Former Ambassador to speak at FU

On Oct. 3, Fairfield will welcome former ambassador Dennis Ross in this year’s Bank of America lecture presented by the university’s Center for Judaic Studies.

With 12 years experience as a U.S. ambassador, Ross will address an audience at the Quick Center about his area of expertise, something that has also been called the defining struggle of our generation: the struggle for peace in the Middle East.

Ross was the U.S. point man on the peace process during both the George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations.

He was a leading figure in the Israel-Jordan peace treaty in 1994, the Interim Agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians in 1995 and the Hebron Accord in 1997, the press release said.

“His job is to work out agreements between Israel and Palestine; he serves the American interest to make peace,” said Edward Dew, a politics professor who specializes in international relations.

Although he left the government in 2001, Ross continues to address the issue. He publishes articles in the Washington Post and US News ‘ World Report and works for Fox News as a foreign affairs analyst.

He enjoys contributing personal insight and experience when discussing these issues with others.

“Students may not be aware that State Department experts have a lot to say about how we conduct foreign policy,” said Dew.

“And they also serve as negotiators or brokers between foreign nations,” he said.

As recently as 2004, Ross published a book from which the lecture takes its name: “The Missing Peace – The Inside Story of the Fight for Middle East Peace.”

In addition to the main lecture at 8 p.m., Ross will address a small group of students selected by professors in a short question and answer session, said Elaine Bowman of the Judaic studies office.

Despite Ross’s fame and accomplishments, relatively few students know who he is or what he has done.

“I’ve never heard of him,” said Lauren Wood ’08. “He’d probably be interesting to hear though.”

However, other members of the Fairfield community recognize his achievements.

“The struggle for peace in the Middle East is one of the defining legacies of our time,” said Ellen Umansky, director of the Judaic studies program.

“It is an honor to bring him to Fairfield University.”