This man has been part of the international community for all of his professional life. For over twenty years he has served our country with dignity and a keen intellect. He was the first African-American Assistant Secretary of State for Africa. Considered the State Department’s authority on African affairs, this alum has fought for the democratic rights of citizens to determine their own destiny. This remarkable man started his career at Grinnell with a B.A. in American studies.

His career in the Foreign Service has been extensive. He has served at many levels in the State Department including special assistant, U.S. Ambassador to Benin and Senegal, and most recently became Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Our government through Superior Honor Awards and a Presidential Distinguished Service Award in 1998 has recognized this alum’s dedication to service.

Because of his knowledge of African affairs, he has been a frequent speaker in academic settings, always working to improve understanding among the various diplomatic players in the international community. He has returned to Grinnell on many occasions to present his work to current students and the campus community. In 1994, he returned to deliver a Rosenfield Program Lecture on why Africa matters to U.S. foreign policy. Grinnell also awarded him one of the highest honors bestowed, an Honorary Degree in 1990, for his service to the world at large.

This man has dedicated his life to service in the name of our country. His wife Judith also shares his love of international diplomacy in her work as a foreign service officer. In all areas of his distinguished career his efforts have been to promote understanding and cooperation among various cultures and political systems. We value these contributions to the local and global community and we wish to honor the work of George E. Moose, class of 1966, today.