Dartmouth Commencement 2009

Posted 06/14/09

Honorary degree citation to John P. Abizaid (Doctor of Laws)

A Lebanese American, you grew up at the edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and graduated from a high school of 105 students. Your drive, abilities, and aspirations were evident to your classmates early, who say that when they thought of you, they thought “General!”

You excelled in every phase of your education and career. After graduating from West Point, you earned an Olmsted Scholarship that allowed you to attend the University of Jordan, where you studied Arabic. As a young Army officer you distinguished yourself by your courage in combat and by the outstanding success and variety of your commands, which included northern Iraq and Bosnia-Herzegovina. You served as the Commandant of West Point and Director of the Joint Staff. Your country further affirmed your leadership by appointing you Commander of the U.S. Central Command during 2003 through 2007 where you had responsibility for military strategy and joint operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf, overseeing both combat and humanitarian operations.

Dartmouth honors your dedication as a soldier and the vision you have brought to the service of our country. A four-star general equally respected by troops in the field as by international leaders, you have advocated for the importance of understanding other governments and cultures.

In tribute to your many years of military leadership and your continuing efforts to encourage better global understanding, Dartmouth awards you the honorary degree, Doctor of Laws.

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