversary of the establishment of the Baha'i Faith.