Madeleine Albright To Speak Sept. 12 at Alma College
The Honorable Madeleine K. Albright, the first female U.S. Secretary
of State, will share her perspective on world affairs and discuss her
life and career during a Wednesday, Sept. 12 presentation at Alma
College.
Albright is the keynote speaker for the 2007 Robert D. Swanson
Responsible Leadership Speaker Series. Her address takes place at 7:30
p.m. in Cappaert Gymnasium in the Hogan Physical Education Center on
the Alma College campus. Admission is free and open to the public.
“When
I think of individuals who personify responsible leadership by their
actions, words, abilities and convictions, Madeleine Albright stands
front and center,” says Alma College President Saundra Tracy. “We are
thrilled that she has agreed to discuss with the Alma College community
what it means to be a leader in the 21st Century.
“As Secretary of State, she skillfully championed peace, human rights
and democracy throughout the world. She is a wonderful example for our
students to emulate,” says Tracy.
At the time of her confirmation as Secretary of State in 1997, Albright
was the highest-ranking woman in the federal government. Born in
Prague, Czechoslovakia, she moved to the United States in 1948,
becoming a citizen in 1957.
“Choosing to become a citizen of a new country and then gratefully
offering oneself in service exemplifies the principles upon which our
country was founded,” says John Leipzig, director of Alma’s Center for
Responsible Leadership. “Madeleine Albright’s career is one of
exceptional dedication and contributions to the world on behalf of the
United States.
“An important aspect of Albright’s career is the diversity of her
contributions on the world stage,” says Leipzig. “One of the goals for
our leadership fellows is to engage in meaningful global dialogue and
service outside of the United States. While being recognized for her
past contributions, Albright continues to work for a better future for
our citizens and the rest of the world.”
The Center for Responsible Leadership encompasses a large network of
leadership-development opportunities for all Alma students, regardless
of academic major or degree. The speaker series, launched in September
2006, brings prominent leaders to campus for discussions on related
topics. Bob Dole and George McGovern spoke in September 2006.
Madeleine Albright biography
Nominated by President Bill Clinton on Dec. 5, 1996, Albright was
unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate and sworn in as the 64th
Secretary of State on Jan. 23, 1997 — the first woman Secretary of
State in the nation’s history. From 1993 to 1997, she served as the
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations and as a member of
the President’s Cabinet.
Currently, Albright is a principal of The Albright Group LLC, a global
strategy firm. Her experience in global affairs and her extensive
diplomatic skills help businesses and nongovernmental organizations to
build strategic partnerships, address political and regulatory risks,
and manage crises.
She also is the first Michael and Virginia Mortara Endowed
Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy at the Georgetown
School of Foreign Service. In addition, she is chair of The National
Democratic Institute of International Affairs, chair of The Pew Global
Attitudes Project, president of the Truman Scholarship Foundation,
co-chair of the Commission on the Legal Empowerment of the Poor, and
serves on the board of directors of the Council on Foreign Relations
and the Board of Trustees for the Aspen Institute.
She earned a bachelor of arts degree from Wellesley College and a
master’s degree and doctorate from Columbia University’s Department of
Public Law and Government, as well as a certificate from the Russian
Institute.
Albright’s best-selling autobiography, Madam Secretary: A Memoir, was published in September 2003. Her most recent book, The Mighty and The Almighty – Reflections on America, God and World Affairs, was released in May 2006.
Posted: Mon, August 20th, 2007 at 8:11AM
