Scholar Films
Harun's most recent film, In the Name of the Son, is based on his experiences growing up in wartime Bosnia
Scholars in the Arts
Randy’s provocative works of metal, wood, and paint have earned considerable recognition.
Peter Pindjak
“My success is a combination of courage, inventiveness, persistence, and loyal, well-wishing people who have supported me. Abstract thinking, acquired through music, and discipline gained through military training, have helped me to cultivate critical-thinking ability.”
- Program: 2009 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Pittsburgh, PA
- Hometown: Bratislava, Slovakia
- Age: 26
- Four-year College or University: Northwestern State University
- Graduate School: University of Pittsburgh
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Arts / Music / Performance, International NGO/Relations, Politics and Diplomacy
- Other Interests: Church / Religious Organization, Philosophy, Sciences
Peter Pindjak: Chopin: Polonaise in A-Flat Major Op.53 "Heroic" |
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Biography
PROFILE: Music and security policy for Peter Pindjak go hand in hand. The native of Slovakia was only eight when he began taking piano lessons and excelled to the point that he had the honor of performing for and meeting the President of the Slovak Republic. A few years later, Peter was selected to enter Bratislava State Conservatory to continue his piano studies. But it was at the Conservatory where Peter discovered there was more to life than piano performance and composition. With September 11th still fresh in his mind and the war on terrorism heating up, Peter became “intrigued” by a new desire—security policy and its potential to contribute to international peace. Everything began to fall into place for Peter as he simultaneously pursued his music education while cultivating his interest in security policy. About that time a “life-changing” opportunity emerged: Peter was awarded a full scholarship to study music at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, some 5,000 miles away from his home in Bratislava. After he arrived in Louisiana, he decided to add a second degree in political science and also became a US Army ROTC cadet. When he graduated in May 2009, Peter made history when he became one of the first students ever at his honors college who had written and defended two honors theses in one year: one in music, the other in political science.
ASPIRATION: Following completion of his graduate degree, Peter would like to pursue a career as an analyst within the security community.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: In addition to internships with Information Center on NATO in Prague and Slovak Ministry of Defense, where he conducted research and prepared analyses of various issues ranging from the conflict in the Republic of Georgia to US missile defense policy, Peter is most proud of his work with Jagello 2000–Association for Euro-Atlantic Cooperation. In 2007, he coordinated Aliante 2007, an international competition centered on security affairs and transatlantic relations, which was held in America for the first time.
ACCOLADES: Peter was named to Who's Who Among Students 2009; received the ROTC Award of Merit presented by Military Order of World Wars; and was the Aliante 2003 competition Winner, which was held under the auspices of former National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski.
INTERESTING FACT: Peter is an exceptional marksman. In his Northwestern State University “Demon Battalion,” he hit 37 out of 40 targets with an M16 rifle.
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