Biography
Eric H. Holder, Jr., the 82nd Attorney General of the United States, served under the leadership of President
Barack Obama from 2009 to 2015, in one of the nation’s longest-serving posts for that
office. He made history as the country’s first African American attorney general.
During his six years as Attorney General, Holder was widely praised for his determination
to thwart terrorism, to fight violent crime, to safeguard the environment, to protect
the rights of gay men and lesbians, to ensure civil rights, and to maintain national
security. At Stony Brook University’s 56th Commencement ceremony in May 2016, Holder
was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Law for his dedication to justice and
for his commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens of the United States.
