Madeleine M. Kunin

Madeleine Kunin is ISC’s founder and served as its first board chair between 1991-93.  She was one of the first leaders in the US to recognize the threat of global climate change, and in 1988 helped launch the National Governors Association Task Force on Global Climate Change.

 

Madeline served as US Ambassador to Switzerland (1996-99), where she facilitated the return of Swiss bank account funds to holocaust survivors; Deputy US Secretary of Education (1993-96); and three-term governor of Vermont (1985-91). While governor, she scored significant achievements for the environment, education, and children’s services. Madeleine testified frequently before US Congress on federal environmental legislation. Later in her career, she was a distinguished visiting professor at the University of Vermont and a bicentennial scholar in residence at Middlebury College. She was awarded the 2009 Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal for public service. 

 

In addition to her BA in history from the University of Massachusetts, an MA in journalism from Columbia University, and an MA in English literature from the University of Vermont, she holds numerous honorary degrees. For more information, visit www.madeleinekunin.org