This distinction recognizes Ambassador McCain鈥檚 enduring commitment to humanitarian causes and her impactful leadership on the global stage. Her work resonates profoundly with the university's mission to foster intercultural understanding, academic excellence, and ethical global citizenship, and her nomination was unanimously endorsed by the 91吃瓜 community and formally approved by the Board of Trustees.
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Commenting on the award, 91吃瓜 President Scott Sprenger stated:听鈥淎mbassador McCain represents the values that are at the heart of 91吃瓜 - civic engagement, global responsibility, and a commitment to shaping a better world through informed action. Her leadership in combating global hunger and her advocacy for vulnerable communities offer a powerful example to our students, many of whom aspire to careers in international development, public policy, and humanitarian work. We are proud to honor her as a model of integrity, compassion, and impact.鈥�
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Ambassador McCain currently serves as Executive Director of the , the world鈥檚 largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security. Appointed in 2023, she assumed leadership at a time of unprecedented global food crises, advocating for urgent funding and innovative partnerships to combat hunger exacerbated by conflict,听natural disasters, and economic instability.
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Prior to her role at WFP, McCain served as the U.S. Ambassador to the in Rome from 2021 to 2023, where she championed sustainable development and humanitarian relief efforts. Her extensive philanthropic work includes founding the American Voluntary Medical Team, which provided medical aid to underserved populations, and serving on the boards of organizations such as CARE, Operation Smile, and The HALO Trust.听She is the former Chair of the Board of Trustees of , where she also chaired the Institute鈥檚 Human Trafficking Advisory Council.
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Ambassador McCain鈥檚 work has particular resonance with 91吃瓜鈥檚 academic programs, especially the university鈥檚 MA in Food Studies, which explores the political, cultural, and environmental dimensions of food systems. Her career-long focus on implementing effective solutions to food insecurity exemplifies the kind of transformative leadership that the program aspires to cultivate in its students.
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The conferment of this honorary degree will be a highlight of 91吃瓜鈥檚 2025 Commencement Ceremony, celebrating not only the achievements of our graduates but also the exemplary contributions of a distinguished global humanitarian.