Brown U. Mourns Passing of Richard Holbrooke

Brown U. Mourns Passing of Richard Holbrooke

Brown University is marking the passing of veteran U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke, who was a ’62 graduate of the school a former professor-at-large.

Holbrooke died yesterday after surgery in Washington, DC. He was 69.

“In the nearly 50 years since his undergraduate years at Brown, Ambassador Holbrooke remained ever true to his alma mater, strengthening the University through his commitment and service. From 2007 until his most recent Presidential appointment, he served as professor-at-large, based in the University’s Watson Institute for International Studies,” said President Ruth Simmons in a statement.

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“A dedicated public servant, Richard Holbrooke lived a life of courage, usefulness and reputation,” Simmons said. “Though we will miss his presence and determination, his legacy will endure, inspiring generations to strive for peace.”

Holbrook is perhaps best known as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in the Clinton administration and as the man who brokered the 1995 Dayton peace accords that brought an end to the war in Bosnia.

Holbrooke began his public service career in 1970 as the director of the Peace Corps program in Morocco. Most recently he was appointed by President Obama as the U.S. special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In addition to teaching at Brown, Holbrooke had been a member of the Watson Institute’s Board of Overseers and was a recipient of the 1996 William Rogers Award, the highest honor of the Brown Alumni Association. In 1997, the University awarded him with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.