Jersey City, N.J. – Saint Peter’s College today announced that Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury will give the address the Class of 2012 at the 121st commencement exercises for the College on May 21, 2012. Ambassador Chowdhury is an active advocate and renowned lecturer in world affairs and is regarded as one of this century’s most distinguished diplomats. He will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters degree, honoris causa, as will honorary degree recipient The Most Reverend John W. Flesey ’64.
Chowdhury has a lengthy and prominent career of diplomatic service for Bangladesh and executive work for the United Nations. His career with the UN began when he successfully negotiated Bangladesh’s membership in the UN in the early 1970’s.
“I am very pleased that Ambassador Chowdhury has agreed to address this year’s graduating class,” said Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s College. “His distinguished career path and experience truly speaks to Saint Peter’s mission in educating students to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice. We are looking forward to the advice he will share with the Class of 2012 before they take their next steps into their future.”
Chowdhury served as the Coordinator for the Least Developed Countries for over two decades and was later appointed to the roles of UN Undersecretary General and High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. He was also designated as Secretary General of the International ten-year review of the Barbados Program of Action for the Sustainable Development of Developing States.
He is a graduate of the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh and earned a Master of Arts degree in Contemporary History and International Relations. He is the recipient of the U Thant Peace Award and the UNESCO Gandhi Gold Medal for Peace.
The second honorary degree recipient, The Most Reverend John W. Flesey ’64, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark and Titular Bishop of Allegheny, is a graduate of Saint Peter’s College and serves as the pastor of Most Blessed Sacrament Parish of Franklin Lakes.
The Commencement Ceremony for Saint Peter’s College will be held at the PNC Bank Arts Center at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 21, 2012. For additional details, please visit the 2012 Commencement page on the Saint Peter’s College website at www.spc.edu/commencement.
Saint Peter’s College, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment.
Contact
Angeline Boyer
(201) 761-6238
aboyer1@spc.edu