Ambassador becomes 47th distinguished guest speaker at McConnell Center
Power, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, spoke to students, faculty, administrators and members of the public in UofL’s Bigelow Hall on Jan. 12.
In the ambassador’s 45-minute speech on bipartisanship and U.S. foreign policy, she said the U.S. government’s ability to fight Ebola, confront violent extremism and advance democracy in Burma are three examples of areas where uniting behind a common goal has changed lives throughout the world.
She fielded questions posed by McConnell Scholar alumna and Fulbright winner Meagan Floyd. Power later spoke to more than 100 students from Atherton High School (Jefferson County), Sacred Heart Academy (Jefferson County), Payneville Elementary (Meade County), Franklin County High School (Franklin County) and Elkhorn Middle School (Franklin County).
“To have America’s ambassador to the United Nations with us for two days to talk about critical world events from negotiations with Iran to new diplomatic openings in Cuba was a unique privilege for the University of Louisville community,” said Gary Gregg, McConnell Center director.
On Jan. 11, Power met privately with McConnell Scholars and had a private dinner with McConnell and his wife, former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao.