BYU Establishes David M. Kennedy Center for International and Area Studies

Brigham Young University has expanded its Center for International and Area Studies and named it in honor of David M. Kennedy “in recognition of distinguished contributions in finance, trade, diplomacy, and government affairs,” according to BYU President Jeffrey R. Holland.

“David Matthew Kennedy has served with distinction as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Europe, Ambassador-at-Large for the United States, and is currently Ambassador-at-Large for the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said President Holland. “The Board of Trustees and Brigham Young University are pleased to honor a man of David M. Kennedy’s accomplishments in this way.”

The functions of BYU’s existing center will become part of the new David M. Kennedy Center for International and Area Studies to launch a comprehensive program in teaching and research. “This new move,” said President Holland, “constitutes a major new emphasis on and significant contribution to the better understanding of peoples, cultures, governments, and the increasing complexities of world affairs.” He noted that the academic teaching functions of the Center already involve some five hundred students, making it one of the largest organizations of its kind in the United States. The newly established research, publications, and special projects functions will permit the center to become one of the finest of its kind in the nation.

According to Dr. Stanley A. Taylor, newly appointed director of the David M. Kennedy Center, the center will establish a visiting scholar/diplomat program “to bring to campus people like David M. Kennedy who have made significant contributions in both public and private international affairs.” The Center will also establish research and publications programs, sponsor symposia, establish the annual David M. Kennedy Faculty Fellowship, present the annual Kennedy International Service Award, and conduct special research projects. A designation of one million dollars from the Glenn and Olive Nielsen Trust will support research and scholarly activities of the center.

As part of these activities, the center will make the David M. Kennedy papers available for scholarly research. The center will also publish a series of books and monographic studies dealing with international topics.

President Holland was warm in his praise for the man in whose honor the center has been named. “David M. Kennedy,” he said, “exemplifies, both as a public servant and as an individual Latter-day Saint, those sterling qualities of character and intellect which all associated with the David M. Kennedy Center for International and Area Studies can seek gladly to emulate.”