Paix.

Pace.

Paz.

Frieden.

Peace.

There may be several ways to say the word “peace,” but there is one universal meaning. On campus, three student organizations have united to bring a definition of peace to other students.

Students from Hillel, the Muslim Student Association, and the Baha’i Club worked on a sign promoting Thursday’s International Day of Peace. The sign will be posted in the Brickyard Thursday for all members of the public to sign their names to the posted boards in support of the message of world peace.

Chad Suggs, a junior in biological sciences, is a prime organizer of the event.

“It is completely voluntary. It is a way to make a declaration to yourself and other people,” he said.

Suggs is the chair of the Social Justice committee in Hillel and said “anybody who wants peace or who wants something better for themselves” is encouraged to sign their name.

“We’re not turning anybody away,” Suggs said.

The United Nations created the International Day of Peace initially in 1982 as “a day of global cease-fire and non-violence.”

The day is annually recognized on Sept. 21.

“[The day] should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples,” the resolution said.

President George Bush’s latest address on Tuesday to the United Nations addressed the issue of world peace.

“Our goal is to help you build a more tolerant and hopeful society that honors people of all faiths and promote peace,” Bush said, according to the White House Web site.

Ben Mazur, junior in religion studies, said he felt the University is making an effort to obtain Bush’s goal.

“It is hard enough for one student to make a difference, but when students are able to come together from a multitude of organizations on campus and personal backgrounds, it is easier to relay the message of peace,” Mazur said.

Other students said they believe the group’s efforts are not a solution, but a small step towards bringing the issue to students.

“In general, I do not think it is going to be a revolution,” Dominic Scimeca, sophomore in physics and applied science and member of the Baha’i club, said, “but piece by piece and with the small things, awareness becomes widespread.”

Megan Fries, sophomore in international studies, said she felt there are too many problems in the world for peace to happen.

“It has good intentions,” Fries said.

Fries said she sees the relevance of world peace on her life.

“I want to travel the world,” Fries said. “I would appreciate if there were no wars.”

Students have already expressed support for the group’s efforts.

“I think it is a really awesome event trying to get students involved and to promote equal rights and humanitarianism,” Mahalia Siegel, senior in textile and apparel management, said.

Siegel said the group was making an important move to promoting cooperation between cultures.

“Even though people are not getting along in a global sense, it is good to know that here at NCSU, we can. Despite what is going on in the world, we can still unite for a common goal,” Siegal said.

Other students agreed with the group’s message.

“Peace is something that is honestly a basic need for all human beings,” Amr Mohamed, senior in electrical and computer engineering, said.

Alex Miller, associate vice chancellor for the scholars program, said he felt peace is a goal the world will always strive for.

“People have to be informed, search their own conscience, and do what is in their power to let us live in a peaceful world,” Miller said. “We need to do that with those close to us and far from us.”

Fries said it shouldn’t be a once-a-year event.

“Let’s make that a goal for every day,” she said.

The students participating in the effort said they are doing what they can to ensure peace in the future.

Students who sign the board on Thursday have a “way to put your voice in the air and declaring that you want peace,” Suggs said.

“You do not get benefits. We do not have anything to give you. It is for your own self-worth,” he said.