President Bollinger's Statement on the Passing of Madeleine Albright

"With the passing of Madeleine Albright, we mourn the loss of a woman of uncommon grit, warmth, and character who devoted her remarkable talents to a life of public service and the protection of the vulnerable. Long after her work for President Clinton as U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations and secretary of state had ended, she remained at the forefront of public discourse on the issues that matter with a moral authority that never wavered.

"Secretary Albright was an outspoken defender of the rights and welfare of refugees, as well as a sage voice on the dangers of authoritarianism in all its forms. Her keen insights stemmed from a childhood of displacement and a diplomatic career on the most challenging stage in the world. She was also a beloved member of the Columbia community, an alumna and honorary degree recipient who returned often to participate in events and engage with students and faculty. We were fiercely proud of her and her achievements. She will be profoundly missed."

-Lee C. Bollinger