Detroit peace studies center celebrates 50th anniversary

DETROIT (AP) - Detroit's Center for Peace and Conflict Studies celebrates its 50th anniversary with a look at its past and plans for the future.

The center at Wayne State University holds an event Tuesday at the McGregor Memorial Conference Center to discuss new initiatives and its dual focus on academics and community engagement.

One highlight is a Feb. 17 talk by Dr. Craig Spencer, a Doctors Without Borders physician, Ebola survivor and university alumnus. His lecture is entitled "The Challenges and Controversies of the Ebola Epidemic: Experiences from a Provider and Patient."

Filmmaker Abigail Disney also is scheduled to speak in March on women's peace movements.

Program director Frederic Pearson says the event provides "an exciting moment" to look back and ahead. The center was one of the first of its kind.