John McLaughlin ’64 wants to make a difference in the world. While at Wittenberg, McLaughlin led a successful charge to integrate Delta Sigma Phi fraternity on a local and national scale.

A member of the debate team on campus, McLaughlin also became an active player in political discussions, traveling off campus to debate other students on such topics as public service and international policy.

Intrigued by this area of study, the political science major then headed east following graduation to pursue his master’s degree at the Johns Hopkins Advanced School of International Studies, specializing in European affairs.

A short time later, he joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and soon moved up the ranks, briefing four presidents along the way and becoming a driving force behind the new Sherman Kent School, which houses the CIA’s first comprehensive training program for professional intelligence analysts.

Now the deputy director of central intelligence, the No. 2 spot at the CIA, McLaughlin wants to continue making a difference, and he hopes he can encourage the Class of 2001 to do the same when he gives the keynote address during the 156th Commencement exercises, May 12.

“It’s a great honor,” McLaughlin said. “All of these years, I’ve had such a fondness for Wittenberg. I grew so much during those years, and I feel honored to be able to express my gratitude to the Class of 2001.”

Selected by the senior class late last year, McLaughlin has led a distinguished 29-year career at the CIA. Prior to his promotion, McLaughlin served as the deputy director for intelligence, the agency’s top analyst, from 1997-2000.

He has also served as vice chairman for estimates, acting chairman of the National Intelligence Council, director of European analysis, and director of Slavic and Eurasian analysis.

During his CIA tenure, McLaughlin has made investments in people and the enhancement of their skills the cornerstone of his leadership. In March 2000, McLaughlin launched the CIA’s Senior Analytic Service, which rewards world-class expertise in topics of key concern to the U.S. government.

“His knowledge — of both world affairs and the American foreign policy process — is deep and wide,” said George J. Tenet, CIA director.

“His thoughtfulness and eloquence have won him friends and admirers throughout the intelligence community and among its customers downtown and around the globe.”

Convinced that what you learn in college is how to learn, McLaughlin has always considered an education to be a beginning, not an end. “Learning is a lifelong experience,” he said.

“I always tell students to find a job that lets them grow and that challenges them. I also encourage students to challenge conventional wisdom, be skeptics, challenge their conclusions, keep an open mind and consider all points of view.”

That opportunity for challenge and growth is what attracted McLaughlin to the CIA back in 1972. “There is always so much to discover, and working here gives me the opportunity for continuous learning,” he said. “There is never a boring day.”

McLaughlin’s selection as the Commencement speaker has fueled some debate on campus, though. “Some faculty have objected to anyone from the CIA being invited to campus,” said Gerry Hudson, professor of political science.

“Usually, nobody cares who speaks. Now with the controversy, it’s given us a teachable moment.”

Hudson, Richard Flickinger, professor of political science, Kurt Miyazaki, associate professor of political science, Molly Wood, assistant professor of history, and Scott Rosenberg, assistant professor of history, hosted a forum in January to discuss the CIA’s history and its role in foreign affairs.

Nearly 300 students attended the forum. McLaughlin is also considering arriving on campus a day early to discuss the issue with students and other members of the university community.

During the 156th Commencement exercises, McLaughlin will be presented with an honorary degree. The Wittenberg Board of Directors approved McLaughlin for the degree during its January meeting.

“He was the overwhelming choice of the Class of 2001,” said Debbie Heida, vice president for student development. “The students are proud of him as a Wittenberg grad.”