With a solemn ceremony, at the Amphitheater “Sevasti and Parashqevi Qiriazi” of the University of Tetova, in the presence of students, professors, and dozens of renowned personalities, on June 13, 2025, Mr. Joseph J. DioGuardi and Mrs. Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi were awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa. They are two important personalities who worked tirelessly and with unparalleled dedication for the freedom and democratization of our region. Two powerful voices and tireless defenders of the rights of Albanians, both in the U.S. Congress and in various international forums, especially during the most difficult periods for the Albanian people.
In this official ceremony, Rector Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli emphasized that Joseph DioGuardi holds an honorary place in the history of the University of Tetova. He supported and internationally affirmed this institution of knowledge, science, and culture, precisely at the time when it was being attacked with instruments of violence by an undemocratic and anachronistic government structure.
The history of our University is closely linked to the name of Mr. DioGuardi. Whenever the University of Tetova is spoken of or written about, the name and contribution of Mr. DioGuardi will be mentioned with respect and admiration. The administrative staff, professors, and students are grateful for the support he gave to our University. With the same respect and honor will also be mentioned the name of Mrs. Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi – an expert in U.S. domestic and international policy, who served as an advisor on Balkan issues at the Albanian-American Civic League. Mrs. Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi, through in-depth articles on the problems of our region, made a valuable contribution to the internationalization of the Albanian cause and the establishment of peace, stability, and democratization in the societies of the region. With her dedication and deep knowledge, she managed to present the true picture of what was happening during the Kosovo War”. – emphasized the Rector of the UT.
He also emphasized that this important event for our institution is, at the same time, an expression of our deep gratitude to the United States itself, where we have found our truest friends.
At this solemn academy, Prof. Dr. Lulzim Aliu, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Government of North Macedonia, also addressed the participants in the amphitheater with a few words. “In this temple of knowledge and national values, today we are not only honoring a well-known name in American politics, but a man with a big heart, who for decades has linked his fate to that of the Albanian people. In our shared history, there are figures who go beyond official roles, beyond duty and mandate. Joe DioGuardi is one of them. As a former American Congressman, he did not limit his engagement to the halls of Congress – on the contrary, he gave a voice to those who had no voice. He showed the world the suffering of Albanians in Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Presevo when many others were silent. At a time when injustice covered the truth, his voice in Congress became our voice. He did not speak only as a politician, but as a man with conscience. He did not fight only for our rights, but for our dignity as a people. With his dedication, he raised the Albanian cause on the international stage, helped raise global awareness about the crimes and injustices against Albanians, and made a valuable contribution to the processes that led to the freedom and independence of Kosovo. Joe DioGuardi is proof that friendship has no national boundaries, but is based on values, justice, and humanity. For us, he is not just a friend of the Albanians – he is an honored son of our cause”, – said among other things Prof. Dr. Lulzim Aliu.
The rationales for the awarding of the Doctor Honoris Causa title to Joseph J. DioGuardi and Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi were presented by the President of the Review Committee, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti.
“The leaders of the University of Tetova express special respect for the personalities with a great influence on international developments, who contributed greatly to the establishment and international recognition of the University of Tetova. Among the prominent personalities who have supported our university since its founding is the thinker, activist, and former American Congressman Mr. Joseph J. DioGuardi, who has been proposed for the awarding of the Doctor Honoris Causa title of the University of Tetova. Likewise, we, the leaders of this institution, have always expressed respect and honor for Mrs. Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi, a personality with a significant influence on international developments. As a committee, we highly value the public, academic, social, and journalistic work of Mrs. Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi and we are convinced that she deserves the highest honor from the University of Tetova”, – declared the President of the aforementioned Committee, also the Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, who simultaneously presented detailed information about the life and activities of Mr. Joseph J. DioGuardi and Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi.
“Joseph John DioGuardi, a respected and influential figure in American foreign policy, who supported the foundation of the University of Tetova during its most difficult days, was born on September 20, 1940. He is a certified public accountant and a Republican politician. He served in the House of Representatives as a representative of New York’s 20th Congressional District from 1985 to 1989. He was the first Albanian-American member of Congress. He was also the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in New York during the special elections of 2010. DioGuardi’s father, Joseph Sr., emigrated to the United States from Greece in Italy. Joseph Sr. was of Arbëreshë origin. His ancestors emigrated to Italy several centuries ago. DioGuardi graduated from Fordham University in 1962. He specialized in the field of federal and state taxes for nonprofit organizations, as well as in the tax economy of charitable giving. DioGuardi was a partner at Arthur Andersen & Co. and president of the Albanian-American Civic League, an organization he led alongside his wife, Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi. His name is closely linked to the history of the foundation of the University of Tetova. He provided strong support to the University of Tetova at a time when the Macedonian authorities used all mechanisms of violence to suppress the activities of this institution, imprisoning intellectuals, teachers, and education enthusiasts with the aim of preventing the education of new generations in the Albanian language”, – declared Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti.
As for Mrs. Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi, he highlighted: Ms. Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi majored in American domestic and international politics. She holds a BA in sociology from Oberlin College and a MA in theology and culture from Union Theological Seminary. She is a distinguished analyst of foreign policy, especially the conflict in the Balkans. Since 1995, she has served as an advisor on Balkan affairs at the Albanian-American Civic League.
Mrs. Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi has published many columns on the problems of the Balkans and has affirmed the concerns and interests of the Albanian people. She has contributed to American foreign policy for peace and stability in the Balkans, especially in Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia. Mrs. Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi was an analyst on radio and TV during the Kosovo war and contributed to the indictment that led to the extradition of Slobodan Milosevic to the War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague. She is also the creator of the “Besa” project. This international project documented the role of Albanians in saving every Jew living in Albania or seeking asylum there during the Holocaust.
In the conclusion of his speech, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti also elaborated on the reasoning behind the awarding of the Doctor Honoris Causa title of the University of Tetova to the aforementioned laureates.
Mr. Joseph John DioGuardi, as a political and social activist, has made a remarkable contribution to the democratization of the Balkans and other regions worldwide. Through his profound knowledge, wisdom, and civic engagement, he has consistently advanced the values of democracy, freedom, and peace, while tirelessly advocating for the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The life, social and political activities of the former American congressman Joseph J. DioGuardi is closely connected to the Albanian cause in general, and to the history of founding the University of Tetova, in particular. Mr. DioGuardi, as one of the influential figures in international politics, supported the foundation of our university from the very beginning. Through his involvement during the most difficult times for the University of Tetova, conveyed the message to the then-government that the Albanians of North Macedonia were not alone in their efforts to have educational, scientific, and cultural institutions. He was one of the first and most influential international figures to challenge the policy of violence against the University of Tetova and made it known that this university had the unwavering support of the Albanian-American Civic League. For us, as the Review Committee, it has been a privilege to strongly support the proclamation of Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi as Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Tetova, because, in this way, we convey to the entire academic community and public opinion the noble message that the University of Tetova values personalities who have made valuable contributions to the Albanian cause in general and to the University of Tetova, in particular. Mr. Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi has contributed as an expert on American foreign policy and peace and stability in the Balkans. We highly appreciate the tireless work and permanent dedication of activist Mrs. Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi for peace, stability and democratization of the Balkan region, the international affirmation of the Albanian cause and her contribution to the international affirmation of the values, traditions and spirit of solidarity of Albanians”, – stated the President of the Review Committee, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti.
In accordance with the procedure for awarding the Doctor Honoris Causa titles, the relevant decisions were read by the President of the Senate of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Kenan Ferati.
“This title is awarded to Mr. Joseph J. DioGuardi for his unwavering support of the University of Tetova since its founding, for his continuous engagement in the defense of freedom, democracy, and the rights of Albanians in the Balkans, as well as for his lifelong contribution to the internationalization of the Albanian educational and cultural cause. Meanwhile, Mrs. Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi is awarded the Doctor Honoris Causa title for her tireless contribution to the international affirmation of the Albanian cause, her important role in U.S. foreign policy, and the protection of human rights in the Balkans, as well as for her continued support of the University of Tetova and the democratic values it represents”, – stated, Prof. Dr. Kenan Ferati.
The former American Congressman and Albanian rights activist, Joseph J. DioGuardi, congratulated the University of Tetova for the magnificent organization of the ceremony, emphasizing the vital role of education in strengthening a nation. He underlined the importance of building a strong Albanian nation from Kosovo to all Albanian territories. In his speech, DioGuardi recalled his personal engagement in the U.S. Congress to defend the rights of Albanians, particularly in North Macedonia and Kosovo. He mentioned his cooperation with Congressmen Tom Lantos and Ben Gilman and the deep influence of his Albanian father, who entrusted him with the mission to use his voice in service of the Albanians. DioGuardi also emphasized the importance of investing in the education of future generations and the need for humanity and dedication to the community.
Meanwhile, DioGuardi’s wife, Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi, expressed her gratitude to the leaders of the University of Tetova, recalling the difficult journey toward its establishment and recognition as the first university in the Albanian language in North Macedonia. She mentioned the decisive contribution of figures like Prof. Dr. Fadil Sulejmani, Abdulla Mehmeti, Murtezan Ismaili, and others. Shirley recalled the brutal attack in 1995 by the Macedonian authorities on the University and their role in the international mobilization to defend the rights of Albanians. She emphasized that the University of Tetova remains a symbol of equality and inclusion, and that the progress made since the 1990s is the result of a joint movement for dignity and justice. The solemn academy concluded with an impressive artistic program, which brought together the harmony of art and academic spirit. The program was performed by professors Kastriot Tusha, Bajramali Idrizi, Premtim Etemi, and the Choir of the University of Tetova.