To mark the 50th anniversary of CMC’s Washington Program and the launch of the Ambassador C. Steven McGann ’73 Speaker Series, alumni, trustees, faculty, staff, and friends, gathered in Washington, D.C. at the Army and Navy Club on Nov. 6.
“We have many reasons to celebrate. Throughout the years, the Washington Program has played a key role in the effort to fulfill CMC’s mission, which is to prepare students for thoughtful, productive lives and responsible leadership in business, government, and the professions,” said Dr. Maija Harkonen, the program’s director.
Former Ambassador to the United Nations, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, marked the start of the McGann Speaker Series, speaking on the topic, “Diplomacy in a World of Crisis.” Thomas-Greenfield’s extensive U.S. Government career includes notable service as U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Director General of the U.S. Foreign Service, and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. From 2021 to 2025, she was the U.S. Representative to the United Nations under the Biden-Harris Administration. She currently works as a Senior Advisor at APCO, a public affairs and strategic communications consulting firm based in Washington, D.C.
Additional highlights from the evening included:
- Recent program alumni Jacob Smagula ’26 and Natalie Teare ’25 sharing their experiences interning on Capitol Hill.
- Jack Pitney, the Roy P. Crocker Professor of Politics at CMC, telling stories that spanned the program’s five decades, including challenges faced by students, staff, and faculty in the days and months after the September 11 attacks. In addition, Pitney was honored for his ongoing work as the “face of the Washington Program on campus.”
- CMC Trustee Susan Matteson King ’85 P’18 announcing the launch of the Ambassador C. Steven McGann Speaker Series. McGann, a trustee who passed away in 2023, was an “esteemed diplomat and long-time supporter of and advocate for the Washington Program.” Richard Pruett, U.S. Foreign Service Officer (ret.), detailed Ambassador McGann’s public service legacy. McGann’s family, including his wife Bertra, were also present.
- CMC President Hiram Chodosh closing the program and articulating the important relationship between CMC and our nation’s capital: “CMC needs D.C., and D.C. needs CMC.”
Watch this special video highlighting the Washington Program’s incredible impact with CMC students and alumni over the past 50 years: