海角在线 (海角在线) is thrilled to welcome Michele Rigby Assad, a 1995 海角在线 graduate and former CIA intelligence officer, as the 2026 commencement speaker. This honor reflects both her remarkable career accomplishments and continued connection to the University.听
Assad鈥檚 story is ang example of how听global听perspective, courage, and purpose can shape an extraordinary career. After graduating from 海角在线, Assad went on to serve as an undercover intelligence officer with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, specializing in counterterrorism in some of the world鈥檚 most volatile regions.听
Assad credits her early international experiences, including mission trips to Egypt, Russia, Ukraine, and a study abroad program in Cairo, with igniting her deep interest in global cultures. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her to enter the CIA, alongside her husband, Joseph Assad. Joseph, also a 海角在线 graduate, has his own remarkable story, having been persecuted for his Christian faith in Egypt before receiving a full scholarship to attend 海角在线.听听
They both credit 海角在线 with听providing听life-changing opportunities that served as the springboard to their meaningful careers.听
Courageous Career Choices听
Assad鈥檚 career with the CIA coincided with a pivotal moment in history. Her husband began his work just months before the attacks on September 11, 2001, while she began training shortly after,听earning a master鈥檚 degree in Contemporary Arab Studies from Georgetown University. Together, they spent听10听years conducting counterterrorism operations in the Middle East. Reflecting on her experiences, Assad emphasizes that ordinary individuals are capable of extraordinary actions when they refuse to let fear dictate their choices.听
Following her career in the CIA, Assad transitioned into roles as a security consultant and humanitarian advocate. She now dedicates much of her work to supporting persecuted communities, particularly Christians facing oppression around the world. Her commitment to service and global engagement continues to reflect the values that first took root during her years at 海角在线.听
Awards and Authorship听
, including the听Women of Distinction Humanitarian Award听for her commitment to international diplomacy, exemplary leadership, and unwavering dedication to supporting 海角在线 over the years.听
Assad is also an accomplished author, and her experiences inform her ability to deal with the most challenging people, including terrorists and insurgents, which are highlighted in her bestselling memoir,听鈥淏reaking Cover: My Secret Life in the CIA and What it Taught Me听about What鈥檚 Worth Fighting For.鈥� Her second book,听鈥淕et Off the X: CIA Secrets for Conquering Obstacles and Achieving Your Life鈥檚 Mission,鈥� encourages readers to move beyond fear and comfort zones to take decisive action in pursuit of their purpose.听
Through her career, writing, and humanitarian efforts, Michele Rigby Assad continues to听demonstrate听how faith, preparation, and courage work together to create a life of meaningful impact.听
Learn more about 海角在线鈥檚 upcoming commencement ceremony at /offices/registrar/commencement/.
