Alaina Voss ’27 and Kelyn Henry-Perlich ’27 will represent Concordia College in the 2026 Peace Scholars Program, spending six weeks in Norway engaging with global issues, studying the power of dialogue along with students from all over the world, and presenting their own research.
“As a future English language teacher, the global mindset that I continue to develop through programs like this is crucial,” said Voss, who is majoring in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) and social studies education. “By understanding global conflicts and peace strategies, I become a more informed educator who values diverse perspectives and stories to create a safe and welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds.”
Voss, originally from Glencoe, Minnesota, also competes in track & field and is a member of the Campus Events Commission at Concordia. Her minors are Spanish and psychology.
“I believe that travel experiences like this are valuable regardless of career path, as they deepen understanding of diverse populations and perspectives,” said Henry-Perlich, who is majoring in biology, with minors in environmental and sustainability studies, nutrition and dietetics, and Spanish. “After graduation, I plan to attend physical therapy school. My hope is that the Peace Scholars Program will broaden my cultural awareness and help me provide more compassionate, patient-centered care.”
Henry-Perlich, originally from Hastings, Nebraska, is in cross country and track & field. She is a member of the Student Government Association, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Health Professions Interest Club, Letters of Love, Sigma Zeta, and Spanish Club.
Five colleges founded by Norwegian-Americans sponsor the program annually, allowing students to study Norwegian perspectives on peace, conflict, and dialogue in Oslo, Norway. The schools — Concordia, Augsburg University, Luther College, Pacific Lutheran University, and St. Olaf College — select their representatives through an application and interview process.
Concordia’s representatives are funded by the Smaby Peace Scholars Endowment established by funds from the Philip C. Smaby Charitable Remainder Trust in honor of William Smaby and Norris Smaby — Philip’s brothers, who both worked at Concordia.
The Peace Scholars Seminar, a six-week credited course, involves an array of seminars, workshops, lectures, and visits on an eclectic array of topics designed as a general introduction to the study of peace and dialogue, with a focus on Norwegian perspectives.
Plans for the seminar currently include visiting the National Museum of Art, the Norwegian Nobel Institute, the Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies, the Islamic Cultural Centre and mosque, Oslo, the woods north of Oslo, and the Peace Research Institute in Oslo. Academic readings include Martin Buber’s philosophical text “I and Thou,” as well as articles on Nordic models of government, mediation, dialogue, and being Norwegian.
“I hope to learn communication and leadership skills that I can apply to my day-to-day life and future career,” Voss said. “I also want to learn how to apply concepts and ideas that Norway has implemented into communities here in the U.S. while respecting and acknowledging the cultural differences.”
She is looking forward to starting her own research project, as well as speaking with people about the language learning process in Norway — how Norway approaches teaching Norwegian to immigrants and how immigrants feel during the process.
“I am also excited to learn more about Norwegian culture and gain a firsthand look at daily life,” Henry-Perlich said. “Immersing myself in a new environment will really allow me to experience the values, traditions, and perspectives that shape the community.”
She is most excited to explore Oslo, spending time outdoors there, and getting to know the other Peace Scholars to build connections with them.
Voss and Henry-Perlich both said they felt extremely honored to be chosen as Peace Scholars.