Dr. Khalil "Haji" Dokhanchi, professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, was presented the 2011 Justice for Peace Award at the Martin Luther King Jr. Rally Jan. 17 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.  

The Martin Luther King Celebration Committee recognizes residents of the Twin Ports community who have gone beyond their regular duties to build awareness, speak on behalf of justice, celebrate diversity and impel, foster and promote actions toward building a better future for all.  

Dokhanchi, a UW-Superior faculty member since 1992, teaches courses in the peace studies concentration that is part of the political science major at UW-Superior. He also teaches a summer course that takes students to Bosnia to study the post-war and post-genocide society of the Balkans.

In addition, Dokhanchi is active in local, regional and national organizations focusing on human rights. He has served as advisor to UW-Superior's Amnesty International, Model UN and International Peace Studies Association student organizations for many years.

Interim Chancellor Christopher Markwood praised Dokhanchi for his dedication and involvement.

"We are proud of Haji not only for receiving this well-deserved award, but for his long-standing commitment to following his beliefs," Markwood said. "As a university community, we encourage our faculty and staff to be engaged in the community."