Cohen Center for Holocaust & Genocide Studies Hosts US Representative Ann Kuster

Visit Provides Insight into Center’s Domestic and International Educational Accomplishments

Keene State College’s Cohen Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies hosted US Representative, Ann Kuster (D-NH) on Friday, May 31. During the visit, staff of the Cohen Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies shared its mission and educational efforts. The Cohen Center is a leading educational center devoted to the memory and study of the Holocaust and genocide. Its library of books and other media has grown to nearly 6,000 volumes and supports the College’s academic program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies that includes both an interdisciplinary major and minor in this subject area.

Keene State College offers the nation’s only baccalaureate program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Faculty from the academic program described domestic and international efforts to engage students in the issues. Keene State junior, Kelly Christianson, shared her interest in learning about the Holocaust and genocide, and her plans to help communities abroad this summer. Rep. Kuster offered some personal commentary about her father’s involvement in World War II and shared her understanding of how these issues can influence the lives of students. Jan Cohen, who along with her husband, Rick Cohen, is a generous benefactor to the Cohen Center, attended to offer her insight as well.