The Center for International Studies (CIS) at the University of St. Thomas-Houston, and our partner the World Affairs Council of Houston (WACH), are proud to announce the 6th biennial Distinguished Diplomat Endowed Lecture on Thursday, March 9, in the Cullen Performance Auditorium on campus. 

Four-time U.S. Ambassador and Senior Fellow at the Rand Corporation John Tefft will deliver the lecture “Challenges Facing U.S. Foreign Policy to 2024.” 

Assistant Professor and Director of UST’s Center for International Studies Richard Sindelar said, “We are honored, along with our event partner, the World Affairs Council of Houston, to host Ambassador Tefft. Given that his last two ambassadorships were to Ukraine and Russia, his thoughts and critiques about key foreign policy challenges will be of significant interest — especially involving the major European issues being driven by Putin’s war.”

About Attending the Different Events

All from the Houston region are invited to attend the lecture. In particular, UST encourages its students, faculty, and University, CIS and WACH friends to take advantage of this opportunity.

For students and donors to the Distinguished Diplomat Endowment, other events that day include The President’s Welcome Luncheon, a private dinner, and a Consular Corp Reception. Donor levels include:

·      Desk Officer Donor—$1,000 (Recognition in the program PPT, invited to lecture, luncheon and reception)

·      Career Ambassador Donor—$5,000 (Recognition in all press releases, programs and signage for one year, invited to all of the above and the private dinner)

·      Presenting Sponsor—$25,000 (Mention in all media / signage for the event, and in DDP media and programs until the next lecture in 2025; invitations to the luncheon and reception; and the opportunity to sit with the Ambassador at the dinner.)

Additional Opportunities to Support DDPF

The CIS seeks to raise an Endowment of $500,000 to generate annual program revenues to fund the Distinguished Diplomat Lecture Series and its ancillary programs. Please consider joining a select community of leaders who inspire students toward careers in diplomacy by generously donating to UST’s Distinguished Diplomat Program Fund. Additional sponsor levels include:

·      Charge d’Affaires Donor—$2,500 (Recognition in press releases, programs and signage for the upcoming year’s Distinguished Diplomat Lecture)

·      Statesman Donor—$10,000 (Recognition in all press releases, programs and signage for two years)

·      Founding Donor—$50,000 (Recognition on a donor plaque, which will be mounted in the foyer of the Center for International Studies building. Recognition in all press releases, programs and signage indefinitely)

Please inquire with your interest in donating. Contact the Center Director, Prof. Richard Sindelar at sindelh@stthom.edu or Center Coordinator Patrick McCarty at Patrick.Mccarty@stthom.edu.

Background on Ambassador Tefft

Tefft served as a career Foreign Service Officer for more than 45 years. His last posting was as U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation from 2014 to 2017. Prior, he served as Ambassador to Ukraine (2009-2013), Ambassador to Georgia (2005-2009), and Ambassador to Lithuania from 2000 to 2003. In addition, he worked from 2004 to 2005 as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, responsible for U.S. relations with Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova. 

He has received numerous awards, including the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award, the State Department’s Distinguished Honor Award, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Year Award for service in Moscow, the Diplomacy for Human Rights Award, and twice he has been honored with Presidential Meritorious Service Awards.

Tefft is a living example for CIS students of what they can achieve as career Foreign Service Officers working for their country. They are future global leaders.