News Release: Holbrooke Says U.S. Needs Active Foreign Policy in Speech at Trinity College’s 174^th Commencement

For Immediate Release

HARTFORD, Conn., May 21 --The United States has an obligation to be actively involved in foreign affairs, particularly on the troubled continent of Africa, Richard C. Holbrooke, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told graduates today at Trinity College’s 174^th Commencement.

"Constantly in Washington, particularly when you go out for money and money afterall is what drives the programs, there is a sense that one has to choose between foreign and domestic issues," Holbrooke said. "But for the United States at the height of its wealth, at the height of its power, and running a significant budget surplus, this is not a choice that at this point needs to be made in the simple, stark, black-and-white terms of a few years ago. We can and must address both our domestic and our foreign obligations."

Holbrooke was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa during Commencement. In addition, eight other individuals received honorary degrees, while the College also awarded 493 bachelor’s degrees and 27 master’s degrees.

The Class of 2000 valedictorian was Shane D. Dixon of Hartford, a public policy major, who graduated with a grade-point average of 3.992 out of a possible 4.0. Karmen L. Brownson, also a Hartford resident, was the salutatorian. An interdisciplinary studies major, she had a grade-point average of 3.956.

In addition, the College presented its Brownell Prize for Teaching to Henry A. DePhillips Jr., the Vernon K. Krieble Professor of Chemistry at Trinity. The Brownell Prize, named in honor of Trinity’s first president, is awarded every two years to a senior faculty member who has compiled an outstanding record of excellence as an educator. DePhillips joined the Trinity faculty in 1963.

In his speech, Holbrooke noted that he had just returned from Africa, adding that that that part of the world is particular need of U.S. involvement. He said that the atrocities that occurred in Bosnia in the early 1990s might be repeated in some African countries, if the United States does not take an active role there.

"Nobody is talking about sending American combat troops into Africa … but can’t we afford to send a little bit of money to support other nations we wish -- places like Sierra Leone or the Congo -- to help get the situations under control?" Holbrooke asked. "I plead with you all to support an engaged American foreign policy."

Holbrooke, who was appointed to his current position in 1999, previously served as U.S. ambassador to Germany from 1993 to 1994 and was assistant secretary for European and Canadian Affairs in 1994. During that time, he was the chief negotiator for the historic Dayton Peace Accords in Bosnia that were signed in 1995. Holbrooke’s government career began in 1962 when he became a foreign service officer following his graduation from Brown University. In addition to his government career, Holbrooke has served as vice chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston and as managing editor for Foreign Policy magazine. He is the author of To End a War and co-author of Counsel to the President.

Richard C. Atkinson, the 17^th president of the University of California and former chancellor of the University of California in San Diego, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa.

Lloyd N. Cutler, a former legal counsel to presidents Carter and Clinton and a trustee of the Brookings Institution, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

Elizabeth B. Drew, an award-winning author of 11 books, a syndicated columnist at the Washington Post, and television commentator, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa;

Alfred J. Koeppel, former Trinity trustee and chairman of the board of trustees, an attorney, and a partner in Koeppel & Koeppel Real Estate of New York City, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

Nguyen Xuan Oanh, an economist, teacher-scholar, architect of Vietnam’s new, market-oriented economic structure, and former acting prime minister for South Vietnam from 1965 to 1966, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

Henry B. Schacht, the first chairman and CEO of Lucent Technologies from 1995 to 1998, a former chairman and CEO of Cummins Engine Co. for 18 years, and chairman of the board of trustees of the Ford Foundation, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Rose Styron, a poet, journalist, human rights activist, and a member of the boards for the Academy of American Poets, the Fund for Free Expression, the National Leadership Council AIUSA, the Association to Benefit Children, and Equality Now, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa.

-xxx-