By Laken Franchetti, News Editor
On Monday, President Bob Iuliano sent an email to the class of 2023 to reveal that United States Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman would serve as their commencement speaker. Gettysburg College’s 188th Commencement Ceremony will be held on May 13.
According to Iuliano’s email, Sherman is currently the second-highest ranking official in the State Department and works alongside Secretary of State Antony Blinken to direct the Department’s work and conduct United States’ foreign policy. She is the first woman Deputy Secretary of State in U.S. history, and she also served as the first woman Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs from 2011 to 2015. In that role, Sherman traveled to 54 countries and was awarded the National Security Medal by President Barack Obama for numerous diplomatic accomplishments.
Further, Sherman has served in three U.S. presidential administrations. She has held numerous positions such as Counselor under Secretary Madeleine Albright at the State Department and as Special Advisor to President Bill Clinton and Policy Coordinator on North Korea. Sherman also served on the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board and in the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Policy Board and Congressional Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Proliferation, and Terrorism.
Iuliano also noted that Sherman was born in Baltimore and raised in Pikesville, Maryland. She attended Smith College and received a B.A. in sociology and urban studies from Boston University. Sherman also received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland. Early in her career, Sherman worked as Director of Child Welfare for the State of Maryland and later managed Sen. Barbara Mikulski’s successful campaign for the U.S. Senate. Sherman also ran Campaign ’88 at the Democratic National Committee for Michael Dukakis’ presidential campaign.
Iuliano shared his delight in having Sherman speak at the commencement ceremony.
“On behalf of our entire Gettysburg College community, especially our Class of 2023, I am honored to welcome Deputy Secretary Sherman to our campus for this year’s Commencement ceremony,” Iuliano said. “Her work matters. She builds bridges around the globe and her path is opening doors for generations of young leaders—like you—to follow. I know her comments will inspire you to go forth and lead lives of consequence in service to others and the greater good.”
