University of Denver remembers devoted

Madeleine Albright (Clinton Foundation YouTube)

The University of Denver has recently posted a condolence and tribute article for one of Denver’s ‘beloved members of the community.’ Madeleine Albright was the first female secretary of the state and was known as a devoted Episcopalian member of the church.

Remembering Madeleine Albright

On Monday, Mar. 28, the University of Denver released a tribute article for the death of renowned Madeleine Albright. The university described Albright as one of the few people who contributed and made an impact in the school, especially with the university’s research center, Josef Korbel School of International Studies, which was named after Madeleine’s father.

Fritz Mayer, the dean of the Korbel School, shared his experience interacting with the late Albright. In his interview, he said that his favorite memory with the secretary of state was when they had a conversation in her office in Washington, talking about the success of her life from being a refugee who fled to Denver, Colorado.

As per the Foreign Policy, Albright was born in 1937 to Jewish parents. They lived in Prague, Czechoslovakia, one of the countries Nazi Germany invaded in World War II. After a few years, the Albright family decided to flee the country for good.

As a refugee himself, Mayer said to the University of Denver column that Albright’s efforts to show gratitude to the U.S. were remarkable. He also pointed out three things that made Albright an honorable person in the community and the country.

“I would highlight three: to aspire to her grit and fearlessness in refusing to be intimidated or to be silenced in pursuit of what is right; to emulate her fundamental humanity and empathy for the persecuted and the disadvantaged, and to recognize her demonstration that a life of purpose is a life in service to others,” he explained.

As an Episcopalian

According to the Episcopal News Service, Albright died at the age of 84 due to cancer. She served as the very first female secretary of state from years 1997 to 2001. But before that, she also worked as a U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 1993 to 1997.

Although it seemed that Albright had her plates full due to her responsibilities, the news outlet shared that the former secretary of state was a devoted Episcopalian when she was still alive.

As mentioned, Albright used to attend services at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. She also participated in the church at Washington National Cathedral’s cathedral chapter.

Aside from attending services, Albright also showed her faith by writing her book called “The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs.” She explained in this book that religion and politics are in deep connection to each other. Thus, she suggested that political leaders be more involved in the church and its officials.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry described Albright as a “committed Episcopalian and trailblazing ambassador.” Meanwhile, The Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, dean of the National Cathedral, said that the former secretary of state was an “irreplaceable, wonderful human being.”