Our blog has moved!

You should be automatically redirected in 6 seconds. If not, visit
http://thepost.emory.edu/
and update your bookmarks.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Hello, Mr. Ambassador


At 2 p.m. Sunday, March 28, at the Old Courthouse on the Square in Decatur, GA, the new Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore placed his left hand on the family Bible, raised his right hand and said:

"I, David Adelman, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."

And with that statement David Adelman 89L and his family will embark on a life changing event later this week as the new ambassador, his wife Caroline and their three children fly to Singapore to take up the responsibility as America's representatives in the Republic of Singapore and, in that position, to help further America’s goals with respect to Asia.

An island city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is the smallest nation in southeast Asia, but it is one of America's most important diplomatic partners. America's 11th most important trading partner, Singapore is also an important military partner. The country has served as a staging area for certain military operations in the region and a helicopter and military personnel from Singapore were among our first world partners to be on the scene in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Singapore also has an extraordinarily high rate of education and per capita income ranking it among the top five in the world.

Service to Emory, to the State of Georgia and to the country has long been a part of Adelman’s make-up. Adelman has served as Georgia state senator representing Emory's neighborhood and district, as well as being a partner at Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan.

A former president of the Law School Alumni Association, Adelman has hosted newly admitted law students during the visitation weekend in the spring in his home for the last several years. Adelman has served as a member of the Law School Council, and, most recently, a member of the Board of Visitors.

In assuming this new post in Singapore, Ambassador Adelman has affirmed to President Jim Wagner and to others in the Emory community, that he hopes to be able to continue his service to Emory from this new position.

When Ambassador Adelman and his family arrive in Singapore, they will already have Emory friends to show them around. Woody Hunter, former dean of the Emory Law School and former interim provost of the University, has been serving as president of Singapore Management University for the past five years. He and his wife, Susan, are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Adelman's and a dinner to introduce them to new friends, is in the works.

What a joy and pleasure it was for me to join with family members, community and business associates, to witness David’s swearing in and see his beautiful family as they all prepare to take on this important service on behalf of the United States.

Having known our newest ambassador since he was an Emory Law student, it is a privilege to see our alumni taking on these important responsibilities. I am particularly excited about David's sincere interest in continuing his relationship with Emory during these busy months and years ahead. We’ll keep you posted on developments as we wish the Adelmans well on their new journey!

-- Martha Fagan, senior director, alumni relations, EAA

No comments:

Post a Comment