Pace Law alum decorated by President of Croatia
Pace Law School alumnus Matthew Mark Horn, JD ‘93, received the prestigious Order of Stjepan Radić from the president of the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Ivo Josipovic.
The honor was presented to Horn at a ceremony held this summer at the Embassy of Croatia in Washington, D.C. where Josko Paro, the Croatian Ambassador to the United States, said it was given in recognition of Horn’s “selfless work strengthening U.S.-Croatia relations and for his tireless advocacy during critical phases in Croatia’s NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) accession.” Croatia formally joined NATO in 2009.
Bestowed by presidential decree, the Order of Stjepan Radić is granted to Croations and foreigners for services and sacrifices for the national and social rights of the Croatian people. The honor is named after Stjepan Radić (1871-1928), a distinguished statesman in Croatian history.
“Recognizing the importance of Matt’s contribution to the security and stability of Croatia, the government made decorating him its priority,” said Paro in a press release.
Horn, 49, earned his J.D. with certificates in International Law and International Trade Law. He holds a B.A. in International Relations, History and Political Science from Farleigh Dickinson University. Horn also attended the United States Naval Academy as a Secretary of the Navy enlisted Marine appointee.
He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in the Pentagon under President George W. Bush. He also served as counsel to Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman (R-NY), and as Policy Director and co-Executive Director of the American Jewish Congress.
“I am humbled and honored to receive this high honor from President Josipovic,” said Horn. “I saw the effects of the war first hand. In a decade, Croatia rebuilt its country and has become a NATO and EU member, setting an example for other nations.”
Photo caption: H.E Josko Paro, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the United States; Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL); Matthew Mark Horn; H.E. James B. Foley, former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia