The Peace Garden at Fresno State, established in 1990 just north of the Henry Madden Library, features individuals esteemed for their contributions to peaceful resolution of conflict and for their dedication to social justice. Paying tribute to Mahatma Ghandi, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Jane Addams and César Chávez, the statues urge us to contemplate how our future depends on peaceful coexistence.

Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor, professor emeritus of social work education, was instrumental in founding the Peace Garden, which speaks to future generations on how our humanity depends on understanding and tolerance. A community advocate of peace and justice, Dr. Kapoor retired in May 2008 from 39 years of teaching at the university.

The garden honors the memory of Dr. Richard Ford, a former dean of the College of Social Work, with a grove of trees.

Two students lost on 9/11 are also commemorated.

The Peace Garden was renovated in 2008 and rededicated on Earth Day 2009 as part of the new library project; it now features a Native Plant Garden, which consists of six plants used in the making of Native American baskets.

A memorial for Mahatma Gandhi, prophet of nonviolence and Father of the Human Rights Movement in the 20th Century, was dedicated on October 2, 1990. His was the first memorial to be erected in the Peace Garden.

Leader of the United Farm Worker's Union, Cesar E. Chavez waged a nonviolent struggle against social injustice, oppression and human suffering experienced by his people. The statue honoring him was dedicated in the Peace Garden on March 31, 1996.

A life-size bronze sculpture honors the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his struggle for justice. Created by nationally acclaimed artist Dr. Richard Blake of Pennsylvania and commissioned by the university, the six-foot tall sculpture of Dr. King portrays him in his ministerial robes holding a small child. This statue was unveiled on Jan. 18, 1998, in commemoration of Dr. King's birthday.

Dedicated in 2006, the bronze sculpture honors Jane Addams — reformer, defender of the poor, and international peace advocate. The statue depicts Addams lifting aloft a small immigrant child who is holding a globe. The statue was created by Claudia Nolan, a graduate student in sculpture at Fresno State. The base was prepared by Roy J. Bell, owner of Bell Memorials and Granite Works in Clovis.