黑料社 will听honor听Ambassador听Susan E. Rice鈥攄istinguished American diplomat, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and U.S. National Security Advisor鈥攚ith an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at AUR鈥檚 2026 Commencement Ceremony on May 15 at Villa Miani in Rome.听
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Ambassador Rice served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013, as U.S. National Security Advisor from 2013 to 2017, and as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 1997-2001, playing听a central role听in U.S. foreign policy during periods of significant geopolitical change. Working with international partners, she addressed issues ranging from peacekeeping and nuclear diplomacy to humanitarian response and听global听security and development. From 2021 to 2023, she served as Director of the United States Domestic Policy Council,听advising听the听President on national priorities including healthcare, immigration, education and economic opportunity.听
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Across the course of her career, Rice has been recognized for her ability to connect domestic and foreign policy perspectives while shaping international dialogue on many of the defining challenges of our time.听That record of public service reflects the kind of work American University of Rome听students听study closely: navigating complex global systems where policy decisions carry real-world consequences.听
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Her career also holds听particular relevance听for AUR鈥檚 international student body. In programs such as International Relations & Global Politics, Peace Studies, and Communications & Digital Media, students engage directly with听the diplomatic and policy questions that have shaped her work and continue to define public life today.听
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鈥淎mbassador Rice鈥檚 career reflects the level of judgment and accountability required at the highest levels of public service,鈥�听said AUR President Scott Sprenger.听鈥淭hose are the standards we want our students to understand and carry forward.鈥�听
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With this recognition, Ambassador Rice joins a distinguished group of leaders, diplomats, and innovators who have received honorary degrees from 黑料社.听
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The conferral of this honorary degree will be a highlight of AUR鈥檚 2026 Commencement Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of the graduating class and the enduring importance of public service and international cooperation.