An Evening to Remember
Heravi Peace Institute Banquet ’25 Celebrated A Year of Achievements & Bright Institutional Future
A group of the most recent Heravi certificate graduates - Heravi Peace Institute Banquet 2025
On March 19th the Heravi Peace Institute hosted its 2nd Annual Banquet to honor our latest certificate graduates, scholarship recipients, institutional achievements, and partnerships that have shaped the institute’s mission over the past year. Held at the David B. Haight Center, the evening brought together students, faculty, community members, and special guests for a night of recognition, and renewed commitment to peacebuilding. The beautiful evening led not only to sending the new cohort of HPI students home with the recognizable white stole, but also celebrating many “firsts” for our institute.
Dr. Mehdi Heravi Presenting Reina Gilman with the Student of The Year Award
The very first HPI Student of the Year Award went to Reina Gilman. Graduating this year with a certificate in Interfaith Leadership, Reina has left a lasting impression on us with her integrity and dedication.
Reina is graduating this spring with dual degrees in Sociology and Religious Studies. She has shown unwavering dedication to interfaith work, from helping develop student engagement in the Interfaith and Peacebuilding clubs to organizing service events that benefit the Logan community. She has been instrumental in the Interfaith Workshop Series and a key leader in fostering meaningful conversations across religious and cultural differences. Her nominator described Reina as kind, reliable, and passionate, all great qualities of an exemplary HPI Student.
Our Interim Director Tammy Proctor received the prestigious Hillcourt Silver Medal in Scout History for her long-term contribution and research.
Dr. Proctor & Nelson Block (Hillcourt Foundation) at the HPI Banquet
Dr. Heravi, with Kaylee & Daniel Westhora Co-chairs of the HPI Alumni Association
The evening also marked the official launch of the Heravi Peace Institute Alumni Association. Co-chaired by HPI alumni Daniel and Kaylee Westhora, the association aims to foster lifelong connections and continued engagement among graduates. Any student graduating with a HPI Certificate is automatically enrolled in the Alumni Association and can volunteer to take on an active leadership role.
With its first event taking place on May 1st during the graduation season, the association will be a new channel to stay connected to our students after graduation, and to create a lasting network of support and mentorship among Heravi cohorts.
To stay connected and learn more about the association, follow their LinkedIn group.
Students graduating in Global Peacebuilding receiving their ceremonial stoles at the HPI Banquet 2025
Interfaith Leadership receiving their ceremonial stoles at the HPI Banquet 2025
Conflict Management receiving their ceremonial stoles at the HPI Banquet 2025