Bruce Laingen

Doctor of Laws

Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, June 15, 2005

Bruce Laingen, Ambassador and career diplomat, earned a master's degree in international affairs from the University of Minnesota in 1949. He is a Minnesotan who served in the United States Navy in World War II and in the Foreign Service from 1949-87. He has served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs and as Ambassador to Malta. He is probably best known for his service as Chargé d'Affaires in Iran from 1979-81. It was during this time that he and 69 others were held as hostages for 444 days. Following his release, he served as vice president of the National Defense University in Washington D.C., until his retirement in 1987. He then served as executive director of the National Commission on the Public Service until it completed its work in 1990. He has received numerous awards and recognition, including the Award for Valor from the Department of State and the Distinguished Public Service medal from the Department of Defense. He has held the Sol Linowitz Chair in International Relations at Hamilton College, serves on several boards such as the National Defense University Foundation, and holds honorary degrees from a number of Universities. Currently, he is the president of the American Academy of Diplomacy.