12/3/02

Bob Lowry, 334/844-9999

Madeline Albright

AU TO HONOR FORMER U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE IN NEW YORK

AUBURN - Auburn University's College of Human Sciences on Tuesday announced the prestigious International Quality of Life Award will be presented to former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Korbel Albright on Dec. 9 in New York.

In addition, the 2002 College of Human Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award will be given in memory of the late Professor Samuel "Sambo" Mockbee, who was a member of the faculty of AU's College of Architecture, Design, and Construction.

Presented annually since 1994, the awards honor those who have made significant contributions to communities at home and around the world. Each year, the awards are presented at the United Nations in a unique ceremony hosted by AU.

"The International Quality of Life Awards provides the College of Human Sciences and Auburn University with the opportunity to recognize outstanding individuals, such as Madeleine Albright who has dedicated her public life to pursuing peace, justice, and equality for all humanity," says June Henton, dean of the College of Human Sciences.

Albright came to the United States as an 11-year-old immigrant and became the highest ranking woman in the history of the federal government. In addition to breaking a major gender barrier which has paved the way for American women to participate in government at the highest levels, Albright has demonstrated the value of public service as a way to make a difference in the world, said Henton.

Mockbee combined his intellectual and creative genius and his vision for humanity to co-found AU's internationally-known Rural Studio. Mockbee's legacy of "social architecture" continues to operate in West Alabama.

Past recipients of the International Quality of Life Award include Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of Capetown, South Africa; Millard Fuller, founder and president of Habitat for Humanity International; Don Logan, chairman and CEO of Time Inc.; Lawrence Klein, Nobel Laureate in Economics; and Catherine Bertini, executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme.

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