On September 12th, during AUK 2024 Commencement Ceremony, the President of American University Kyiv, Dan Rice established an incredible American academic tradition of providing Honorary Doctorate.
According to the Resolution of American University Kyiv, approved by the Executive Committee, faculty and the Board of Trustees, the Honorary Degree was awarded to the Ambassador William Taylor, Doctor of Public Administration.
Ambassador William Taylor has spent six decades in public service serving the United States and her allies around the world in support of democracy and freedom. He served as the United States Ambassador to Ukraine in 2006-2009, and is a tireless friend of Ukraine.
Ambassador Taylor is currently Vice President at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC. covering Europe and Russia. In this role he travels regularly to Ukraine in support of Ukraine’s defense against the full-scale invasion.
While awarding an Honorary Doctorate Degree during AUK Commencement Ceremony, Dan Rice, AUK President outlined: “We are highly honored to welcome today in our campus the Ambassador William Taylor, the true friend of Ukraine, a person who contributed so much for Ukraine’s resistance and democracy. We established this nice American academic tradition to recognize the efforts of truly remarkable leaders who are serving role models for our students. Thank you, Ambassador Taylor for being our First Honorary Doctor!”
During the Ceremony, Ambassador Taylor addressed AUK students with the Keynote speech, stressing that “they are the future leaders of Ukraine, and this is a big responsibility since today’s young people will be building future peaceful and successful Ukraine. And today they have to be diligent, dedicated learners to absorb the best knowledge and develop the best skills to serve their country and community”.
While accepting a Honorary Doctorate, Ambassador Taylor outlined: “It is a great pleasure to be in the renovated, energized campus of American University Kyiv which became a true footprint of the best US educational culture and a symbolic bridge between our countries strengthening our cooperation and partnerships”.
American University Kyiv had an incredible honor to welcome Ambassador William Taylor as its Keynote speaker addressing AUK students, faculty and team members. In his address, the Ambassador outlined:
“AUK team has done an amazing work with RiverPort building to create a university dedicated to Ukraine’s future! What a great gift you are making to Ukraine and the Ukrainian students are making to their country.
The United States are dedicated to be sure that Ukraine wins this war. We were not always clear. You have heard for a long time that we will be with Ukrainian people as long as it takes.
I am sure that it is not enough.
Recently US changed this goal stating that the United States will be with the people of Ukraine until they win. This is not just a change in wording. This is a change in the mission and in the vision how we will support Ukraine and its Armed Forces.
That will translate in the strong commitment to use weapons and remove constrains. This would be a demonstration that the United States are with the people of Ukraine until they win.
Part of what is in Ukraine’s future is NATO. This alliance should look forward of having Ukraine as the strongest army on the continent. If Ukraine is in NATO, you will not have to worry about security any more since russia will not invade Ukraine and the country will be rapidly developing. You as AUK students will be right there to help, to lead, to guide!”
We are thanking Ambassador Taylor for his inspiring and future-looking words!