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Ģ����Ƶ and , a humanitarian organization dedicated to the removal of landmines and the subsequent replanting and rebuilding of war-torn regions, are collaborating on creating pathways to success, equity, and peace.

The collaboration comes as Roots of Peace founder Heidi Kühn is developing a global center focused on fostering peace through educational partnerships, public programming, and cultural events. The center—Pegasus Gardens—is located on the McNear family estate across the creek from Dominican.

will serve as a strategic partner to Dominican, offering insights and recommendations for collaborations enhancing the university’s continuing growth and success as a private institution committed to serving all students equitably.

“Through the new partnership, Roots of Peace will support Dominican in extending its domestic and international network,” says Dr. Mojgan Behmand, Dominican’s Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We are delighted to collaborate with Heidi Kühn, a champion of peace whose Marin County and Dominican roots run deep.”

Dominican and Roots of Peace will engage with international dignitaries, nonprofits, and governmental organizations visiting both Pegasus Gardens and the university. Roots of Peace will have access to the university’s community partnership office and conference room. The key focus will be developing resources and researching best practices that promote peace. 

Participants will be encouraged to explore how their global contributions can cultivate peace through dialogue, Kühn says.

“We envision that by gathering luminaries from a constellation of diverse backgrounds, and by broadcasting their wisdom, we can positively contribute to peace building worldwide.”

A and recipient of the , Kühn founded Roots of Peace in 1997 with a vision: turn mines to vines. By replacing landmines and unexploded ordnance in war-damaged countries with vineyards and fruit tree orchards, Roots of Peace has improved food security and livelihoods for more than 1.1 million farmers and their families across at least seven countries.

The new partnership extends Kühn’s deep personal and family connection to Dominican, aligning both institutions in a shared mission of peace, equity, and global engagement. 

Indeed, the inspiration for Roots of Peace began at Dominican.

Kühn’s mother graduated from Dominican College in 1951. As a young child, Kühn attended The Garden School, a kindergarten run by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael. She recalls being dismissed early on November 22, 1963. 

“I was dismissed early from kindergarten by my teacher, Sister Patricia Lyons, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I was told to go home and pray for peace. I’ve never stopped praying for peace. Roots of Peace is the manifestation of a promise made.”

Dominican students will have the opportunity to serve as Roots of Peace interns, and Roots of Peace employees will be eligible for discounted tuition at Dominican through the university’s Marin Advantage Program (MAP).

Dominican will offer all Roots of Peace employees, fellows, and affiliates access to tuition reduction scholarships for select bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Students affiliated with Roots of Peace and MAP also will be invited to participate in programs designed to inform students about educational opportunities, provide guidance in preparing them for the college transition, instill in them a sense of belonging, and provide opportunity for the practice of skills requisite for success.

“I remain extremely grateful to Dominican, as Roots of Peace will join efforts to unite our global community from the heart of Marin County, California, where the vision of the United Nations began 80 years ago,” Kühn says. “Together, we will bring the world back home, as we engage our international community in global peace building as social entrepreneurs.”

Pictured: Heidi Kühn received an honorary doctorate degree from Dominican President Nicola Pitchford at the University’s spring 2025 commencement ceremony. Kühn also delivered the commencement address.