PC Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Career Path: A survivor of the Cambodian genocide, Arn Chorn-Pond is an internationally recognized human rights leader.  Chorn-Pond spent four years in a child labor camp in Cambodia, and was witness to the murder of thousands of children by the Khmer Rouge.  When he was 15, Pond escaped into the jungle, and was later adopted by an American missionary in Thailand.  Chorn-Pond began to share his story, and has since spoken at the United Nations, before Congress, and across the nation and world.

Chorn-Pond's work includes producing a documentary entitled, The Flute Player, about his life and work.  The documentary was nationally broadcast on PBS.  He is the founder of the Cambodian Master Performers Program, which aims to save and revitalize Khmer traditional arts.  He has also formed the Children of War organization, the Cambodian Volunteers for Community Development, and Peace Makers, a U.S.-based gang intervention program for South-East Asian youths.  Currently, Chorn-Pond is the Director of Youth Programs for the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Chorn-Pond has received numerous awards for his work, including the Reebok Human Rights Award, the Spirit of Anne Frank Memorial Award, and the Kohl Foundation International Peace Prize.

Staying Involved: Arn Chorn-Pond spoke before an audience in Providence College's Alumni '64 Hall on May 8, 2003, about his documentary, The Flute Player.

Memorable Quote: "I credit Providence College with giving me an education that has helped me to go out into the world and help others."