The CIA honored late UM Law alumnus Gregg Wenzel during the agency’s Annual Memorial Ceremony, held on June 1, 2009.

On the same day, the agency identified Wenzel, a 1994 graduate of the Law School, as the officer killed in Ethiopia in 2003 in a car accident.

At the event, Agency Director Leon E. Panetta said Wenzel’s “enthusiasm for the job was unmistakable-and infectious.” Adding that he was “privileged to be able to share with the world the story of Gregg Wenzel. His star was engraved five years ago, but only recently could [the] CIA publicly claim him as our own. His name is now written in our Book of Honor. Gregg and his family can finally receive the gratitude of their fellow citizens—the gratitude they deserve.”

According to public accounts, Wenzel was a foreign service officer at the U.S. State Department. He was a member of the first clandestine service training class to graduate after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, was a former public defender in Florida, and an Ironman triathlete.

Friends, colleagues, and family members have formed a committee to establish a memorial fund in Wenzel’s name—The Gregg D. Wenzel Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund will assist students who demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, recognize the value of public service, and have overcome great obstacles to acquire a legal education. Contributions to the fund may be sent to: Gregg D. Wenzel Memorial Scholarship Fund, Office of Law Development and Alumni Relations, University of Miami School of Law, P.O. Box 248087, Coral Gables, FL 33124-8087

Related Links

• CIA Officer Killed in Ethiopia Identified as 1994 UM Law Graduate Gregg Wenzel
• CIA unmasks officer killed in 2003, Associated Press, June 1, 2009

posted 29-June-2009