Ambassador Ross extols benefits of public service

On May 12, under a brilliant blue sky, U.S. Ambassador Christopher Ross urged Lewis & Clark’s graduating class to always act as unofficial emissaries for their country.

“America in dialogue with the world is a safer place,” said Ross, encouraging students and alumni to reach out to the world through active listening, volunteering, and public service.

Ross has served as ambassador to Syria and Algeria; represented the United States in Morocco, Lebanon, and Libya; and worked in the U.S. State Department as a coordinator on counterterrorism.

Last fall, he was appointed as special coordinator for public diplomacy and public affairs. One of the State Department’s most fluent speakers in Arabic, he has received four Presidential Meritorious Service Awards and the Department of State’s Distinguished Service Award.

Of the 383 graduating students, 8.3 percent received departmental honors; 2.9 percent graduated cum laude; 2.9 percent graduated magna cum laude; and 2 percent graduated summa cum laude.