2026 Engage America: A Century of American Diplomacy

Whether you are interested in global affairs, public service, history, national security or international careers, this event offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of diplomacy in action and engage with experts in the field. Join the International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR) and the University at Albany for a compelling evening exploring the human side of American diplomacy and the critical role diplomats play in advancing U.S. interests, supporting American citizens abroad, strengthening global partnerships and promoting international understanding. Through these vivid, human-centered stories, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how diplomacy impacts everyday American life and why international engagement matters locally as well as globally.

Get Tickets to the 2026 Event at the International Center of the Capital Region website

The Event's Program

Featured presentation by Tom Selinger, a recently retired U.S. Foreign Service Officer, titled Portraits of American Diplomacy.

Drawing from the rich oral history archives of the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST), Selinger will share powerful and personal stories of diplomats — including individuals from New York — who have helped rescue Americans in crisis, opened international markets for American businesses and agriculture, strengthened alliances that protect our collective security, and advanced democratic values around the world. In recognition of America’s 250th Anniversary, Selinger will also highlight fascinating stories from the earliest days of American diplomacy, including how American diplomats in Paris helped secure support critical to winning the Revolutionary War.

Panel discussion moderated by Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, University at Albany President. The panel will feature:

Dr. Michael Brophy, President of Hudson Valley Community CollegeU.S. Ambassador (ret.) Donna WeltonU.S. Ambassador (ret.) Robert Gosende U.S. Foreign Service Office (ret.) Tom SelingerPanelists will reflect on their own experiences in international service, discuss the continued importance of diplomacy in today’s world, and the transformative power of international exchange and the role higher education plays in preparing globally engaged citizens.

Guests are also invited to view an exhibit created by ADST capturing key moments in diplomatic history.

This program is presented by the International Center of the Capital Region through the World Affairs Councils of America network, co-sponsored by Rockefeller College of Public Affiars and Policy and supported by the Una Chapman Cox Foundation, which promotes excellence in the U.S. Foreign Service and public understanding of diplomacy.

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