News Archives - 2003

ABC News correspondent John McWethy and his wife, Laurie Duncan- McWethy will be the keynote speakers at the 2003 Augsburg College Commencement Ceremony Sunday, May 4. McWethy's son, Adam, is a graduating senior at Augsburg College. The McWethy's other son, Ian, is a sophomore at Fordham University in New York City. "We greatly admire Augsburg College and its StepUP Program, in particular," Laurie said. "Not only has the school been an asset to our son and family, but we
find the college's role in education unique and filled with an exceptional mission. We are pleased to be part of the graduation exercises and a support to the Augsburg community."

John McWethy is chief national security and Pentagon correspondent, Washington Bureau, for ABC News. A correspondent since 1979, he reports on military and diplomatic aspects of U.S. foreign policy. His assignments have included coverage of Kosovo, the Persian Gulf, the changes in Eastern Europe, North and South Korea and the India-Pakistan conflict.

Prior to covering defense and national security, McWethy was ABC News' primary correspondent covering Secretaries of State Warren Christopher, James Baker and George Schultz. He has traveled to more than 50 countries and covered the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of the nations that replaced it.

Widely honored for his work, McWethy is the recipient three Emmy's for his reporting on Ross Perot, the Persian Gulf War and the Soviet military. He has also received the Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia Award, and the Overseas Press club Award.

He is a graduate of DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., and earned his master's degree from Columbia University's Pulitzer School of Journalism. Laurie Duncan-McWethy is the owner and president of an elder care management company called Choices for Aging and its affiliated daily money management company Paperwork SolutionsSM for Seniors. She founded the company in 1991 when she saw the need for assistance by older adults struggling to remain in their homes or deal with a care crises. Prior to life as an entrepreneur, Laurie ran a rehabilitation agency and nursing homes.

Also from the Midwest, Laurie attended DePauw University, and received her master's degree in health care administration from George Washington University in Washington DC. In addition to her health care background, Laurie is a certified pubic accountant specializing in long-term care counseling and retirement planning.

Community service has been an important part of Laurie's life. She has been highly involved in school PTAs, the Boy Scouts, and church activities, and has served on the board of directors of a low-income retirement community, a home for women in recovery and the Arlington Street People's Assistance Network.

The McWethys live in the Washington DC area.

(The Commencement ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. in Si Melby Hall on the Augsburg College campus.)