Former Ambassador Champions Future Leaders
We have a storied history of producing great public servants at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This year it was a pleasure to honor one of these alumni, former ambassador Arthur B. Culvahouse, with an honorary Doctor of Letters—the first degree granted from the new Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs.
Ambassador Culvahouse has held many roles throughout his career—in the White House, the Pentagon, the US Embassy in Australia, and the private sector—all while maintaining a connection with his alma mater and helping shape the next generation of leaders.
“The United States needs an infusion of new engaged, optimistic, creative, and—most importantly—informed new participants,” Culvahouse told graduates at commencement last week. “My friends in the graduating class, we need your constructive engagement.”
Throughout his career, the ambassador has kept his connection with UT, welcoming Vols who were studying abroad in Australia and visiting with future public servants at what is now the Baker School. He was instrumental in the founding of the new Institute of American Civics and serves as inaugural chair of the institute’s Board of Fellows.
As he addressed our fall graduates, the ambassador lauded our country’s extraordinary ability to overcome divisions and discord to achieve national equilibrium.
Any act of public service—big or small—can make a difference for our country. At UT, it is our job to restore the civic education our students and communities may be missing, to develop the public servants and informed citizens of the future.
“What is important is that we engage in the work of public service to whatever extent and whatever way and at whatever level we can to make a difference, to become part of the solution,” Ambassador Culvahouse said.
I am grateful for the ambassador and his commitment to championing our future leaders. Whether or not our graduates decide to devote their careers to public service, I hope all of them heard his message and recognize the responsibility we all have to be thoughtful, engaged citizens.