U.S. Ambassador Pamela E. Bridgewater to Address December Graduates at the University of Cincinnati

U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Pamela E. Bridgewater is credited with leading diplomatic efforts that helped to change the course of world events, including the distinction of being the longest-serving diplomat in South Africa and working as the State Department's Special Coordinator for Peace in Liberia at the height of that country's civil war. 

She will address University of Cincinnati graduates at UC’s December Commencement Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Fifth Third Arena at Shoemaker Center.  Ambassador Bridgewater will also receive an honorary doctorate of laws from the university.

Ambassador Bridgewater earned a master’s degree in political science from the University of Cincinnati in 1970. A native of Fredericksburg, Va., she was confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana in June 2005, the first African-American woman to hold that post, after serving as Diplomat-in-Residence at Howard University.

As a woman who grew up in the United States during times of racial segregation, Ambassador Bridgewater has tirelessly championed equality during her Foreign Service career as well as the importance of involving young people in that campaign. She worked closely with Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress as apartheid came to an end in South Africa and has led development and outreach efforts in Africa and throughout the world.  She served as U.S. Ambassador to Benin from 2000-2002 and received the National Order of Benin for her personal contributions to the U.S.-Benin bilateral relationship.

Ambassador Bridgewater has also served as U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and was the first African-American woman to be appointed Consul General in Durban. Her other posts include the Bahamas, Belgium and Jamaica.  She first joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1980 after a teaching career at Morgan State University and Bowie State University in Maryland and Voorhees College in South Carolina.  Her honors include the Girl Scouts of Virginia Lifetime Achievement Award and the Dominion Power Strong Leaders Award. Ambassador Bridgewater is the recipient of three Department of State Superior Honor Awards and the Presidential Meritorious Service Award.

UC Commencement Web site