The Congressional Reporter of October 11, 1990 announced the confirmation of Frederick Hitz as Inspector General of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Nominated by President George Bush, Fred made history as the first presidential nominee for this new position established to provide independent and objective oversight of CIA operations. Cited for his talents, education and extensive experience in government as well as the practice of law, it has been clear ever since then that Fred Hitz was and is the right man for the job.

Graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Princeton University in 1961, Fred then received his JD from Harvard Law School in 1964. He has spent the major part of his professional life in government service. Fred has held many positions from Foreign Service Officer to high level posts in the State, Defense and Energy departments under President Nixon, Ford and Carter. He has also worked as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, Director of Congressional Affairs for the Department of Energy, and Legislative Counsel to the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, later serving the CIA as Deputy Chief of Clandestine Operations for Europe. Honors for his services have included the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award and the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service.

In 1994, Fred spearheaded and wrote the report implicating long-time CIA operatice Aldrich Ames as a Russian spy. The U.S. Congress and the media commended Fred for this report, particularly for its fairness, integrity and non-partisanship in its open and thoughtful criticism and evaluation of the CIA's incompetence and negligence in handling the Ames case.

Entering Nobles as a "sixie" from Milton Academy, "Hitzie" was an honor roll student for six years. He was on the football, wrestling and baseball squads, vice president of the student council and literary editor of The Nobleman. He was also active in the debating, drama, French and German clubs. Fred's talents and abilities made him a leader during his Nobles years while his interest in others enables Fred, a popular student, to develop many strong, fun-loving and lifelong relationships.

Nobles has always meant a great deal to Fred and his family. His mother, Elizabeth H. Weir, worked at the School as a secretary and dietician for many years and his brother John graduated with the class of 1959. "I remain loyal to Nobles to the same extent as when I was at the School," he has said many times over the years . He has served as class agent, chair of his 25th reunion and co-chair of his 30th reunion. A member of the Graduates Council for many years, he regularly traveled from his home in Alexandria, VA to attend Council meetings as well as hosting the Nobles Washington, D.C. area reception almost every year for graduates and friends.

With a very real interest in education, Fred has been a member of the Princeton Alumni Schools Committee and served as Board Chair of the Potomac School in Washington, D.C., as well as Chair of Major Gifts for the Potomac Campaign. His daughter Eliza graduated from the Potomac School before going to Princeton, Class of 1996. Fred's wife Mary Buford shares his interest in independent education, serving for many years as chair of the Board of Trustees of St. Timothy's School in Maryland.

For his extraordinary service to the country as diplomat and public servant, Nobles is honored to present to Frederick Porter Hitz '57 the 1995 Distinguished Graduate Award.