Vietnam 50 Years Later: Insurgency, Genocide, Dissent & Peace Through Agriculture

Monday, 31 Mar 2025 at 6:00 pm – Sun Room, Memorial Union

Ambassador Kenneth Quinn is a distinguished diplomat and humanitarian. He served as the 10th United States Ambassador to Cambodia from 1995 to 1999 under President Bill Clinton. Before his ambassadorship, he had a 32-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, including roles such as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and a member of the National Security Council staff at the White House.Quinn is widely recognized for his work in Southeast Asia, particularly his efforts to combat the genocidal policies of the Khmer Rouge. He is fluent in Vietnamese and served as an interpreter for President Gerald Ford. His contributions to international relations and humanitarian efforts have earned him numerous awards, including the State Department's Award for Heroism and Valor.During the Vietnam War, Ambassador Quinn served as a Foreign Service Officer in South Vietnam from 1968 to 1974. His assignments included leading combat missions, such as midnight ambushes and helicopter rescues, and spearheading the campaign to "win hearts and minds." He was the only civilian during the Vietnam War to earn the U.S. Army Air Medal for his bravery and service,After retiring from the State Department, Quinn became the President of the World Food Prize Foundation, where he led the organization for 20 years, transforming it into a prestigious global award often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture". Under his leadership, the foundation raised over $30 million to restore the historic Des Moines Public Library, now known as the World Food Prize Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates.Ambassador Quinn retired from the World Food Prize Foundation in 2020 but continues to be involved as a special consultant. His dedication to improving global food security and his extensive diplomatic career have left a lasting impact on both the international community and humanitarian efforts.

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Ambassador Kenneth Quinn is a distinguished diplomat and humanitarian. He served as the 10th United States Ambassador to Cambodia from 1995 to 1999 under President Bill Clinton. Before his ambassadorship, he had a 32-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, including roles such as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and a member of the National Security Council staff at the White House.Quinn is widely recognized for his work in Southeast Asia, particularly his efforts to combat the genocidal policies of the Khmer Rouge. He is fluent in Vietnamese and served as an interpreter for President Gerald Ford. His contributions to international relations and humanitarian efforts have earned him numerous awards, including the State Department's Award for Heroism and Valor.During the Vietnam War, Ambassador Quinn served as a Foreign Service Officer in South Vietnam from 1968 to 1974. His assignments included leading combat missions, such as midnight ambushes and helicopter rescues, and spearheading the campaign to "win hearts and minds." He was the only civilian during the Vietnam War to earn the U.S. Army Air Medal for his bravery and service,After retiring from the State Department, Quinn became the President of the World Food Prize Foundation, where he led the organization for 20 years, transforming it into a prestigious global award often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture". Under his leadership, the foundation raised over $30 million to restore the historic Des Moines Public Library, now known as the World Food Prize Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates.Ambassador Quinn retired from the World Food Prize Foundation in 2020 but continues to be involved as a special consultant. His dedication to improving global food security and his extensive diplomatic career have left a lasting impact on both the international community and humanitarian efforts.