Honoring Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig’s Legacy of Humanitarian Service

Abdul-Rahman Peter Edward Kassig (1988-2014) was a Butler Political Science student from 2011 to 2012. His deep concern and altruistic service to others demonstrate the core values Butler students strive to embody.

A former Army Ranger, who had served in Iraq and was a trained EMT, Kassig was inspired to become a humanitarian aid worker after a spring break trip to Lebanon in 2012. Spurred by the suffering of the refugees from Syria’s civil war, Kassig began delivering basic necessities to civilian refugees of the conflict and treating the war-wounded, regardless of affiliation. He established his own Non-Governmental Organization, Special Emergency Response and Assistance (SERA), spent his own money, and risked his life repeatedly to sustain these relief efforts. He was captured by ISIL in October 2013, held hostage for over a year, and tragically killed in November 2014.

Many Butler students, faculty, and staff have responded to Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig’s death with a desire to honor his life. Our goal is to establish an endowed fund that would benefit students with humanitarian commitments or career aspirations similar to his. This planned fund would be named for him and would help students:

  • Learn more about the world of humanitarian practice through structured interactions with professionals in the field
  • Develop new skills, insights, and contacts for their existing or future humanitarian projects
  • Help educate their Butler peers about humanitarian causes and action

To donate online:

Complete our online giving form using the “Other” option, and indicate in the box provided that your gift is “In memory of Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig.”

To donate by check:

Make your check payable to Butler University, indicating on the memo line of the check that the gift is “In memory of Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig.”

Mail to:
University Advancement
Butler University
4600 Sunset Ave.
Jordan Hall, room 140
Indianapolis, IN 46208