United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-GreenfieldLewis & Clark College is proud to announce this year’s speaker at the virtual 148th commencement ceremony of the College of Arts and Sciences will be the Honorable Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The Ambassador was nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate on February 23, 2021.
“We are honored to have Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield join us this year,” said Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Professor Bruce Suttmeier. “Her new role at the forefront of international diplomacy could not be a better fit for Lewis & Clark and our focus on understanding and engaging with the wider world to solve the planet’s greatest challenges. And I especially want to thank our own Diplomat-in-Residence Niels Marquardt for his integral role in securing Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield as our distinguished speaker.”
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s connection to the late Ambassador Perkins has special significance: Ambassador Perkins was not only a personal mentor to Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield; he was also three times her predecessor in senior diplomatic positions: US Ambassador to Liberia, Director General, and US Permanent Representative to the UN.
According to the 2025 Niche college rankings, Lewis & Clark is one of the best liberal arts colleges in Oregon as well as one of the state’s top performers in academics, student life, English, and history.
Oregon’s 2024 Social Studies Standards introduce fresh perspectives and a more inclusive curriculum. Clinical Assistant Professor Cari Zall explains the new standards and how Lewis & Clark’s Graduate School of Education and Counseling is preparing future educators to work with these guidelines.
This year’s ENVX Symposium, Green Innovation in China and the U.S.: Creating Climate Solutions, will be held from September 30 to October 4. The symposium features two keynote speakers in addition to a movie screening, a panel on electric vehicles, and a closing reception. All events are free and open to the public.