New York University President John Sexton today bestowed an honorary doctorate on Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Secretary of State of the United States, at NYU’s 177th Commencement Exercises in Yankee Stadium. Over 25,000 graduates, faculty, staff, and guests attended the morning ceremony.
The following citation was read in conferring the Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, on Secretary Clinton:
“Hillary Rodham Clinton-Secretary of State of the United States, you have earned this nation’s and the world’s esteem throughout your nearly four decades as advocate, attorney, First Lady, United States Senator, and now chief architect of American foreign policy. Educated at Wellesley College and Yale Law School, you have-with discipline and passion, warmth and wit-brought your keen intellect and sound judgment to bear upon critical public issues and infused your many distinguished efforts with elegance and power. Lifelong champion for children and families, you also injected vigor into the world’s struggle for women’s rights when you spoke out in Beijing as First Lady, and you remain a luminous star in the crucial constellation of human rights defenders. As our Senator, you helped us rebuild New York after 9/11, and you reached across party lines to expand economic opportunity and develop support for quality, affordable health care; moreover, your historic campaign for your party’s 2008 presidential nomination inspired millions and hastened the day when a woman will hold the highest office in the land. As Secretary of State, you have spoken of the need to wield what you have called “smart power,” and thereby are renewing the world’s respect for our nation through initiatives that engender economic advancement, tolerance, and mutual understanding.
Hillary Rodham Clinton-a magnificent New Yorker who embodies the state’s motto: “Excelsior”-a deeply loyal and cherished friend of NYU-you have helped define and achieve a better America and a better world. By virtue of the authority vested in me by New York University, I am pleased to confer upon you the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.”