Been here, done that: Jeane Kirkpatrick

Connection to Columbia
Jeane graduated with an associate’s degree from Stephens College in 1946. She went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in 1948 from Barnard College, also an all-women’s school. Her journey led her to Columbia University in New York, where she graduated in 1968 with a master’s degree and a doctorate in political science. She returned to Columbia in 1979 as a Stephens commencement speaker.

Although she became active in politics as a Democrat in the ’70s, Jeane became disillusioned with the party, particularly with Jimmy Carter’s foreign policy. She switched political parties and served as foreign policy adviser in Reagan’s campaign. He named her U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in January 1981. Now she is a U.S. Representative to the U.N. Human Rights Commission.

While serving in the Reagan administration, Jeane was accused of accepting bribes, falsifying tapes and advocating the dismantling of India — all of which she denied.

Jeane has written seven books and has taught at Georgetown University since 1967. In addition to her United Nations fame, she is also known for her Kirkpatrick Doctrine, which advocates U.S. support of authoritarian governments around the world.

Quotes
" Democrats can’t get elected unless things get worse, and things won’t get worse unless they’re elected."
— Jeane Kirkpatrick

" Society has never barred women from bread-winning roles, but only from economic roles that are profitable and respectable."
— Jeane Kirkpatrick

" We have war when at least one of the parties to a conflict wants something more than it wants peace."
— Jeane Kirkpatrick

Born:
Nov. 19, 1926 in Duncan, Okla.

Known for:
She served as the first female U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and is currently a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

Honors
Stephens College Alumni Achievement Award, 1976

Gold Medal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1983

French Prize Politique for political courage, 1984

Presidential Medal of Freedom (the highest civilian award given by our government), 1985

Hubert H. Humphrey Award, 1988

Distinguished Public Service Medal (the highest civilian award bestowed by the Department of Defense), 1985 and 1992

Hungarian Presidential Gold Medal, 1999

Library of Congress “Living Legends” medal, 2000