The Evan J. Greenberg ’91 Lectureship Series continues to bring meaningful conversations about peace, justice, and understanding to the Abington Friends School community, honoring the legacy of an alum whose compassion and global awareness still resonate today.

This year’s program welcomed Allyson McCreery, Associate Director of the International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program at Arcadia University, who spoke on Divided Societies. Drawing from her extensive international fieldwork—including research on the frozen conflict in Cyprus—McCreery invited students to explore lessons from peace processes around the world and how they might guide us toward more sustainable, community-driven approaches to resolving conflict.

Following her talk, students joined McCreery and members of the Greenberg family for an informal lunch discussion about nonviolence and the power of community in creating change. When one student asked whether violence is ever the only answer, McCreery offered a thoughtful reflection:

“There is great capacity in societies to engage in nonviolent resistance as an agent of change. It can be costly and requires great strategy and diligence, but we’ve seen communities overcome oppressive systems through nonviolent means. That’s why being in community with others who share that vision matters so much.”

Established in memory of Evan J. Greenberg ’91, a Presidential Scholar at American University majoring in peace and conflict studies, the lectureship embodies his belief that education and dialogue can build a more just and peaceful world.

This year’s gathering was made especially meaningful by the presence of Evan’s siblings, their families, and his close friend and fellow alum Marc Sandos ’91, whose continued engagement reflects the enduring connection of AFS alumni to one another and to the school.