ISD Graduation Celebration
On May 13, the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy hosted its 2026 Graduation Celebration at DACOR Bacon House, honoring the accomplishments of Certificate in Diplomatic Studies candidates, ISD Capstone participants, ISD undergraduate and graduate Research Fellows, and this year’s Edward “Teddy” Weintal Scholar. Family members, friends, faculty, and mentors gathered to celebrate the students’ academic achievements and contributions to the ISD community.
Andrea Mitchell, NBC Chief Washington Correspondent and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent, and a member of the ISD Board of Advisors, delivered special remarks to the graduates, reflecting on the importance of public service, diplomacy, journalism, and global engagement as the international landscape continues to evolve. Drawing on decades of experience covering U.S. foreign policy and international affairs, Mitchell encouraged students to remain curious, resilient, and committed to leadership grounded in integrity.
A central part of the celebration was the recognition of each student individually. ISD Capstone Directors presented certificates and honor cords to graduating students as they crossed the stage, recognizing their hard work, intellectual curiosity, and dedication throughout the program.
ISD congratulates all of this year’s graduates, fellows, scholars, and capstone participants on their accomplishments. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to following the many ways they will contribute to diplomacy, public service, and international affairs in the years ahead.
Executive Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs Qatar
The fifth cohort of the Executive Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs (EMDIA) program at Georgetown University in Qatar has completed the one-year degree program. The 29 graduating students represent a wide range of government ministries, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Development, Interior, Communication and Information Technology, as well as the Qatar Foundation, Olympic Committee, Museum Authority, and Qatar Airways.
Over the past year, these mid-career professionals balanced demanding careers with rigorous academic coursework, deepening their expertise in foreign policy, negotiation, and international affairs while building a strong professional community. Recruitment and selection for the sixth EMDIA cohort is currently underway.
Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs Indonesia
Twenty-nine students in the Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs (MDIA) program successfully completed their spring semester in Washington, DC, and graduated during the Georgetown School of Foreign Service Graduate Commencement on May 16. This cohort marked the first MDIA class to participate in the SFS graduate commencement ceremony.
The Institute for the Study of Diplomacy hosted a reception to honor the graduating students at DACOR Bacon House, where Ambassador Indroyono Soesilo of the Republic of Indonesia delivered congratulatory remarks.
Following graduation, the new MDIA alumni returned to Jakarta, Indonesia, to resume careers or embark on new roles in government ministries, state-owned enterprises, universities, think tanks, and the private sector.
Georgetown Multicultural Graduation
At Georgetown’s Multicultural Graduation Celebration, Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) graduate Muna Sultana delivered an address on identity, privilege, and the responsibility that comes with leadership. Reflecting on her upbringing between New York City and her family’s village of Saroki, Pakistan, Muna spoke about the generations of women whose sacrifices made her educational journey possible and challenged graduates to use their opportunities to expand access and equity for others.
Born and raised in New York City, Muna Sultana is graduating with a Masters of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) degree with a concentration in Global Politics and Security and a Certificate in Diplomatic Studies. As a Thomas R. Pickering Fellow, former Co-President of Georgetown Women in International Affairs, and future U.S. Foreign Service Officer, Muna urged her fellow graduates to approach diplomacy and public service with a commitment to addressing the structural inequalities that shape opportunities around the world. Following graduation, she will begin her diplomatic career with the U.S. Department of State at U.S. Embassy Bangkok.
Pickering, Rangle, Payne Fellowship End of Year Send-off
On May 11th, ISD hosted its annual end-of-year send-off for recipients of the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship, Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship, Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship, and Clarke Diplomatic Security Fellowship. These highly competitive fellowship programs prepare the next generation of American diplomats, development professionals, and security experts through graduate study, professional development, and internships with the U.S. government.
Fellows gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and the strength of the community they have built at Georgetown. Through its support of these fellowship cohorts, ISD helps foster a pipeline of public servants committed to advancing U.S. engagement around the world.
This year marks an especially exciting milestone for six graduating fellows who will begin the U.S. Department of State’s A-100 Foreign Service Officer orientation course in June as they embark on diplomatic careers. Many other fellows will spend the summer completing overseas practicums and internships at U.S. embassies, consulates, and development missions around the globe, gaining firsthand experience in international affairs and public service.